By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer
I was shopping at Meijer the other day and said, “Why is all this Valentine’s Day candy out?”
Hello, Gonzo!
Next week is February, and that means Valentine’s Day is right around the corner.
Consider this a heads up for those of you who need a reminder or nudge to come up with a plan. You know your significant other loves it when you plan in advance.
Speaking of planning, if you didn’t get a chance to plan something for this weekend, I’m here with a list of events taking place throughout West Michigan.
It’s all in my Gonzo’s Top 5, exclusively on WKTV Journal.
Here we go.
Gonzo’s Top 5
5. Huntin’ Time Expo
The largest collection of hunting exhibits in the state, the annual Huntin’ Time Expo, returns this weekend with 350-plus booths featuring a variety of products and services. Along with gear, you can also find a wide range of outfitters from all over the globe and educational seminars. Hours are 1-9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m-7 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday at the DeltaPlex in Walker. Tickets are $12 for adults, $6 for kids (ages 5-12). Kids admitted free on Sunday. Free parking all weekend, according to organizers. More info at www.deltaplex.com and https://www.huntingshows.net/.
4. 2022 Kids & Family Expo
Looking for something to do with the kiddos? Indoors? On Saturday (Jan. 29) head over to DeVos Place for a fun-filled family day at the Kids & Family Expo. The goal is to encourage families to play and move with physical activities such as interactive programs, exhibits, and entertainment. They even have a Zip Line that flies through DeVos Place. Tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for children ages 3-15 and free for children ages 2 and under. More info at devosplace.org or kohlerexpo.com/kids-and-family-expo.
3. “Shakespeare in Love”
Based on the Academy Award-winning movie that starred Joseph Fiennes and Gwyneth Paltrow, “Shakespeare in Love” opens this weekend at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. It opens Friday and continues through Feb. 13. The play reimagines William Shakespeare’s creative process, especially as a young writer who struggled with deadlines and creditors. He finds that love leads the way. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. There is no performance on Feb. 11. Single tickets are $18-$40. For more information, visit grct.org.
READ MORE: Love is in the air as Grand Rapids Civic Theatre presents ‘Shakespeare in Love’
2. Professional Bull Riders
I’m not sure exactly how ranking, scoring or judging works in this sport, but I don’t care. It’s fun to watch, and you know the winners always stay on the bull longer than the others. Sorry if I oversimplified that! According to organizers, “All 40 bull riders will get on one bull each in Rounds 1-2. Following Round 2 Saturday evening, the riders’ individual two-round scores will be totaled with the Top 10 advancing to the championship round for one more out and a chance at the event title. This weekend the Professional Bull Riders Tour stops Friday and Saturday (Jan. 28-29) at Van Andel Arena. More info at vanandelarena.com
READ MORE: Professional bull riders tour comes to Van Andel Arena
1. World of Winter Silent Disco
One of the most fun experiences you will ever have is to sing and dance like no one’s watching! That’s the premise of Silent Disco. Put on a set of wireless headphones and enjoy live music from a variety of local DJs. You hear your music and watch others dance to their own beat. Check out Silent Disco at 7 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 29) at World of Winter in downtown Grand Rapids. It is located at 555 Monroe Ave. NW. DJs include: AB & Floppy Drive (7-8 p.m.), Diesel & DJ Sommelier (8-9 p.m.), and Taheo B2B Yeesh & DJ Tony Banks (9-10 p.m.). Food trucks on-site: Patty Matters, Mapocho, Street Chef Shaw and BlueChip. Also this weekend: Pop Up Performers throughout downtown (6-8 p.m. Friday), Black History Walking Tour at Rosa Parks Circle (noon, Sunday), and Food Trucks (5-8 p.m. Friday, 2-8 p.m. Saturday, and noon-6 p.m. Sunday). More details on all events at https://worldofwintergr.com/events. World of Winter continues through March 6.
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.
