Category Archives: Gonzo’s Top 5

Gonzo’s Top 5: From Craft Shows to Craft Beer, it’s a busy weekend

Gonzo's Top 5, Local Entertainment, Recreation, , ,

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer

Welcome to the weekend, my friends.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and that means if you’re not ready for the holiday season, well, it’s here.

In fact, next week marks the return of two major events:

The annual University of Michigan Health-West Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition at Meijer Gardens, which opens Nov. 23. More details at meijergardens.org.

And the popular Christmas Lite Show at LMCU Ballpark, which opens for the holiday season on Nov. 24. Ticket information at christmasliteshow.com.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves just yet.

We have plenty of activities this weekend.

It’s time for Gonzo’s Top 5.

Craft shows are a great place to find unique gifts. (pxhere.com)

5. Comstock Park Craft Show

As I have said for a couple weeks now, community craft shows are a great way to find unique and creative items for the holidays, especially if you have that one person on your shopping list who has everything. It’s also a great way to support local and regional crafters, as well as schools. This weekend Comstock Park High School hosts its annual show from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 20). It is organized by the school’s National Honor Society. Get more info on the event Facebook page. Planning ahead: The Wyoming Wolves Bands Craft show is from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 27. 

4. Community Holiday Events

Did you grow up in a small town? It’s always fun to experience the holidays in one of those close-knit communities. This weekend you have a couple great options.

Christmas in Sparta features a tree lighting ceremony, parade and fireworks from 5-8 p.m. Friday (Nov. 19). The parade is at 6 p.m. In addition there are horse-drawn carriage rides, a Candy Cane Lane lighted pathway, food trucks and live music, wreath making and holiday display in the Civic Center. The fireworks are at 7:30 p.m. Check out the Sparta Chamber Facebook page for more info.

Christmas Through Lowell returns with plenty of shopping opportunities all weekend long. More than 56 homes and businesses will feature more than 300 artists, crafters and more. The hours of the event are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday (Nov. 19); 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday (Nov. 20); and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday (Nov. 21). More information at christmasthroughlowell.org.

Slyde the Otter can’t believe the John Ball Zoo’s 2021 season is almost over. (Supplied)

3. John Ball Zoo

In case you missed an earlier story on WKTV Journal, this is the last weekend of the John Ball Zoo’s 2021 season. The last day is Sunday (Nov. 21). Admission is only $5. The zoo hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Tickets may be purchased at jbzoo.org/tickets. Also, note that many animals are already wintering, but the red pandas, tigers, penguins, chimpanzees, bears and other animals are still out.

READ: Last week of the season for John Ball Zoo

2. Barrel Bash at New Holland Brewery

Our friends at New Holland Brewing Co. are bringing back Barrel Bash. And they say it’s their “BIGGEST Barrel Bash yet!” Over the course of 10 days, beginning Friday (Nov. 19) they are serving up a variety of barrel-aged beer and whiskey in Holland and Grand Rapids locations.

“Barrel Bash is a celebration of New Holland’s rich history in barrel-aging which dates back to our first years in business,” New Holland’s Joel Armato said in an interview with Gonzo’s Top 5.

“Every year for 10 days in November we put together an amazing draft list comprised of rarities, brand new releases and our favorite current barrel-aged beers. We also highlight and feature the barrel-aged side of our distillery portfolio with featured cocktails and a variety of our more treasured and sought after spirits on offer.”

 

He said highlights on the beer side are multiple vintages of Dragon’s Milk Triple Mash (varies by location), Rum Barrel-Aged Ichabod Pumpkin Ale, five brand new releases from their Journey Series with everything from fruited sours to a wine barrel saison and pastry stout. “And we have seven never before tapped beers releasing at the start of Barrel Bash this Friday,” he said.

As a coffee lover, I’m looking forward to a coffee collaboration with Stovetop Roasters (roastery in Ann Arbor, cafe in Grand Rapids on Fulton). It’s Dragon’s Milk Coffee, a barrel-aged Colombian coffee.

 

For a list of releases and more information, check out the event Facebook page and New Holland’s website.

1. GR International Wine, Beer & Food Festival

Now in its 14th year, this festival at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids has become a destination for wine and beer lovers, as well as foodies. More than 1,000 wines, beers, ciders and spirits from around the world, along with creations from the area’s finest restaurants make this a premiere showcase. Hours are 6-10 p.m. Friday (Nov. 19) and 2-10 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 20). Tickets are $20 for single day admission. Tasting tickets are 50 cents per credit. Make sure to download the official App (via iTunes or Google Play) where you can find a list of beverages, check out the Small Plate offerings and the Pairing menus (and make Pairing reservations), check out the Stage seminar schedule, and even buy admission tickets. Organizers are also offering a digital tasting ticket platform through EventsPass. More info at GRWineFestival.com.

That’s it for now.

As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for events to include in my Top 5 list. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

Have a great, safe weekend.

John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He’s an early adopter of Social Media and SEO expert. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

Gonzo’s Top 5: Grand Rapids Comic-Con, Taste of Black Spirts and more

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Gonzo's Top 5, Local Entertainment, , , , ,

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer

Well, with a little snow in the forecast, we can now officially say the Christmas holiday season is right around the corner.

Although two of West Michigan’s best-known events won’t open until Thanksgiving weekend (Christmas and Holiday Traditions at Meijer Gardens and Christmas Lite Show at LMCU Ballpark), it’s going to feel like the holidays sooner than later.

Are you ready?

 

This weekend’s Gonzo’s Top 5, exclusively on WKTV Journal, includes a sneak peek of night lights at the ballpark, as well as a craft show, tasting event and Cosplay.

Enjoy.

Here we go.

Gonzo’s Top 5

Handcrafted items are always holiday gift worthy, as these from the Byron Center Fine Arts Boosters’ annual craft show at Byron Center High School. (Supplied, from previous year)

5. Byron Center Craft Show

As I said a couple weeks ago, it’s craft show season, and this weekend you can check out the annual Byron Center Craft Show at Byron Center High School, 8500 Burlingame Ave. SW. It features 200-plus vendors and plenty of items to jump start your holiday shopping. Hours are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 13). Admission is $3 at the door. Free admission for those 12 and younger. Parking is free. Additional free parking and shuttle is available at Nickels Intermediate School. The craft show benefits fine arts programming at the school. Oh, and they will have food trucks, too. More info on the event Facebook page.

4. Restaurant Week GR

Have you made it out to Restaurant Week Grand Rapids? This is the last weekend to take advantage of great deals and meals as local chefs show off their skills at 50-plus restaurants. I’ll be out and about this weekend. Say hello if I run into you. Remember, this year you can sign up for Restaurant Week GR’s Digital Pass, and, if you check in to at least three participating restaurants you’ll get foodie-themed gift and a digital coupon for a return visit. For a list of restaurants and more details go to experiencegr.com/restaurant-week.

3. Taste of Black Spirits

A first-year event that hopes to become an annual tradition, Taste of Black Spirits is a cultural tasting experience with a goal of bringing awareness to African American Beer, Wine & Spirits. The event is from 5-10 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 13) at City Flats Hotel in downtown Grand Rapids. According to organizers, “the intention and purpose of the event is to increase support, awareness, and to educate the community at large about African American-owned spirits brands including expanding distribution opportunities.” Patrons will be able to taste whiskey, tequila, vodka, gin, rum, cognac, scotch, beer and wine. The public is invited. The event is curated by GR USA and Taste of Black Spirits, as well as Grand Rapids-based Motu Viget. See the 20-plus spirits brands in attendance, as well as ticket information on the event Facebook page.

2. Winter Wonder Walks at the Christmas Lite Show

Get your tickets now for a walk-thru preview of the annual Christmas Lite Show at LMCU Ballpark in Comstock Park. The annual lights display featuring millions of holiday lights won’t begin until Thanksgiving weekend, but if you want to get pictures and walk the route with friends and family, this is a good time to do so. Hours are 6-8 p.m. Nov. 11-14. Walkers must begin by 7 p.m. to allow time to walk the route. You must purchase your tickets in advance at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winter-wonder-walk-tickets-189936744917.

1. Grand Rapids Comic-Con

If you’re in downtown Grand Rapids this weekend, don’t be surprised to run into Pikachu or The Mandalorian. It’s Comic-Con weekend (Nov. 12-14) at DeVos Place, which means Cosplay, comic books, panels, celebrity appearances, a car show and more. Hours are noon-midnight Friday, 10 a.m.-midnight Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. For a schedule of events, as well as ticket information, go to grcomiccon.com or check out the event Facebook page.

That’s it for now.

 

As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for events to include in my Top 5 list. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

Have a great, safe weekend.



John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He’s an early adopter of Social Media and SEO expert. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

Gonzo’s Top 5: It’s time for Restaurant Week GR, and a Chili Cook-Off

Citizen Journalism, Gonzo's Top 5, Local Entertainment, Non-Profits, Recreation, Restaurants, Upcoming Events, , , , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Contributing Writer

I turned on Christmas music for the first time last night as I was driving down U.S. 131 and seeing the lights at LMCU Ballpark, which is prepping for the annual Christmas Lite Show display. I can’t believe it’s their 24th year this season.

You know, I’m ready for the holidays.

How about you?

This weekend’s Gonzo’s Top 5 includes holiday events, a sports card shop opening, a chili cook-off and great Grand Rapids restaurants.

Enjoy.

Oh, and Winter Wonder Walks at the Christmas Lite Show in Comstock Park are next weekend (Nov. 11-14). For ticket information, click here.

As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for events to include in my Top 5 list. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

Here we go.

Craft season has started. This week’s featured show is Jenison Christian School. (Photo from Pxhere.com)

5. Craft Show Season

Many craft shows are returning this year, which is exciting for those who love to shop local and get some unique items. If you have a favorite show, please let me know. I plan to include them in our weekly list here on WKTV Journal. This weekend you can check out the annual Fall Arts & Crafts Festival at Jenison Christian School. The event is from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 6). You will find both original handmade crafts and baked goods. More info on the school’s Facebook page.

  • A sampling of items available at the Thornapple Sports Cards & Games opening on Saturday. (Thornapple Sports Cards & Games)

4. Thornapple Sports Cards & Games Grand Opening

I’m so nostalgic about sports cards. I collected them as a kid. Got back into the hobby after college. Then I got excited all over again when my kids were kids. Today, I don’t keep up with it like I used to, but I know there is a resurgence in collectibles, especially as NFTs become all the rage. (That’s another topic for another day.) This weekend Thornapple Sports Cards & Games in Hastings has its grand opening with special guest, outfielder/catcher Eric Haase of the Detroit Tigers. He’ll be signing from noon-2 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 6). Autographs are $20. I talked to owner Austin Ball the other day who is so excited to open his store, and bring in one of his favorite Tigers players. Learn more about what specials and deals you can get this weekend on the Thornapple Sports Cards & Games Facebook page. It is located at 107 E State St. Suite B., Hastings. Grand opening is from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Dan and Lis Verhil bring back their famous Chili Cook-Off this weekend.

3. Chili Cook-Off at the Ballpark (Sullivan Field)

It’s back! Lisa and Dan Verhil, former owners of the Cottage Bar in Grand Rapids, are excited that Fans of Valley Field wanted to bring back their popular chili cook-off. After a five-year hiatus, it returns Saturday (Nov. 6) at Sullivan Field, 650 Valley Ave NW, Grand Rapids. Proceeds benefit Kids’ Food Basket and Fans of Valley Field to help restore and renovate Sullivan/Valley Field.

“Dan and I are truly excited to bring back the chili cook off, especially when we’re raising money for two great causes, Valley Field and Kids’ Food Basket,” Lisa Verhil told Gonzo’s Top 5. “We’re also excited to see our favorite Chiliheads who have cooked with us during our previous chili cook-offs. Several of them are returning, and it will be great to see them.”

The event is from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday with live entertainment beginning at noon. Chili tasting and judging begins at 3 p.m. Traditional Red & Homestyle categories, with more than 30 teams. Admission is $5 in advance (includes 3 chili tastes), and $10 at the door. Tickets for chili tastes are $1 each. Yes, there will be adult beverages, too. More info, including a schedule of events, at ballparkchili.com.

2. Bridge Street Makers Market + Bar Hop

In the mood for some early holiday shopping? Traverse to the Stock-Bridge Neighborhood of Grand Rapids to shop 35 makers. Locations Include Harmony Hall, One Bourbon and Bridge Street Market. Products will be a wide variety of handmade goods such as jewelry, knit goods, home decor, metal working, prints, soap, paintings, candles, and more. The event is FREE to attend! You only pay for items you purchase, and the drinks, of course. This is designed as a family-friendly event. More info available on the Bridge Street’s Maker’s Market Facebook event page.

1. Restaurant Week GR

This is an event I have supported since it debuted more than 10 years ago. I’ve done many stories, judged events, dined with the Lovely Pam (we just celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary) and taken contest winners to some of the best restaurants in Grand Rapids. One thing I’ve learned over all these years: These chefs ALWAYS deliver. Restaurant Week GR begins today and runs through Nov. 13 with more than 50 restaurants offering some incredible meals. This year you can sign up for Restaurant Week GR’s Digital Pass, then use it to check in to at least three participating restaurants for a foodie-themed gift. Plus, you’ll earn a digital coupon for a return visit to each restaurant you visit. For a list of restaurants and more details go to experiencegr.com/restaurant-week.

Please let me know if you make any great restaurant discoveries during Restaurant Week GR.

Email me: michigangonzo@gmail.com

Have a great, safe weekend, everyone.



John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He’s an early adopter of Social Media and SEO expert. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

Gonzo’s Top 5: Halloween weekend

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John takes a trip through Wyoming’s The Haunt. (Photo by Tom DeVette)

By John D. Gonzalez
joanne@wktv.org

It’s my favorite, and least favorite, holiday.

 

First, it’s my birthday (insert joke here).

As a kid, it wasn’t the best day for a birthday. My brothers and sister just wanted to skip over the whole birthday cake thing and go trick or treating. As an adult, my kids were awesome, but, in reality, they just wanted to blow out the candles and meet their neighborhood friends.

A couple of years ago, John Gonzalez was able to celebrate Dia De Muertos in his father’s home state of Jalisco, Mexico. (Photo courtesy of the @Gonzo Digital Media)

I had one memorable birthday. That’s when I was in college. I’ll save that story for another day.

This Halloween? I’ll celebrate with some close friends, have my favorite Michigan craft beer and pass out candy, of course. I wouldn’t mind going to a haunted house. Maybe I’ll organize an outing like I did a few years ago at The Haunt.

What are you doing this Halloween weekend?

I know, It’s all about the big Michigan-Michigan State football game.

And high school football playoffs.

Let’s hope the weather cooperates.

Here are some events taking place this weekend if you’re looking for something to do.

As always, I welcome your input and recommendations. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

Here we go.

The “candy” offerings at Avron Brewery. (Avron Facebook)

5. Candy Harvest ‘21 at Arvon Brewing Co.

When I was at Arvon Brewing Co. last week, co-owner Brett Bristol told me about a cool event taking place today through Sunday (Oct. 31). He’s calling it “Candy Harvest.” “We like to do crazy things, so we’re actually taking over all of our taps with Halloween beers,” Bristol said on my Podcast. The beers include:

Monster Crunch (11.0%): Imperial Stout with Pretzels and Chocolate.

Mounds of Fun (11.0%): Imperial Stout conditioned on Coconut and Cocoa nibs.

Cloud Cover (7.9%): NEIPA with Citra, Vic Secret and Columbus.

Juice Cannon (8.0%): Double New England with Galaxy, Citra and Idaho 7.

Chronic Distortion (9.0%): Double NEIPA with Mosaic and Simcoe.

Ghost Knife (10.0%): Triple NEIPA with Galaxy, Bru 1, and Idaho 7.

Watermelon Slice (5.0%): Kettle Sour with Watermelon, Watermelon fruit candy and lactose.

Caramel Apple Dream (5.0%): Kettle Sour with Caramel, Green Apple Candy and Lactose.

Sour Punch (5.0%): Kettle Sour with Strawberries, Sour Patch Kids and Lactose.

Get more information online, including details on how to order and zone deliveries, at arvonbrewingco.com. Hours are 4-9 p.m. Wednesday-Friday; noon-9 p.m. Saturday; and 1-6 p.m. Sunday. Arvon is located at 1006 Division Ave. South, Grand Rapids.

Joel Murray, Jeff B. Davis, Ryan Stiles, and Greg Proops are live at DeVos Performance Hall Nov. 2.

4. “Whose Live Anyway?,” Grand Rapids East Lansing

If you’ve been missing live entertainment, and you’re ready to see some comedy in person, you can’t go wrong with improv. This show features some of the best, including Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Joel Murray and Jeff Davis. The shows are Nov. 2 at DeVos Performance Hall in Grand Rapids (bit.ly/3fAWo5m for more info), and Nov. 3 in the Wharton Center in East Lansing (bit.ly/38gDs7z). Check out the “Whose Live” Facebook page for more info.

It is about to get spicy in Grand Haven. (Wikipedia)

3. Chili Blues, Grand Haven

One of my favorite events on the Lakeshore returns this weekend, the annual Chili Blues cook off. Local chili enthusiasts square off against each other to determine the best. Add a little blues music, drink specials and you have the makings of a great fall event. Plus, “It’s a Gas! Gas! Gas!” The event begins at 10 a.m. Saturday (Oct. 30) at Snug Harbor, 311 S Harbor Dr., Grand Haven. More details on the Facebook event page. Or call 616-846-8400.

2. Grand Rapids Dia De Los Muertos Festival

A couple years ago I traveled to my dad’s home state of Jalisco, Mexico, to visit family. We timed the trip to coincide with my birthday and Dia De Muertos, a celebration with a long history in Mexico. You might have seen the 2017 movie “Coco,” which really brought the tradition alive for many Americans. It was an inspiring trip to see how families honored and remember loved ones who have passed on to the next life. Sugar skulls, home altars, Catrinas, special bread and more make up the holiday tradition. Want to know more? This year check out Dia De Los Muertos Festival in Grand Rapids. It begins at 3 p.m. Sunday (Oct. 31) at 1225 Chicago Dr. SW in Wyoming, and it culminates with a procession in the street of native dances. This is a family friendly event with face painting, activities and more. Check out the festival’s event page on Facebook.

It will be all treats and lights at the John Ball Zoo this Sunday. (Supplied)

1.IllumiZoo Goes Boo at John Ball Zoo

For just one night, “IllumiZoo” and “Zoo Goes Boo” will unite for a nighttime trick-or-treat trail illuminated with the vibrant colors of IllumiZoo Wild Hues. Organizers promise “No tricks, just treats! Guests are encouraged to dress in costume and bring their trick-or-treat bag to experience IllumiZoo with fun Halloween decorations and music, entertainment, candy, and more.” The Zoo will have treat booths throughout the IllumiZoo trail and LED hula-hoop entertainers putting on a show. IllumiZoo Goes Boo begins at 7 p.m. on Sunday (Oct. 31) and ends at 10:30 p.m. The last entry is at 9:30 p.m. Guests are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance to guarantee their preferred entry time. IllumiZoo Goes Boo is $20 for adults, $13 for children (3-12 years old) and seniors (62 years and up). Children 2 years of age and younger are free. Tickets are at jbzoo.org/tickets. John Ball Zoo is located at 1300 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49504.

That’s it. Have a great, safe weekend.

And Go Blue!

I mean, Go Green!

Good luck either way.


John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He’s an early adopter of Social Media and SEO expert. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

Gonzo’s Top 5: Welcome to the weekend, friends

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Gonzo's Top 5, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , ,

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer

I’m back with another “Gonzo’s Top 5” list.

This is my weekly list picks for the coolest things happening in West Michigan. I hope you find something interesting, enjoyable, fun and in some cases downright spooky.

As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for upcoming events. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

Have a great, safe weekend.

Here we go.

Gonzo’s Top 5

Pux Tap Takeover and Caramel Apple Bar

A caramel apple bar, Mexican food and cider! Why not? Our friends at Horrocks Farm Market in Kentwood have a Pux Tap Takeover and Caramel Apple Bar from 5-8 p.m. Friday (Oct. 15). The event will take place in the Tavern, which is located on the the westside of the market, and features the Mexcellente Food Truck, caramel apples, as well as several ciders. On tap: Whippersnapper (Pear, Cinnamon, Ginger Hard Cider), Pommander (Orange Liquor Barrel Aged Clove Hard Cider), Harvest (naturally fermented Hard Cider with French Cider Apples) and Pumpkin Pie (spiced Hard Apple Cider. Horrocks Farm Market is located at 4455 Breton Rd. SE, Kentwood, MI 49508. More info on the Tavern Facebook page or horrocksmarket.com.

Flannel Fest with the Muskegon Lumberjacks

Dig out the flannel for a street party as the Muskegon Lumberjacks celebrate the opening of a new season. Activities include axe throwing, games, live music and Lumberjacks hockey at Mercy Health Arena. Performing Friday night (Oct. 15) is the AC/DC tribute band “Let There be Rock.” On Saturday (Oct. 16), a cornhole tournament begins at 11 a.m. with registration beginning at 10 a.m. Other activities include hayrides, live music from Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys (5 p.m.) and craft vendors. Games are at 7:10 p.m. each night. Mercy Health Arena is located at 470 W Western Ave Muskegon, MI 49440. More info at muskegonlumberjacks.com.

“Bold, Black and Beautiful – Onward Together”

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre presents “Bold, Black and Beautiful – Onward Together,” an historical journey through musical expression. Performances are at 7:30 p.m Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday (Oct. 15-17). According to the show’s producers, the “concert features Black artists from all over West Michigan in a celebration of African and Black music, dance, and spoken word in America.” The show includes songs by Louis Armstrong, Sam Cooke, Billie Holiday, Stevie Wonder and more iconic Black artists throughout American history. Grand Rapids Civic Theatre is located at 30 N. Division. More info at grct.org.

Zoo Goes Boo

A popular, longtime favorite West Michigan event – “Zoo Goes Boo” – returns to John Ball Zoo the next two weekends (Oct. 15-17 & Oct. 22-24). It’s a fun Halloween destination for the whole family with decorations, costumes, candy and Zoo animals. The kids can experience spooky treat stations located throughout the Zoo, along with strolling entertainment. Because it is a children’s event, organizers ask “that no masks cover faces and that adults in costume dress appropriately.” Oh, and bring a bag! Zoo Goes Boo presented by Meijer. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. each day. John Ball Zoo is located at 1300 Fulton St. W. More info at jbzoo.org.

AlePrize, presented by Beer City Brewers Guild

You’ve heard of ArtPrize. But what about AlePrize? The city-wide competition pairs local artists with local breweries, who transform their spaces into galleries while patrons enjoy a pint of locally crafted beer. Winners receive $1,000 each for Public Choice Award and Juried Award categories. AlePrize runs from Oct. 15-Nov. 19 and features popular breweries such as Founders, City Built, Harmony, Elk, Brewery Vivant, Perrin, Speciation, Broad Leaf and many more. A full list including the artists can be found at aleprize.com.

That’s it for this weekend. As I said earlier, email me if you have an event you want to promote down the road.

Be safe everyone. Have a great weekend.

John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He’s an early adopter of Social Media and SEO expert. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

Gonzo’s Top 5: Welcome to the weekend

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Gonzo's Top 5, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events, , , , , ,

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer

It’s October, which means fall festivals, corn mazes, trips to the apple orchard and unpredictable weather. It’s Michigan, and we love it.

I’m John Gonzalez, and for more than two decades I have offered up my “Gonzo’s Top 5” list of events and things to do. I’m excited to publish my Top 5 once again, thanks to WKTV.

My goal, as always, is to give you a fun list of local happenings, as well as throughout the region. I welcome your input and recommendations.

Email me your events at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

Also, follow me on all the Social Media channels (listed below), and I’ll be sure to give you a shout out if I use one of your suggestions.

Have a great, safe weekend.

Here we go.

Gonzo’s Top 5

5. Greater Grand Rapids Fall Train Show

If you have a train enthusiast in your family — young or old — check out the return of the Greater Grand Rapids Fall Train Show presented by the Grand River Valley Train Club. The show features 80-plus vendoors, a Thomas the Train play area for kids, a huge Lego display and a drawing for a Lionel Thomas the Train set. The show is 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 9) at HSB, Inc., 5625 Burlingame Ave. SW, in Wyoming. Tickets are $5 for adults and free for those 12 and under. More details at grvrrc.org.

4. Wise Men Distillery Fall Fest

Food, fun and cocktails, oh my!

Our friends at Wise Men Distillery are offering a fall fest with outdoor dining, cornhole, live music and tasty cocktails, of course. Check out new fall releases, as well as seltzers and special tours. Hours are noon-10 p.m. on Saturday (Oct. 9). Food trucks include Arcane Wood Fired Pizza (2-9 p.m.) and Patty Matters Hamburgers (3-9 p.m.) Tours are at 3 and 6 p.m. Wise Men Distillery and Cocktail Bar is located at 4717 Broadmoor Ave SE, in Kentwood. Learn more about the event on the Wise Men Distillery Facebook page.

3. Downtown Grandville Fall Fest

A first-year beer garden, the opening of the Grandville Library renovation and the annual fall festival make for a fun time this weekend in Grandville. The annual lighted pumpkin trail will be set up around the KDL building from 5-10 p.m. Friday (Oct. 8). It is for walking only. No carriage rides will be available this year. Also, the Grandville-Jenison Chamber is hosting a beer garden in the library lot with live music and food, and KDL is having its grand re-opening open house and a kid’s craft. Michigan Moonshine, Osgood Brewery, Beecher’s Pretzel Truck and Tippy Cow Root Beer Floats will be on hand.

On Saturday (Oct. 9), on the west side of the KDL Lot and along Washington Avenue, attendees can expect traditional horse drawn wagon rides, scarecrow voting, kid’s pedal tractor pulls, The Critter Barn petting farm, pumpkin decorating, a mechanical bull, a giant corn box, pedal tractors, fall themed games and more. Food trucks include Tamales Mary, Street Frites, Beecher’s Pretzel Truck, Big Ed’s BBQ, Hot Dog Cart and more. KDL is located at 4055 Maple St. SW, Grandville. Details at cityofgrandville.com or the Downtown Grandville Facebook page.

2. Wyoming Trick or Treat Trail

Formerly the Pumpkin Path, Wyoming’s Trick or Treat Trail is set for 4-6 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 9) at Lamar Park. It features about 70 businesses who pass out treats on the tasty trail. Parents are encouraged to bring the whole family, offering candy (of course!), games, face painting, bounce houses, a DJ, and more. Admission is free. Halloween costumes are optional, but always a good idea. Organizers said “all children at Trick or Treat Trail must be with a supervising adult.” Also WKTV will be “on the trail” recording fall greetings. More information on the City Parks and Recreation Center Facebook page.


1. Downtown Holland Fall Fest

It’s going to be a beautiful weekend, which means it’s a perfect time to visit Holland for its annual Fall Fest, known for its professional pumpkin carving and beautifully decorated downtown. They even have a 949-pound pumpkin on the way! The two-day event — Friday (Oct. 8) and Saturday (Oct. 9) — celebrates fall with professional pumpkin carving, children’s activities, community tulip planting, an artisan market at Windmill Island Gardens, fall walking tours, and a Farmers Market.

On Friday, eight of the nation’s best professional pumpkin carvers, including Food Network alumni, will appear from 3-7 p.m. carving jack-o-lanterns all along 8th Street. At 7 p.m., the jack-o-lanterns will be lit from within and will remain on display until 10 p.m. (Community Tulip Planting is from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, and 8 a.m.-noon Saturday. More info at tuliptime.com.)

On Saturday, professional pumpkin carvers will appear from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Holland Farmers Market. Children also can paint their own pumpkins to bring home. Cost is $1 per pumpkin. The Farm Market opens at 8 a.m. Saturday.

The annual Holland Fall Festival is organized by Downtown Holland, the Holland Farmers Market, the Holland Visitors Bureau, Tulip Time, and Windmill Island Gardens. See the schedule of events at hollandfallfest.com or check out the Downtown Holland Facebook page.

That’s it for now. As I said earlier, email me if you have an event you want to promote.

Be safe everyone.

John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He’s an early adopter of Social Media and SEO expert. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.