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.
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.
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.
