Celebration on the Grand facts for kids
Celebration on the Grand was a fun, free music festival held every year in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It was a special event that celebrated how great life was in the Grand River valley. Many people saw it as the unofficial end of summer in Grand Rapids. The festival always included a big fireworks show!
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What Was Celebration on the Grand?
This popular festival took place annually on the weekend right after Labor Day weekend. It was a chance for the community to come together and enjoy music, food, and fireworks. The goal was to highlight the good quality of life in the area around the Grand River.
How Did the Festival Start?
The very first Celebration on the Grand happened in 1980. It was part of a big celebration for several new and important places opening in Grand Rapids. These included the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, which honors former President Gerald R. Ford. Also opening were the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel and the Grand Rapids Art Museum, which moved to a new building.
Who Organized the Event?
Celebration on the Grand was put together by a group of dedicated people. They had a board of directors, committee members, and event staff. All of these people were volunteers. This means they gave their time and effort for free to make the festival happen.
How Was the Festival Paid For?
Since the festival was free for everyone to attend, it needed money to operate. Funding came from several sources. Businesses often provided money as "corporate sponsorships." People also gave "private donations." Volunteers also held "fundraising activities" during the event to collect money.
When Did Celebration on the Grand End?
After more than 30 years of bringing joy to Grand Rapids, the Celebration on the Grand organization stopped operating in 2015. This meant the festival came to an end.
