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.
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.
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.
