Tag Archives: Gonzo's Top 5

Gonzo’s Top 5: Dragon boat races, summer concerts, garden tours, and much more

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Dragon boat races are one of many features at the family-friendly Global Water Fest on Saturday, July 30 at Canal Park in Grand Rapids. (Courtesy)



By John D. Gonzalez, WKTV Contributing Writer

Happy weekend, everyone.

Make sure to get out there as summer begins to wind down. If you’re looking for a few ideas, I have put together my Top 5 things to do, which you can find exclusively on WKTV Journal.

Here we go!

Gonzo’s Top 5


5. Wild Ones Garden Tour & Fundraiser

Wild Ones Garden Tour and Fundraiser on Monday, Aug. 1. (Courtesy)

Wild Ones River City Chapter will show you how to add native plants, shrubs and trees to your garden to provide food, shelter and habitat for birds and beneficial insects.


“Removing invasive plants, reducing lawn size, and using natural care also helps heal the earth. Even small changes can make a difference,” according to its website. To learn more about these benefits, the Wild Ones River City Chapter is having a garden tour and fundraiser on Monday (Aug. 1).



You can visit the Native Plant Education Garden at 920 Cherry Street SE, Grand Rapids, which will feature more than 80 species of native plants. Wild Ones members will be on hand to talk about the evolution of the garden and answer questions. The tour is free. Then, across the street, you can enjoy a bite to eat and a beer at Brewery Vivant, which will donate a portion of their proceeds to Wild Ones River City Chapter. Hours are noon to 10 p.m. More info at rivercitygrandrapids.wildones.org.

4. Wyoming/Kentwood Summer Concerts

The seasons are coming to a close.

Grupo Latin Soul closes the Concerts in the Park series on Tuesday, Aug. 2 at Lamar Park in Wyoming. (Courtesy)
  • Grupo Latin Soul closes the Concerts in the Park series on Tuesday (Aug. 2) at Lamar Park in Wyoming. Learn more on the event’s Facebook page.

  • In Kentwood, The Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra (July 28), the Moxie Strings (Aug. 4) and Brena (Aug. 11) close out the Summer Concert Series on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall.







All concerts will be live streamed by WKTV Community Media. Watch the events live at: https://www.wktv.org/live25.html. If you miss a show you can watch it here at WKTV On Demand. All are free. All begin at 7 p.m.

3. Last Sundays Outdoor Market, Grand Rapids

Looking for something to do on Sunday? Make sure to check out “Last Sundays,” which is a monthly outdoor market at Bridge Street Market in Grand Rapids. It features a variety of local makers, vendors, farmers, food carts, samplings and more. It takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday (July 31) on the corner of Bridge Street and Seward Avenue. Other dates: Aug. 28 and Sept. 25. More info at https://www.bridgestreetmarket.com/blog/2021/6/3/last-sundays-outdoor-market.

2. Ballpark Series: Around the Horn with the Grand Rapids Symphony

The Ballpark Series at Sullivan (formerly Valley) Field is one of many events spearheaded by a group called Fans of Valley Field on Saturday, July 30. (Courtesy)

I have mentioned this series a few times this summer, that’s because you will love this old, historic ballpark that dates back to 1937, and located on the West Side of Grand Rapids. The Ballpark Series at Sullivan (formerly Valley) Field is one of many events spearheaded by a group called Fans of Valley Field. On Saturday (July 30) the Grand Rapids Symphony makes its first appearance, along with local legends Rick Reuther and The Tom Hagen Trio. Admission is free, but tickets are needed.

The symphony performs “Peter and the Wolf,” as well as another piece, followed by Reuther and the trio. An Instrument Petting Zoo will be set up for kids to touch, play and experience instruments. There also will be an art area with other activities as well before the Symphony performance. Gates (and bar) open at 5 p.m. The show begins at 6:30 p.m. Food is also available. Go to the Facebook event page for tickets and more details. The Neighborhood Concert Series is presented by Meijer and underwritten by the Wege Foundation with sponsorship from Wolverine Worldwide, David & Judy Frey, BDO, Fox Motors, Chuck & Julie Frayer, Hung and Elsie Liang Fund for Music, United Bank and Delta Dental of Michigan.

1. Global Water Fest, Grand Rapids

Dragon boat races are one of many features at the Global Water Fest on Saturday, July 30 at Canal Park in Grand Rapids. (Courtesy)

My friend Ace Marasigan of the GR Asian Foundation reached out recently to tell me about the 2nd Annual Global Water Fest Grand Rapids on Saturday (July 30) at Canal Park, 941 Monroe Ave. NW, and on the Grand River. The family-friendly event features Dragon Boat Races, a globally-themed variety of food vendors, live music and entertainment. The Dragon Boat Races begin at 8 a.m. The winner gets $500 for their team and $500 for their non-profit of choice – Prize money sponsored by Kim Nhung Superstore. Youth Fishing Derby is from noon to 4 p.m. and includes free fishing poles while supplies last. Global Water Fest is from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and is presented by Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., City of Grand Rapids Office of Special Events, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, and Mobile GR. Learn more on the Facebook event 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 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.

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

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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.