Grand Haven Kite Festival- May 16, 17

kite festival (photo from City of Grand Haven)

from the city of Grand Haven

Look up and get ready to be amazed! The Grand Haven Kite Festival transforms the Lake Michigan shoreline into a sky full of color, creativity, and high-flying fun. Watch professional kite fliers perform synchronized routines, stroll the beach lined with giant show kites, and even bring your own to join in.

This free, family-friendly event takes place at Grand Haven State Park on Saturday, May 16 (10 AM–5 PM) and Sunday, May 17 (11 AM–5 PM), weather permitting. It’s the perfect spring getaway—plan your stay and make a weekend of it in Grand Haven.

See the full schedule at Grand Haven Kite Festival

See Kite Festival Facebook

See Grand Haven Kite Festival


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85-Mile Grand River Greenway Project On Track

Events Calendar

Grand River Greenway in Grand Rapids (photo from the Grand River Network)

compiled from various sources

Three decades ago, leaders in Ottawa and Kent Counties, Michigan, envisioned a trail that would follow the Grand River from Lowell to Lake Michigan. The Grand is Michigan's longest river at 252 miles.

An overall vision for what this project could be, and long-range planning are bringing the concept closer to reality. The Grand River Greenway is not one single project. Multiple partners are working together to connect individual segments to create a continuous pathway.

Several segments are currently under construction or are recently completed.

The Bayou Segment of the Idema Explorer Trail in Grand Haven is open, including a 14-foot-wide, multi-use pedestrian bridge over Stearns Bayou. “This will complete a 13-mile-long route from the end of the Grand Haven pier to Riverside Park, connecting several Greenway parks together while also establishing the longest continuous section of the trail to date,” said Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission President Kelly Rice.

Work has continued on the Bass River Segment from Riverside Park in Robinson Township to the Bass River State Recreation Area in Allendale Township. This portion of the greenway is in progress and will be 7.4 miles long.

The Eastmanville Connector Segment continues another 3 miles to the east, and has been funded by the Natural Resources Trust Fund.

By the end of 2026 several portions and related projects are expected to be complete:
• New trail connections in Kent County from White Pine Trail State Park to downtown Ada
• New trail connections in Ottawa County to and through Bass River State Recreation Area
• Expanded year-round recreational amenities at Johnson Park
• Dam removal and habitat restoration in the Grand River to restore the rapids. Sea lamprey barriers will be installed
• New river access and public space in the Market Avenue corridor of downtown Grand Rapids

overview map of the Greenway (from the Grand River Greenway Framework for Vision and Action)

$150 million of work will be completed in 2026, funded by both public and private dollars, including American Rescue Act funds, the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the Natural Resources Trust Fund, and philanthropic donations.

The full Grand River Greenway project is expected to be completed by 2031.

See the Grand River Greenway Framework for Vison and Action, a pdf


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Grand Haven May Have Ice Rink Open This Weekend

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from WZZM

The city of Grand Haven is trying to make the best of a construction project that is taking longer to complete than expected. Washington Avenue between Harbor Drive and First Street is being turned into an ice rink. The city is filling a portion of the torn-up street with water, and the weather needs to accomplish the rest to create skateable ice.

Merchants in the area hope that will happen soon, since the construction has kept people away. Benches are being placed around the rink.

Also see Grand Haven Tribune
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Grand Haven Winterfest Had Something for Everyone

(photo by Grand Haven Tribune)

based on a news article in the Grand Haven Tribune, "Winterfest is Bigger and Better," by Peter Daining, Jan 26, 2009

Hundreds of people came out to the Grand Haven Winterfest last weekend. "It was the biggest and best ever," said Winterfest President Kevin Galbavi. The newest event was a 20-minute, timed snow angel competition. Angels could be decorated and there were classes from the toddler set to adults.

But there was plenty of action for those who were looking for more energetic activities. 125 cardboard sleds flew down the slopes this year. The run was very fast. Sled designs included a school bus, a helicopter, a giant package of McDonald's french fries, and one of the Winterfest luau tent!

Kids enjoyed face painting, a magic show, and a hamster/gerbil race. These were all held indoors to give families a break from the cold weather.

In races, dogs pulled kids on sleds, and then humans pulled humans on sleds. 23 teams were entered in that event.

The weekend ended with a Luau Extravaganza on Saturday night in a tent at the Municipal Marina. Other events included a euchre tournament, ice sculpting competition, and photography and poster contest. Organizers say that they are improving the mix of events that require good outdoor weather and other activities that can take place no matter what Mother Nature throws their way for the weekend. But for 2009, the weather was perfect and Grand Haven area folks had a great time.

See the original article for more pictures
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Coast to Coast Bike Trek to Stop in Grand Haven

The "Sea to Sea" fundraising bike riders will spend one night in Grand Haven this August. The 100-plus cyclists have been given permission to camp on the Christian Reformed Conference Grounds on Lakeshore Drive in Grand Haven, Michigan. The riders will spend the night in tents on the conference's athletic field and use facilities in three buildings.

The cross-country bicyling tour begins in Seattle, WA on June 28 with riders reaching the Atlantic at Jersey City, NJ on August 30. The Christian Reformed Church has organized the event to raise money for poverty programs. They expect to bring in about $1.5 million.

Some local residents are pleased at the decision of the Township Board to allow this special use for the extra one-time traffic at the site. Peter Weirsma of Zeeland plans to participate in the ride, and requested that the township approve the use. Other people are concerned about the reactions of the nearby residents.

Despite concerns that the conference grounds will be well over its capacity for that one night, the permit was approved. One board member acknowledged that they would probably have complaints from neighbors, but since the use was for only one night they approved the request.

Chairwoman of "Sea to Sea," Claire Elgersma expressed her enthusiasm, "This is an answer to our prayers, [Grand Haven} is a great place to be."

from the Grand Haven Tribune, "Church-organized bike tour to make stop in GHT this summer", by Kyle Moroney, Jan 29, 2008
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Two Winterfest Events this Weekend

In Grand Haven, Michigan, folks have been gathering for winter fun since 1979. Indoor and outdoor events include a family ski night, a sled pull- dog powered, and a popular cardboard sled race. Added this year is a human dog sled race. Teams of two riders and four "dogs" (humans in harness), will show their stuff on Washington Avenue at 8 pm, Friday. The sleds will be actual dog sleds, purchased or borrowed from sled dog groups.

Grand Haven Coast Guard members walked their boat sled up the hill during the cardboard sled race at Mulligan's Hollow as part of Winterfest 2003 in Grand Haven. Chronicle file photo/ Cory Morse

The cardboard sled race will be run at 10 a.m. Saturday at Mulligan's Hollow. It is long known for inspiring creativity. Participants use cardboard, tape and epoxy to create a one-time-use sled; no reinforced sleds allowed. Speed vs design becomes the challenge for competitors.

Adults enjoy the Luau in a heated tent at the marina. This party is for those 21 and older.

When: Thursday through Sunday
Where: Various locations throughout Grand Haven
Admission: Free to $10; cost varies with activity. Free trolley downtown to the Community Center (Kids' Day) to Mulligan's Hollow and back.
More information: Winterfestonline.org has a schedule of events, entry forms and more.

The Izaak Walton League is hosting its first Winterfest near Grand Rapids at the Cannonsburg Ike's (nickname for Izaak Walton League members) Conservation Center.

If there's enough snow ( and it sure looks like it outside my window!) there will be cross-country skiing, ice fishing, sledding, skating, snowshoeing, shelter-hut building, and "Fox and Geese."

No matter what the weather, these events are on the schedule: fly tying, archery, bird-feeding crafts, candle-making, flint and steel fire starting, a nature walk with tracking lessons, and ping pong.

There will be chili, German weiners, hot dogs, cocoa and dessert served.

When: Saturday, 11 am - 4 pm
Where: Izaak Walton Conservation Center, 5641 Myers Lake Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, north of Cannonsburg Road
Admission: Free
More information: www.michiganikes.org

from the Muskegon Chronicle, "Winter events aimed at getting people outdoors", Jan 24, 2008
and the Izaak Walton League
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