By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer
It was just announced that Major League Baseball is officially back, which means Spring training games are right around the corner. Locally we have the Fulton Street Farmers Market this weekend. And St. Patrick’s Day is next week.
It feels more like Spring every day.
I have more signs that warmer days are ahead in my Top 5, exclusively on WKTV Journal.
Here we go.
Gonzo’s Top 5
5. Fulton Street Farmers Market
Are you looking for another sign of Spring? Well, it’s a great time to head out to the popular Fulton Street Farmers Market. With a great assortment of fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, hand-crafted food items, and unique artisan products year-round. Hours are 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. The summer season begins May 7 and expands hours and days. The Fulton Street Farmers Market is located at 1145 Fulton St. SE. Learn more at fultonstreetmarket.org. The Fulton Street Artisans Market opens June 12.
4. Grand Rapids Ballet Junior Company: Aladdin
This production has been two years in the making after the Grand Rapids Ballet Junior Company had to cancel its planned performances in March 2020 due to the pandemic. The familiar story of “Aladdin ” was choreographed by Grand Rapids Ballet School director and Junior Company artistic director Attila Mosolygo, who said: “It will be an amazing production of dancing and performance,” in a recent interview with D.A. Reed for WKTV. Performances are March 11-13 and 19-20 at the Peter Wege Theatre in Grand Rapids. More info at grballet.com.
3. Grand Rapids St. Patrick’s Day Parade
We all know the big day isn’t until March 17, but you can get a jump start on your St. Paddy’s Day celebrations at 11 a.m. Saturday (March 12) at the annual GR St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The West Catholic High School Marching Band makes an appearance, as well as dignitaries and organizers of the Grand Rapids Irish Committee. The Parade will start at the Grand Rapids Library Foundation on 111 Library St. NE and end on Ottawa Ave. NW. More info at experiencegr.com. Also, immediately after the parade, you can check out the Conklin Céilí Band at Quinn & Tuite’s Irish Pub, 1535 Plainfield Ave NE, for a set.
2. Greta Van Fleet
The Michigan retro rock band that rose from obscurity from the small town of Frankenmuth to international stardom is back on the road on its Dreams in Gold Tour, which includes several Michigan shows. This weekend you can see the guys at 7 p.m. Saturday (March 12) at the DeltaPlex Arena. Opening the show are Rival Sons and The Velveteers. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $59.50; reserved grandstand seats are $49.50, $59.50 and $69.50. Learn more at deltaplex.com.
1. Ultimate Sport Show
Who’s ready for Spring. And fishing? This weekend you can experience everything you need to know to have a great season at the Ultimate Sport Show at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids. Discover the latest in outdoor gear, travel information and fishing boats and more, as well as taxidermy, antique lures, fishing simulator and even a trout pond. Overall there are nearly 100 fishing and hunting seminars on five stages, including “Lake Ultimate,” the 110,000 gallon indoor lake. The first 250 people in line on Saturday and Sunday get a pre-rigged K&E Bass Stopper worm. My friend Tony Gates of WLAV will host this annual competition on Lake Ultimate on Saturday from noon-1 p.m. The kid that catches the single biggest fish will win a 1/2 day weekday Charter Fishing Trip for up to 6 people with Captain Lance Valentine. Show hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday (March 11), 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $12 for adults and $5 for those ages 6-14. More info at UltimateSportShow.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 also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. 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.
