Tag Archives: Halloween

30 years of fun in disguise: A beloved Wyoming icon will close its doors at year’s end

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Going Local, Holidays, Kent County, Local Business, Local Faces, Our Cities, Voices, , , , ,
Randy and Gayle Vaartjes are retiring after three decades helping customers disguise themselves year-round through The Kostume Room (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)


By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


Gayle and Randy Vaartjes have served their community for 30 years (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

A popular Wyoming icon will close its doors at the end of the year, concluding a 30-year adventure while ushering in a new chapter.

Randy and Gayle Vaartjes have spent over three decades assisting customers from all over the United States and Canada disguise themselves year-round through their family-owned costume retail store, The Kostume Room.

The Kostume Room provided costumes, professional makeup, wigs, and accessories for almost every event, including: Halloween, school and church plays, museums and the film industry.

But, to Gayle and Randy, costumes were more than just a business. It was fun.

“I enjoyed every single customer that came through our door,” said Gayle, adding that it was fun to help customers pick out their costumes. “It’s fun to help them create what they’re looking for.”

Many times, after seeing all The Kostume Room had to offer, customers would change their mind about what costume they wanted and walk out the door with a completely different ensemble.

When asked why people enjoy dressing up so much, Gayle said, “I think, personally, because they can be someone else, and they can act differently.”

“Disguise Yourself”

Randy and Gayle called their store “an adventure of a lifetime” that opened its doors in 1993 with a mission to help customers disguise themselves all year long.

Fun and daring wigs can spice up an ensemble (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

The adventure began when Gayle and her sister decided to sell Halloween costumes they had made for their kids. When that endeavor met with success, the sisters continued making children’s costumes and selling them on consignment at a local thrift store.

“Back then there really wasn’t much [for costumes],” said Gayle. “Not only that, we didn’t even know where to get costumes – and we weren’t going to pay retail for them. So we put them in the thrift store.”

A hat for every occasion! (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

As the costumes continued to sell, the women became aware of a Halloween show for costume creators to buy goods. That discovery elevated their business to new heights. After the first year, the sisters found retail space in Rogers Plaza.

“We kept growing each year. After the sixth or seventh year, it was time to find a home,” Gayle said, gesturing around their current location.

The next year, they offered adult costumes as well. Gayle received special requests for costumes and made a few for the store as well – “but really not as much as I would have liked to.”

Gayle’s wish had been to spend time sewing costumes in the back room of the store. However, she was needed at the front of the store and much of the sewing fell to her mother and sister.

During retirement, however, Gayle will put her sewing skills to good use.

“My plans are to use my skills and make historical costumes, or whatever people would like me to do,” said Gayle, adding that she plans to sell them on eBay or Etsy.

  • The Kostume Room (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
  • The Kostume Room (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
  • The Kostume Room (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
  • The Kostume Room (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
  • The Kostume Room (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
  • The Kostume Room (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
  • The Kostume Room (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
  • The Kostume Room (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

A unique business

Though the couple planned to sell the business within the next few years, their timeline was accelerated when they received an unexpected offer for the building. They decided to accept.

“Now we’re looking for a buyer to buy the business side of it, move it out and relocate it someplace else,” said Randy, adding that their wish is for the business name to continue on.

But that is not as easy as it sounds.

The Kostume Room has thousands of costumes and accessories (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

The business, said Gayle, is extremely unique. Many people do not understand how much work is put in behind the scenes.

Special touches to service – such as re-curling Santa wigs after washing – combined with maintaining thousands of accessories and the 41 racks of costumes, is not for the faint of heart.

A desire to give back

Well, this seems like a hairy situation… (Courtesy, Deborah Reed)

Randy and Gayle gave back to various local organizations throughout the years, including Kids Food Basket, American Cancer Society, Paws with a Cause and Whooriders.

The Kostume Room also offers assistance to cancer survivors through the Wig Bank.

“I’m a cancer survivor,” said Gayle. “And I decided that I was going to give back. I donate really nice wigs to women going through chemo or any hair loss.”

Gayle originally helped provide wigs through the American Cancer Society (ACS), but when the program ended, Gayle took up the mission. Instead of returning the wigs ACS donated to the store, Gayle continued the program through The Kostume Room.

When asked what inspires the couple to give back, Gayle shrugged. “Just wanting to help,” she said simply.

The next chapter

Luscious locks…for your face! (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

What’s next for the retiring couple?

“We’re going to travel,” said Gayle with a smile. The couple has always wanted to visit the Netherlands – and now they will. “That’s our big trip. The rest will be small trips; there are so many places we haven’t been to in the United states.”

The Vaartjes’ upcoming adventure, however, will be bittersweet.

“I didn’t realize how much we meant to the community, I really didn’t,” said Gayle. “I was just doing my job.

“Throughout the years I’ve made good friends with people, and I don’t like seeing them sad because then it makes me sad.”

A message from Randy and Gayle Vaartjes

“Thank you for being our customers,” said Randy, adding that he has enjoyed seeing the generations change over time. “We see kids that are growing up coming in with their kids. And they’re telling us that they were kids when their parents brought them in here.”

“It was our pleasure, more than they know,” Gayle said. “Our customers are Number One. If we didn’t have them, we would have been gone a long time ago. That’s what makes this happen. We’re just the directors.”

But wait – there’s more!

Here comes Santa Claus… (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

Though The Kostume Room doors will close for the final time at the end of the year, they are not closed yet!

“I just want to make sure everyone knows that we were not closed yet,” said Randy. “There is still a lot of inventory to choose from!”

The Kostume Room hours are Monday-Friday from 12-7 p.m., and Saturday from 12-5 p.m. They are now closed on Sundays.

Learn more about The Kostume Room here.

NICU babies dress up for Halloween at Trinity Health Grand Rapids

Citizen Journalism, Health, Holidays, Kent County, Kids Activities, medical moment, West Michigan, , , , ,
(Courtesy, Trinity Health)


By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org


With Halloween days away, the tiniest patients at the Trinity Health Grand Rapids Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) are ready to celebrate! Their Halloween costumes were all hand-made by NICU nurses to fit these tiny patients without disrupting their care and monitoring.

Though the babies are not able to go outside to trick-or-treat, dressing up in the costumes allowed families to experience a childhood milestone.

  • (Courtesy, Trinity Health)
  • (Courtesy, Trinity Health)
  • (Courtesy, Trinity Health)
  • (Courtesy, Trinity Health)
  • (Courtesy, Trinity Health)
  • (Courtesy, Trinity Health)
  • (Courtesy, Trinity Health)
  • (Courtesy, Trinity Health)
About Trinity Health NICU

Trinity Health Grand Rapids NICU is a licensed 15-bed, Levell III NICU, that cares for 200 to 300 newborns on the unit every year. We have successfully cared for babies born at 22 weeks gestation and weighing as little as 11 ounces.

To learn more about Trinity Health Grand Rapids NICU services, visit their website.

Tips for preparing children with autism for Halloween

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Health, Holidays, How-To's, Kent County, Kids Activities, medical moment, Mental Health, Upcoming Events, , , , , , , ,
There are several things you can do to prepare children with autism for Halloween fun! (Supplied)


By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org


Dr. Candice Lake, Director of Wedgwood Christian Services’ Autism Center for Child Development, has authored a tip sheet to help parents of autistic children prepare for the trick-or-treat season.

Lake focuses on practicing, safety and reminders for community members.

Tips for Preparing Children with Autism for Halloween

Trick or Treating

  • Trial run wearing the costume
  • Practice saying trick or treat or using a communication card
  • Work on taking just one piece of candy and saying “Thank you” or using a communication card
  • Talk about how to know if a house is participating
  • Lights off vs. Lights on
  • Look for people present
  • Pre-walk the route or neighborhood you will be trick-or-treating in

Work on Safety Skills

  • Stay with an adult when walking
  • Look both ways before crossing the street
  • Stick to the sidewalk or edge of the road, not the middle of the street

Reminders for Community Members

  • Think about ways you can provide a more inclusive experience
  • Non-food treats such as pencils, stickers, or small toys
  • Limit scary or flashing decorations
  • Some kids may not have the verbal skills to say “Trick-or-Treat” or “Thank You” or feel comfortable wearing a costume – and that’s okay!
  • Teal Pumpkin Project is a great resource for additional tips on making this a Happy Halloween for everyone!

Dress Up For Treats at the WAR Chest Boutique in Wyoming on Oct 26-31!

Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Going Local, Holidays, Kent County, Kids Activities, Local Business, Upcoming Events, , , ,
(Courtesy, WAR Chest Boutique)


By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org


The WAR Chest Boutique in Wyoming is inviting families to stop by the Boutique Oct. 26 – Oct. 31 for some Halloween fun!

Bring your costumed kids into the Boutique during regular business hours. Staff will be giving out treat bags to the kids and coupons to accompanying adults (15% off one regular-priced item).

Event details:

The WAR Chest Boutique is located at 2790 44th St. SW in Wyoming.

Event hours are as follows:

Saturday, Oct. 26 – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 28 – Thursday, Oct. 31 – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Click here for event details on their website.

Kentwood’s Annual Trunk or Treat set for Saturday, Oct. 26

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Holidays, Kent County, Kids Activities, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, , ,
Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley hands out candy at a previous Trunk or Treat event held at the Department of Public Works. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org



The City of Kentwood is inviting community members to enjoy spooky, seasonal fun and treats at its annual Trunk or Treat event on Saturday, Oct. 26.



The free event takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Department of Public Works, 5068 Breton Ave. SE. Kids and their loved ones can explore and collect candy from more than 25 City and community vehicles.


Kentwood Trunk or Treat. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



“The City of Kentwood’s Trunk or Treat event is a great opportunity for community members, City staff and local organizations to celebrate together in a safe and fun environment,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “We hope children and their loved ones create lasting memories while kickstarting their Halloween fun.”


Every vehicle will feature seasonally decorated trunks for community members to view and enjoy. Attendees will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite trunk during and after the event using the online form at kentwood.us/TrunkOrTreat. The winner will be announced on social media.


Kentwood Trunk or Treat. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)


Halloween costumes are encouraged

Attendees are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes and bring a bag for collecting their goodies.



Olly’s Mini Donuts food truck will be on site serving a variety of donuts and fall drinks for purchase.



Local businesses and community groups wishing to participate in Trunk or Treat can register for free online until Friday, Oct. 18 by 4 p.m. Pre-registration is not required for community members to attend the event.



For more information about Kentwood’s Trunk or Treat or to sign up to volunteer, visit kentwood.us/TrunkOrTreat.


Kentwood Trunk or Treat. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)

Get ready for a spook-tacular time at Wyoming’s Trick-or-Treat Trail Oct. 5!

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Entertainment, Going Local, Holidays, Kent County, Kids Activities, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , , , ,
Wyoming’s Trick-or-Treat Trail is a fun and safe fall event (Courtesy, Wyoming Parks and Rec)


By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


Bring your little ghouls and goblins to this fun adventure filled with surprises! (Supplied)

The Wyoming community is invited to an afternoon of free Halloween fun on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 4-6 p.m. at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW!

The spooky season is almost upon us, and the City of Wyoming Parks & Recreation Department is excited to host its annual Trick-or-Treat Trail.

Little ghouls and goblins are invited to participate in this trick-or-treating adventure where local businesses and organizations will be passing out candy and goodies.

Treats, bounce houses, and fun surprises can be found along the way!

(Wyoming Parks and Rec)

“We’re thrilled to bring back the Trick-or-Treat Trail,” said Krashawn Martin, Director of Wyoming Parks & Recreation. “Our goal is to provide a safe, enjoyable experience for families to celebrate the season together.

“It’s a wonderful alternative to traditional Halloween festivities, and we’re excited to see the community come together to enjoy all the amenities of Lamar Park and the beauty of the fall season.”

In previous years, the event has welcomed over 50 local businesses and organizations, and more than 4,000 attendees.

Get ready for a fang-tastic time of family fun!

Find Halloween looks you’ll continue wearing after the holiday at Woodland Mall

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Woodland Mall Barbie inspired ensemble. (Courtesy, Woodland Mall)



By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org



Spooky season is officially upon us. While seasonal pop-up shops or big-brand party stores may seem like the obvious choice for finding the perfect costume, Woodland Mall has options for Halloween looks that feature pieces you’ll wear again and again. Some ideas include:

Barbie and Ken: The blockbuster film held many iconic looks, from all-pink ensembles to cowboy-inspired looks. You can find a full pink outfit featuring quality dresses, jumpsuits, tops and more at many stores throughout Woodland Mall, including Dry Goods and Versona. Altar’d State and Windsor also have glitzy cowboy accessories to help you look the part – and Aldo’s Barbie collection provides the perfect footwear to tie it all together.

To rock the “Kenough” look, check out the many styles at Forever 21 Men, from all-denim gear to a western-inspired getup. 



(Courtesy, Woodland Mall)


Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift: We’re in our Tayvis era. If you and your partner are looking for a fun and simple couples costume, this star-studded pairing may be the answer. Swing by Lids or Locker Room by Lids to grab some Kansas City Chiefs apparel for him and recreate Taylor’s gameday look with a simple white tee and red hoodie from Macy’s or Von Maur.


Swing by Lids or Locker Room by Lids to grab some Kansas City Chiefs apparel. (Courtesy, Woodland Mall)



Wednesday Addams. (Courtesy, Woodland Mall)

Wednesday Addams: The perfect little black dress can be found in many stores throughout the mall, from Forever 21 to Francesca’s. Find one you love and pair it with some spooky accessories from Claire’s, Hot Topic or Icing for the perfect Addams Family look. As a bonus, stop by Sephora for some Wednesday-inspired makeup.

Ted Lasso: You can easily recreate the look of the popular TV character with a simple navy sweater and some slacks from J.Crew or a track set from JCPenney. All you need is a mustache and you’ll be ready to hit the field.

Justin and Hailey Bieber: Turn the recent memes of Justin and Hailey’s mismatched event attire into a comical couple’s costume. You can swing by H&M to find a head-turning red dress and a cozy pair of sweats.




Plus many more outfits and accessories for the perfect spooky, super or supernatural ensemble.



When trick-or-treaters should head out for the goodies

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kids Activities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

Happy Haunting from the WKTV Journal. (pxhere.com)

With Halloween being on a Monday, the annual spooky season should be adhering to a pretty traditional schedule this year.

Most communities will be observing the holiday on Monday with municipalities encouraging trick-or-treating activities to take place on that day. For times, most communities are encouraging from 6 to 8 p.m.

City of Kentwood, 6-8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31

City of Wyoming does not set trick-or-treating hours, but is encouraging residents and neighborhoods to do so on Monday, Oct. 31. Residents should check with neighborhoods for specific times.

City of Grandville, 6-8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31

City of Grand Rapids, dusk to 8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 31

Gaines Township, no designated time, Monday, Oct. 31

City of Grand Rapids, dusk to 8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 31

Byron Township, varies by neighborhood for date and time. Check with your neighborhood.

Village of Caledonia, 6-8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 31

Organizations to offer some spooky family-friendly fun

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kids Activities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

As Halloween quickly approaches, some local organizations will be offering some Halloween fun that is designed to be spooky as well as family-friendly.

It’s the Monster Mash

The Salvation Army Kroc Center will be having a “graveyard smash” on Friday, Oct. 28, as it brings back its popular “Monster Mash” event. The program runs from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Kroc Center, located at 2500 S. Division Ave.

The free event features “trunk-or-treating” in the Kroc’s east parking lot which will include Kroc Center and other Salvation Army groups distributing candy and other information along with local businesses.

“Monster Mash is one of our biggest events of the year,” said Major Carol Huffman, senior officer for The Salvation Army Kroc Center. “We love giving families the opportunity to enjoy time together in a fun and safe environment, as well as showing our support for other neighborhood businesses and organizations. I’m not sure who is more excited the kids or our staff.”

While science suggest that outdoor events are generally safe, face coverings and social distancing are recommended for all participants. The event will be cancelled in the event of heavy rain or lightning.

Visit GrKrocCenter.org or call 616-588-7200.

It gets spooky at the Grand Rapids Ballet

With witches, mummies, and tricks and treats, the Grand Rapids Ballet School’s Junior Company is ready to fill the Peter Martin Wege Theatre with the special Halloween weekend performance “Spooktacular.”

The Grand Rapids Ballet School’s Junior Company presents “Spooktacular” Oct. 28-30. (Courtesy, Grand Rapids Ballet)

“Spooktacular” takes place Oct. 28-30 at the Peter Martin Wege Theatre, 341 Ellsworth Ave. SW. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m Saturday and Sunday.

Directed by Junior company Artistic Director Attila Mosolygo, the story follows a young girl on Halloween night as her only wish is to go trick-or-treating with her older sister and friends. When they refuse to let the young girl tag along, she embarks on a mischievous plan to get their candy. Audiences will be able to follow the adventure with appearances by skeletons, martians, Frankenstein, and even the “Addams Family.”

“It is exciting to be able to bring this Junior Company production back to the stage this Halloween.” Mosolygo said. “The students have been working hard over the past two months to bring the audience’s favorite Halloween characters to life. This entertaining ballet is perfect for the whole family and everyone is encouraged to attend in costume.”

Those who do attend in costume will be entered into a special drawing to win tickets to the Junior Company production of “The Wizard of Oz” in March.

Tickets are $20 and available at grballet.com, by phone at 616-454-4771, ext. 110, or in-peson at GRB’s Box Office at 341 Ellsworth Ave. SW.

Kentwood’s annual Trunk or Treat features candy, costumes and fun on Oct. 22

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Kids Activities, West Michigan, ,
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)

By WKTV Staff

Community members are invited to enjoy some spooky Halloween fun at the City of Kentwood’s Trunk or Treat event on Saturday, Oct. 22.

The free event takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Department of Public Works, 5068 Breton Ave. SE, where more than 25 City and community vehicles will be stationed with decorated trunks filled with treats.

(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)

In addition to collecting candy, participants will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite trunk. Children are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes and bring their own bag for collecting candy.

“Trunk or Treat provides a more controlled trick-or-treating environment while also giving local organizations and leaders a chance to connect with residents,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “We’re looking forward to enjoying some family fun and seeing many community members in costumes and creative trunk designs at this year’s event.”

Local businesses and community groups wishing to participate in Trunk or Treat can register for free online until 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14. More information and volunteer sign-up can be found at kentwood.us/TrunkOrTreat

Wyoming hosts Trick or Treat Trail

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Kids Activities, Recreation, ,

The Wyoming Trick or Treat Trail will be taking place this Saturday at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW. The event runs from 4 – 6 p.m.

Reservations are not required. Costumes are encouraged. Area businesses will be handing out candy at various stations along the trail. It is estimated that about 2,500 people will attend the annual event.

“It takes a village to make this possible and we are very grateful for our sponsors and volunteers,” said Rebecca Rynbrandt, the city’s director of community service.

Could be a big candy score as communities are split on which day for trick or treating

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , ,
Halloween is a great time for kids. The Michigan State Police want to keep it that way. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Every year that Halloween falls on a Sunday, there is a debate as to whether trick-or-treating should be Saturday or Sunday. For most students, it’s a winner year because trick or treating is on both days and 2021 is no exception.

For most municipalities, trick or treating is not a city-sponsored event, however several do make a suggestion of the best time to celebrate.

 

According to Wyoming officials, the City of Wyoming does not dictate hours for trick or treating, so families and neighbors can decided what works best for them.

 

Checking through Next Door and the Wyoming Informed Facebook and it seems many Wyoming residents are preferring to have trick or treating on Sunday, Oct. 31. With that in mind, it is best to check with neighbors on which day they plan to have Halloween activities.

Wyoming’s neighbors to the south, Byron Center, have also not declared a date for trick or treating. Township officials are recommending that residents contact their neighborhood association or neighbors for trick-or-treating times.

The communities east and west of Wyoming — the City of Kentwood and the City of Grandville — are both recommending that trick or treating be done on Saturday, Oct. 30 from 6 – 8 p.m. This also is true for the Village of Caledonia and Cutlerville, which is option for Saturday, Oct. 30 from 6 – 8 p.m.

The City of Grand Rapids has decided to keep it traditional with trick or treating scheduled for Sunday from dusk to 8 p.m.

For a West Michigan trick-or-treating schedule, visit GRKids by clicking here.


According to local police, drivers should be extra alert on both Saturday and Sunday. According to the Safe Kids Worldwide, on average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year.

Some trick-or-treat safety tips are:

Children of any age should be accompanied by a an adult.

Cross the street only at corners or crosswalks. Do not cross the street between parked cars.

Carry a flashlight. Wear light-colored or reflective-type clothing so you are more visible.

Accept treats at the door and never go into a stranger’s house. 

Only visit homes that have the porch light on. 

Stay in familiar neighborhoods. Plan your route and share it with your family and stay in a group.

Stay in populated and well-lit areas. Do not cut through back alleys or fields.

Make sure all costumes are flame retardant. Avoid walking too close to open fires, candles, and jack-o-lanterns.

Make sure an adult inspects all candy before eating it. Do no eat candy that is already opened.

Be sure to follow community curfew rules. 

Gonzo’s Top 5: Halloween weekend

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Gonzo's Top 5, Local Entertainment, , , , , , ,
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.

Zeeland hosts Main Street trick or treating event

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

The Downtown Zeeland Trick or Treat event will be held on Oct. 29. This marks the 9th Trick or Treat on Main Street event provided by West Michigan Community Bank.

The Trick or Treat event will take from 3-5 p.m. downtown Zeeland. Main Street will be closed between Elm Street and Church Street to create a safe area for Trick or Treating. Come rain or shine!

This event provides a safe, family friendly environment for younger children to participate in Trick or Treating while promoting the City of Zeeland’s downtown businesses. Children are invited to participate in this event instead of, or in addition to, city-wide Trick or Treating! City wide trick or treating is scheduled on October 30th from 5 to 8 p.m., houses with exterior lights on indicate homes welcoming trick or treaters.

Children are invited to pick up a bag from West Michigan Community Bank volunteers at the tent located in front of 130 E. Main Street. From there, children can Trick or Treat by entering the participating businesses. Savor the goodies provided by downtown businesses and have fun saying hello to Zeeland’s downtown merchants. Complimentary donuts provided by Zeeland Bakery and apple cider. There will be a photo station at 152 East Main.

Also on site, the Zeeland BPW, Zeeland Police Department and Zeeland Fire Department will be giving Trick or Treating safety tips and providing fun for all ages. Come check out the fire truck and police car!

Gonzo’s Top 5: Welcome to the weekend, friends

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Gonzo's Top 5, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , ,

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer

I’m back with another “Gonzo’s Top 5” list.

This is my weekly list picks for the coolest things happening in West Michigan. I hope you find something interesting, enjoyable, fun and in some cases downright spooky.

As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for upcoming events. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

Have a great, safe weekend.

Here we go.

Gonzo’s Top 5

Pux Tap Takeover and Caramel Apple Bar

A caramel apple bar, Mexican food and cider! Why not? Our friends at Horrocks Farm Market in Kentwood have a Pux Tap Takeover and Caramel Apple Bar from 5-8 p.m. Friday (Oct. 15). The event will take place in the Tavern, which is located on the the westside of the market, and features the Mexcellente Food Truck, caramel apples, as well as several ciders. On tap: Whippersnapper (Pear, Cinnamon, Ginger Hard Cider), Pommander (Orange Liquor Barrel Aged Clove Hard Cider), Harvest (naturally fermented Hard Cider with French Cider Apples) and Pumpkin Pie (spiced Hard Apple Cider. Horrocks Farm Market is located at 4455 Breton Rd. SE, Kentwood, MI 49508. More info on the Tavern Facebook page or horrocksmarket.com.

Flannel Fest with the Muskegon Lumberjacks

Dig out the flannel for a street party as the Muskegon Lumberjacks celebrate the opening of a new season. Activities include axe throwing, games, live music and Lumberjacks hockey at Mercy Health Arena. Performing Friday night (Oct. 15) is the AC/DC tribute band “Let There be Rock.” On Saturday (Oct. 16), a cornhole tournament begins at 11 a.m. with registration beginning at 10 a.m. Other activities include hayrides, live music from Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys (5 p.m.) and craft vendors. Games are at 7:10 p.m. each night. Mercy Health Arena is located at 470 W Western Ave Muskegon, MI 49440. More info at muskegonlumberjacks.com.

“Bold, Black and Beautiful – Onward Together”

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre presents “Bold, Black and Beautiful – Onward Together,” an historical journey through musical expression. Performances are at 7:30 p.m Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday (Oct. 15-17). According to the show’s producers, the “concert features Black artists from all over West Michigan in a celebration of African and Black music, dance, and spoken word in America.” The show includes songs by Louis Armstrong, Sam Cooke, Billie Holiday, Stevie Wonder and more iconic Black artists throughout American history. Grand Rapids Civic Theatre is located at 30 N. Division. More info at grct.org.

Zoo Goes Boo

A popular, longtime favorite West Michigan event – “Zoo Goes Boo” – returns to John Ball Zoo the next two weekends (Oct. 15-17 & Oct. 22-24). It’s a fun Halloween destination for the whole family with decorations, costumes, candy and Zoo animals. The kids can experience spooky treat stations located throughout the Zoo, along with strolling entertainment. Because it is a children’s event, organizers ask “that no masks cover faces and that adults in costume dress appropriately.” Oh, and bring a bag! Zoo Goes Boo presented by Meijer. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. each day. John Ball Zoo is located at 1300 Fulton St. W. More info at jbzoo.org.

AlePrize, presented by Beer City Brewers Guild

You’ve heard of ArtPrize. But what about AlePrize? The city-wide competition pairs local artists with local breweries, who transform their spaces into galleries while patrons enjoy a pint of locally crafted beer. Winners receive $1,000 each for Public Choice Award and Juried Award categories. AlePrize runs from Oct. 15-Nov. 19 and features popular breweries such as Founders, City Built, Harmony, Elk, Brewery Vivant, Perrin, Speciation, Broad Leaf and many more. A full list including the artists can be found at aleprize.com.

That’s it for this weekend. As I said earlier, email me if you have an event you want to promote down the road.

Be safe everyone. Have a great 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.

In Love and Health: The Great Pumpkin

3-bottom, Community Health, Environment, Food, Health, Local Food, ,

By Dr. Erik Johnson
Love and Health Chiropractic

With Halloween right around the corner, kids are thinking trick-or-treat and adults are stocking up on bags of candy. As if that won’t be enough sugar, every grocery store has Halloween-theme decorated cupcakes and cookies. The pumpkin spice must flow. No wonder kids come down with colds and flu in early November. Sugar can impair the body’s natural immune response and leave us more vulnerable to germs and viruses. (Since we are still in the middle of a global COVID-19 pandemic, this is pretty important information.)

It’s a shame that all eyes (and tastebuds) are focused on sweets when another Halloween celebrity offers a host of health benefits. Pumpkins! 

One of the first cultivated foods of the Americas, pumpkins were a staple food in Oaxaca (Mexico) as early as 8750 BC—long before corn or beans. By 2700 BC, they had spread to the eastern United States. The Pueblo, Apaches, Hopi, Navajo, Havasupai, Papago, Pima and Yuman all counted on the pumpkin’s flesh and seeds as a staple food. They roasted the seeds and ate them with chili powder or mixed with fruits and nuts. As for the flesh, they roasted, dried or boiled it. Mashed boiled pumpkin was mixed with batter or syrup or used to thicken soup. Dried pumpkin was sliced into rings and hung in storerooms for winter.

Pumpkin flesh is low in fat and rich in nutrients. One cup of cooked pumpkin provides three grams of fiber, magnesium, potassium and vitamins A, C and E—200% of your daily requirement of vitamin A (for healthy eyes). It also provides carotenoids, which can help lower your risk for cancer.

Pumpkin seeds have anti‐microbial benefits, including anti‐fungal and antiviral properties. So, they are a great snack during the cold and flu season. Studies on laboratory animals have shown pumpkin seeds may improve insulin regulation and help kidney function. Because they are an excellent source of the mineral zinc, the World Health Organization recommends eating them. Eating whole, roasted unshelled pumpkin seeds gives you the most zinc.

You can roast the pumpkin seeds you remove from your Jack O’Lantern. And you can buy pumpkins seeds at most grocery stores. They are also called pepitas. Pepitas are a very popular snack in the Latinx culture, perhaps because some of their ancestors were among the first in the world to discover and cultivate pumpkins.

If your Jack O’Lantern goes bad before you have a chance to roast it, look for “pie pumpkins” in your store’s produce department or at the U-M Health West Farm Market—and try a recipe besides pie!

Another way to boo-ooo-oost your immune system is to come in for a chiropractic adjustment. Keeping your spine aligned helps your brain, gut, immune system, and other body organs to work better with each other and keep you healthy naturally.

Dr. Erik Johnson DC is a chiropractor at Love and Health Chiropractic in Wyoming at 1586 44th Street SW. 

Spooky Halloween fun of Zoo Goes Boo returns to John Ball Zoo

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, ,
The John Ball Zoo lions enjoys a little Halloween fun. (John Ball Zoo)

BY WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

It’s that spooky time of year and John Ball Zoo is joining in the Halloween fun by announcing the return of Zoo Goes Boo for two weekends Oct. 15 – 17 and Oct. 22 – 24.

The Zoo’s annual Zoo Goes Boo event is a family favorite destination for trick-or-treating. John Ball Zoo will transform into the ultimate Halloween destination with decorations, entertainment, costumes, candy, and the Zoo’s amazing animals. Zoo Goes Boo is presented by Meijer.

Traditions returns this year with spooky treat stations ready for trick-or-treating located throughout the Zoo, along with strolling entertainment.

Guests are encouraged to get in on the spooky fun and wear costumes. Also, John Ball Zoo is always looking for ways to be a friend of the environment, so they request that guests bring their own reusable bags for trick-or-treating or purchase one from the gift shop.

John Ball Zoo would like to remind families to make mindful choices when shopping for chocolate and candy this Halloween. Buy from companies that are members of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil or chocolate products certified by the Rainforest Alliance.

Zoo Goes Boo will be from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. each day, with a Zoo members’ only hour beginning at 9:00 a.m. John Ball Zoo would like to remind guests that Zoo Goes Boo is a children’s event. Adults in costume are requested to dress appropriately and costumes with masks are not allowed.

Guests are encouraged to purchase Zoo Goes Boo tickets in advance. A ticket link can be found online at jbzoo.org/event/zoogoesboo. John Ball Zoo is located on Fulton Ave., one mile west of downtown Grand Rapids.

Wyoming’s Trick or Treat Trail takes places this Saturday

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , , ,
Entrance and parking area for the upcoming Wyoming Trick or Treat Trail. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

One of the most popular events in the City of Wyoming is taking place this weekend, the Trick of Treat Trail. The event is set for 4 – 6 p.m. at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW.

About 2,500 children are expected to attend to the annual free event which has local businesses, such as Weller Self Serve, Bloom Credit Union, Godwin Plumbing and Hardware, and Hom Flats, handing out candy. WKTV also will be there filming fall greetings from area children on different seasonal backgrounds.

There is no pre-registration for the event, with families encouraged to come. With that in mind, we caught up with Wyoming’s Special Events and Marketing Programmer Corey Stamps to get the scoop on a few things you should know before you go.

The community comes together at Wyoming’s Trick or Treat Trail. (Supplied)

Entering and Parking: Participants should enter from the Byron Center East gate (see map above). This is also where they can park.

Costumes: Costumes are not required but encouraged to add a little more fun to the event. Parents can dress up as well.



Adult supervision: Children must have a supervising adult with them to participate.

Event time: The event will start right at 4 p.m. and go until 6 p.m. There is no additional time before or after the event.

The pathway: Once participants park they will be directed to the path. The actual path goes in a complete loop around the Lamar Park parking lot. Along the way participants will be greeted by our table host and be able to participate in different activities.

Kids Area: There will be a kids area with crafts, face painting and tattoos.

Social distancing and Mask wearing: Since there will being a large number of participants, we encourage everyone to try and keep a safe distance from one another. Masks are not required at this event but participants are more than welcome to wear one.

What if it rains?The event will take place rain or shine. Please pay attention to our Facebook page if there happens to be a weather concern.

For more information about Parks and Recreation programs and events please contact the City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation team by calling 616-530-3164, emailing parks_info@wyomingmi.gov, or visiting www.wyomingmi.gov

Fall Fest set to return to downtown Holland in October

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events, , ,
Professional pumpkin carvers will be helping to decorate Holland for the fall season during Fall Fest. (Supplied0

By Kara de Alvare
City of Holland

After being cancelled last year due to Covid, Downtown Holland’s annual Fall Fest is back…and this year is bigger and better than ever before! Downtown Holland and the Holland Farmers Market have partnered with the Holland Visitors Bureau, Tulip Time, and Windmill Island Gardens to expand this year’s Fall Fest offerings. During this two-day event held Friday, Oct. 8, and Saturday, Oct. 9, the entire community is invited to celebrate everything there is to love about fall, with professional pumpkin carving, children’s activities, family hayrides, community tulip planting, an artisan market at Windmill Island Gardens, fall walking tours, and more.

Fall Fest kicks on Friday, Oct. 8, with Community Tulip Planting from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., hosted by Tulip Time. Visitors and community members can visit the Tulip Time website (www.tuliptime.com) to sign up for a time slot to help plant 75,000 of Holland’s famous tulip bulbs at Window On The Waterfront in Downtown Holland. All volunteers will be treated to complimentary donuts from Bowerman’s Blueberry Market and coffee from Biggby Coffee of Holland. Gardening gloves are recommended, but all other tools and instructions will be provided onsite.

Fall Fest continues on Friday, October 8 with eight of the nation’s best professional pumpkin carvers, including Food Network alumni, appearing in Downtown Holland from 3 – 7 p.m. The carvers will spend the afternoon and evening carving jack-o-lanterns all along 8th Street in Downtown Holland. At 7 p.m., the jack-o-lanterns will be lit from within and will remain on display until 10 p.m. that night for visitors to explore while strolling through Downtown Holland.

The professional carvers also will be assembling 3D pumpkin sculptures. (Supplied)

On Saturday, Oct. 9, the professional pumpkin carvers will appear at the Holland Farmers Market from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., carving 3D sculptures onsite. Children can also paint their own pumpkins to bring home during that time for just a dollar per pumpkin, with all painting supplies provided by Fris Supply Shop in Downtown Holland. Market vendors Visser Farmers also will be offering hayrides from the Holland Farmers Market to Downtown Holland and back again from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Hayrides are just $3 per person for the round trip.

The Holland Farmers Market will be open from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. that day. Visitors will find seasonal décor items, including pumpkins, gourds, mums, and corn shocks at the Market, along with apples of every variety, squash, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, carrots, and other root vegetables. And as always, you can pick up bread and baked goods, farm-raised and fresh caught meat, honey and maple syrup, and a wide variety of specialty foods and beverages while you’re there.

The Community Tulip Planting will continue on Saturday morning at Window On The Waterfront from 8 a.m. – noon. Tulip Time also will be offering guided fall walking tours throughout Downtown Holland that day from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Each tour is approximately an hour and a half long and covers one and a half miles. Tour highlights include Hope College, Dimnent Chapel, Pillar Church, Centennial Park, and unique architecture sites. Tours are $25 per person and tickets must be purchased in advance at www.tuliptime.com.

Tulip Time will also be hosting an all-new Artisan Market at Windmill Island Gardens from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. as part of Fall Fest on Saturday, Oct. 9. More than 50 local artisans and crafters will be selling their works as part of this juried show. Visitors can shop for hand-crafted jewelry, home décor, artwork, clothing, specialty foods, and more. Entry to the Artisan Market is just $5 per person, which also includes the opportunity to tour the beautiful gardens at Windmill Island and to visit the Dutch attractions, including the DeZwaan Windmill, the historic Dutch carousel, the miniature Dutch village, and much more. Professionally-carved pumpkins will also be on display throughout Windmill Island Gardens during the Artisan Market.

The Fall Fest fun continues in Downtown Holland on Saturday, October 9 too! The professional pumpkin carvers will return to 8th Street from noon – 7 p.m. that day to continue carving 3D pumpkin displays. Watch these talented artists at work all afternoon long, then be sure to return later on in the evening from 7 – 10 p.m. to see their finished masterpieces. To add to the fun for families, street performers will also be performing on 8th Street from noon – 4 p.m., including musicians, face painters, balloon twisters, and more.

Movies on the Lawn returns with two Halloween classics

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Circle Theatre and Wealthy Theatre partner up to bring back Movies on the Lawn. (Supplied)

Circle Theatre will partner with Wealthy Theatre once again to bring back Movies On the Lawn events. Halloween movies include “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” on Sept. 29 and Oct. 2 and “Hocus Pocus” on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.

 

Get in the Halloween spirit – bring your picnic baskets, blankets and beach chairs, favorite costumes, friends and family, and join Circle Theatre and Wealthy Theatre for a spooky night of Halloween fun on the lawn at the Performing Arts Center, 1703 Robinson Rd. SE. All proceeds from ticket sales will go directly to supporting local theatre through Circle Theatre and Wealthy Theatre. Masks will be required when indoors at our Performing Arts Center. 

For “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” tickets are $20 and include a prop bag. Cash bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and a concession stand with popcorn and candy will be available. Picnic style food is welcome. Patrons can get into the spirit and join in all the fun with complimentary prop bags, as well as enjoying Circle Theatre’s very own Shadow Cast performing on both nights. Doors open at 7 p.m., costume contest at 7:45 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m.

For “Hocus Pocus,” tickets are $15. This special, family-friendly showing for all ages will feature a concession stand with popcorn and candy. Picnic style food is welcome. Patrons can get into the witching spirit with $5 Witches Bags for kids featuring everything your kids will need to put a spell on your friends and family. Doors open at 7 p.m., Costume Contest at 7:45 p.m., Show Starts at 8 p.m.

 

Local theatre has taken a deep hit this summer with multiple postponements and cancellations due to COVID-19. These intermissions have left both Circle Theatre and Wealthy Theatre with renewed commitments to keeping theatre alive through safe and entertaining community events. These events are just one of the many ways that you can help support Circle Theatre and Wealthy Theatre.

 

For more information on the Movies On the Lawn events or to purchase tickets, call the box office at 616-456-6656 or visit circletheatre.org. Find more information about Wealthy Theatre and its upcoming events at grcmc.org/theatre. 

Snapshots: Fun things to do this Halloween weekend

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, ,


By Faith Morgan
WKTV Intern

“It’s Halloween, everyone’s entitled to one good scare.”

– Brackett, Halloween (1978)
The night sky at about 8 p.m. Halloween with Jupiter and Saturn in the southern sky (right) and the Blue Moon and Mars in the eastern sky (left). (Supplied)

Look to the Skies

Halloween is going to be clear night, which means a good night to look at the stars. And befitting of an evening of strange and spooky things, there will be a lot going in the stars. First three is the Blue Moon, which is when there is a full moon twice in one month, a rare occurrence. But even rare is the Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn, which will have the planets only a .1 degree away from each other. The last time that happened was Galileo’s time of about 1623. Talk about a treat!

The Eastern Kille cider kit. (Eastern Kille)

Celebrate Halloween in Beer City

Holidays are the perfect time to relax, sit back, and have a drink. Recently five Michigan breweries brought home a collective six medals from the Great American Beer Festival Competition honoring it’s title as “The Great Beer State.” Stay in and make yourself a drink or go out and support a local distillery in West Michigan-style. In other words, give your taste buds a real treat this Halloween.

Madea at Studio Park

Not a fan of scary movies? Studio Park is showing “Boo! A Madea Halloween” Saturday Oct 31 at 4 p.m. The 2016 film features director, writer, and star Tyler Perry in his classic role as Madea. Madea crashes a Halloween party that her great-niece lies about going to and finds herself in a hilarious attempt to save herself and her family from some spooky characters.

“Frankenstein” by twm1340 is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Fun fact: Frankenstein was a dream

The famous story of Frankenstein came to writer Mary Shelley in a dream in 1817. Mary Shelley is also the youngest author to be on The Observers 100 Greatest Novels of All Time list. Who knew one great novel could just a dream away?

Can you trick-or-treat? It is up to individuals, neighborhoods to decide

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, ,
One safe Halloween alternative is tour a neighborhood and look at the Halloween decorations. (pxhere.com)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Will there be trick-or-treating this Halloween? The answer is yes, although it may look a little different this year.


There has been no state or local mandates cancelling trick-or-treating, however the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has encouraged people to consider alternative Halloween options such as carving pumpkins and then walking around and viewing Halloween decorations or have a virtual costume contest. In fact, there is an entire website, Halloween2020.org, that provides information on risk factors throughout the entire country and recommended Halloween activities.

Traditionally, the Wyoming City Council has never weighted in on specifics for Halloween but instead has left the option up to neighborhoods and families to decide what works best for them. For 2020, the council has kept to that tradition, according to Amanda Moore, communications specialist for the City of Wyoming.

The City of Kentwood, which has its guidelines on its website, is encouraging trick-or-treating from 6 – 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31. Kentwood also has a curfew ordinance. Unless accompanied by a parent or responsible adult over the age of 21, children who are under 12-years-old must be off the streets by 10 p.m., 13 to 16-years-old by 11 p.m., and 17 years-old by midnight.

Representatives from both cities said they are encouraging community members to practice social distancing, wear a mask when around others, and follow CDC guidelines. In fact, Kent County Health Department representatives said they also are directing residents to the CDC or to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for guidance on having a safe Halloween. Both have put out quite the list of safety practices, so here are the highlights:

Avoid direct contact with trick-or-treaters

Give out treats outdoors, if possible

Set up a station with individuals bagged treats for kids to take

Wash hands before handling treats

Use hand sanitizer of at least 60% alcohol

And when we say wear a mask, we are not talking about one that disguises but rather the face mask that covers both the mouth and nose. Health officials encourage participants to incorporate the face mask into their costume design. 

Participants are being reminded to stay at least six feet apart and of course, if you are sick stay home and/or do not hand out candy. 

The Usual Halloween Warnings

For every Halloween, the Kent County Sheriff’s Department and local law enforcement have put out reminders to drivers about large numbers of people out for Halloween and therefore motorists should drive slowly through neighborhoods and keep an eye out for children who might dart out into the street. While the number of trick-or-treaters could be less this year, motorists still should be alert when traveling.

Anyone wearing a costume should be visible after dark so reflective tape on the costume, glow sticks or flashlights are recommended.

Also have everyone wait until after trick-or-treating before digging into the treats so the candy can be inspected and anything suspicious is discarded.

Be respectful and do not visit house without porch or outdoor lights on. Also, if you see something that appears suspicious, report to your local law enforcement or call 911.

Pumpkins on Parade in downtown St .Joseph

Citizen Journalism,

By Audrey Zapal
St. Joesph

Downtown businesses and restaurants in St. Joseph will host Pumpkins on Parade, a pumpkin decorating contest, Oct. 23 through Nov. 1.

Visit participating locations and vote for your favorite pumpkin online! Voting will be available at stjoetoday.com/vote from 10:00am October 23 to 11:59pm November 1. The top three winners will be announced on Monday, November 2 on the St. Joseph Today Facebook page.

Stop by these participating locations to check out their pumpkin display:  221 Main, Baroda Founders, Bistro on the Boulevard, Chartreuse, City of St. Joseph Public Works Department (located at City Hall), Edgewater Bank, G&M Variety, Grins of St. Joseph, Krasl Art Center, Lazy Ballerina Winery, Perennial Accents, Plank’s Tavern on the Water, ReVive Spa, Schu’s Bar & Grill, Silver Beach Pizza, St. Joseph Today, Statements Style Lounge, Sturgis Bank & Trust Co., The Buck Burgers & Brew, The Toy Company, Third Coast Surf Shop, Tim’s Too, Waterfront Framing & Design, and White Pine Winery.

Special thanks to Silver Beach Pizza and Prillwitz Fruit Farms for the coordination and donation of pumpkins for this event.

Catch these upcoming fall and winter events:

Luminary: Friday, Nov. 20 (5:00pm-8:00pm)

Small Business Saturday: Saturday, Nov. 28 (all day)

Window Wonderland: Friday, Dec. 4 (7-8:30 pm)

Reindog Holiday Parade: Saturday, Dec. 5 (3 p.m.)

St. Joseph Today is a 501(c)(3) membership-based organization dedicated to developing and promoting events and businesses in St. Joseph, Mich. and its surrounding communities. For more information about upcoming fall and winter events and details call St. Joseph Today at (269) 985 1111 or visit stjoetoday.com.

The spooktacular event Zoo Goes Boo is returning to John Ball Zoo

Entertainment,

By Anna Johns

WKTV Intern

(John Ball Zoo)

It’s that time of year again and everyone is wondering what to do for Halloween but don’t worry John Ball Zoo is here for you. The Zoo Goes Boo is returning this year guests will have the opportunity to enjoy decorations, costumes, candy as they visit their favorite animals.


Guests will follow the treat trail where they can visit decorated booths along to way to collect their goodies. The trail is one way and will be socially distanced to keep guests from congregating. To help the environment guests are asked to bring their own reusable treat bags or to purchase one form the gift shop.

The zoo wants everyone in the Halloween spirit and costumes are highly encouraged. It is noted that this is a family event and adults should dress dress appropriately and masks covering the face are not permitted for adults.

This year the event has made changes to comply with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Guests over the age of five will be asked to wear face masks when indoors or outside when close to others. There will be enhanced sanitation, limited compacity, and date-specific timed entries.

The Zoo Goes Boo will run for two weekends kicking off on Oct. 16 – 18 and again Oct. 23 – 25. This event will last from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at the Zoo’s website www.jbzoo.org/visitandtickets.

John Ball Zoo is located at 1300 Fulton St W and for more information visit https://www.jbzoo.org/event/zoogoesboo.

Get your spook on as Circle Theatre presents two Halloween cult classics

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, ,
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” will be show Oct. 1 – 3

By Anna Johns

WKTV Intern

Fall is almost here and to kick off the Halloween season Circle Theatre has joined forces with Wealthy Theatre to show screenings of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and “Hocus Pocus.”

“Hocus Pocus” is Oct. 8 – 10

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” will run Oct. 1 to 3 and “Hocus Pocus” will run Oct. 8 to 10. Doors open at 7 p.m. with a costume contest at 7:45 p.m. and the show will start at 8 p.m.

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is a 1975 musical comedy horror film that was mostly featured in theaters around midnight due to its mature content. The cult favorite is known for such songs as “Let’s Do the Time Wrap Again” and launched the careers of Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick, and Meat Loaf. Another cult classic, “Hocus Pocus” is a 1993 Disney movie about the Sanderson sisters who were resurrected by a teenage boy in Salem, Mass, on Halloween night. The film features Bette Milder and Sarah Jessica Parker.


Patrons will have access to a cash bar with both alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks. Popcorn and candy will be available but guests are allowed to bring their own picnic-style food. 

Films will be shown on the lawn of the Aquinas College Performing Arts Center, where Circle Theatre has its productions. The Aquinas College Performing Arts Center is located at 1703 Robinson Rd. SE. Social distancing between groups will be enforced and guests are required to wear masks when not seated. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by calling the box office at 616-456-6656 or visit Circletheatre.org


Guests should bring their own picnic blankets and beach chairs. They are also encouraged to get into the Halloween spirit by participating in costume contests. Each screening will have a costume contest held before the show.

All proceeds from this event will support local theater.

Halloween fun around West Michigan

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Kids Activities,
Courtesy Lewis Farms & Petting Zoo

By Adrienne Brown-Reasner, West Michigan Tourist Association


From costume contests to fall festivals, spooky performances to trick-or-treat events, West Michigan is celebrating Halloween all month long. You’ll find family friendly events, adult only parties, pumpkin carving, haunted trails, and more.

Trick or Treat Events

South West Michigan


The 12th Annual Spooky Science Saturday, a free trick-or-treating event, will be held Saturday, Oct. 19th from 11am to 3pm on the grounds of the Kingman Museum and Leila Arboretum and Kaleidoscope Garden in Battle Creek. The event–held rain or shine–is aimed at children 6 to 12 years old, but whole families are welcome. Don’t forget to dress up in your favorite costume and enjoy $1 hayrides through the Arboretum. Parking available at Northwestern Middle School (176 Limit St) or the Kaleidoscope Garden at 928 W. Michigan.


Pierce Cedar Creek Institute in Hastings hosts the Candlelight Trails: Trick-or-Treat on the Trails on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 6-9pm. Dress up your little “boos” and “ghouls” and come out for Halloween fun on candlelit trails. After hiking the trails, head inside the Visitor Center for hot chocolate, warm coffee, snacks, and fall-themed activities around a crackling fire. Members $6, Non-Members $8, Family $25.


Join the Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven on Halloween for a free Trick-or-Treating family event from 4-6pm. This event is for kids ages toddler to 10 years old. Children must be in costume and be accompanied by an adult.


Spooky decorations and family-friendly fun await you this Halloween at the downtown South Haven Trick-or-Treating event, Oct. 31st beginning at 5pm.


Central West Michigan


Come to Downtown Holland Saturday, Oct. 26th, 10am-noon, and spend the morning trick-or-treating with your children at participating stores along 8th Street.


Enjoy Halloween fun at the Holland Museum, with trick-or-treating in the exhibits, flashlight tours of the Dutch Galleries, fun games, and spooky crafts at “Monsters at the Museum”, Saturday, Oct. 26th, 11am-4pm. Come prepared with a flashlight and camera. Not recommended for children 8 years old and under.


Zeeland’s Main Street Trick or Treat event presented by West Michigan Community Bank will take place Oct. 31st from 3-5pm in downtown Zeeland; Main Street will be closed between Elm Street and Church Street. Held rain or shine, this event invites children to participate instead of or in addition to the city-wide Trick or Treating, which is scheduled from 5-8pm.


Put on your costume and celebrate Halloween at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum. Trick-or-treat your way through two floors of hands-on exhibits, featuring special spooky crafts and activities, Oct. 31st, with $1.75 admission from 5-8pm.


Zoo Goes Boo is six days of trick-or-treating, costumes, entertainment, cool decorations, games, and fun at John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids–and the animals get treats, too! Wear your costume, the Zoo will provide the candy. Please bring your own reusable bag for trick-or-treating, or purchase one from the gift shop. Zoo Goes Boo runs Oct. 18th-20th and Oct. 25th-27th, 10am-4pm. Tickets are $12.00 for adults, $10.00 for children, college students, and seniors, and free for zoo members.  


Bring the kids for free trick or treating at Muskegon’s South Pierhead Light on Oct. 26th. Kids who come in costumes (safe for climbing) can stay and climb for free in the company of an adult (admission fees apply to adults). Join in games and prize giveaways for best costume, chosen every hour by a different Lighthouse Keeper. 


Attention all Monsters and Goblins, Mermaids and Super Heroes, and all the ghosts in between: Grand Haven Main Street’s Annual Trick or Treating night is Thursday, Oct. 31st. Local businesses will provide treats for all those brave enough to endure the mystical streets of Downtown Grand Haven from 4-5:30pm on Washington Ave. from 3rd Street to Harbor Drive. 


Bring the kids to Mt. Pleasant in their costumes Oct. 31st from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm for trick-or-treating at downtown businesses at the Pumpkin Promenade.

Halloween Tours & Trails

Get in the Halloween mood with a spooky West Michigan Beer Tours Halloween Beer Tour on Oct. 25th in Kalamazoo to try some great fall seasonal beers and enjoy a night of frights, flights, and fun.


Discover the magic of Victorian Halloween traditions and superstitions this fall at the Holland Museum’s Cappon House. Tour the dimly lit rooms of the Cappon House to learn how Halloween was celebrated 100 years ago, then partake in spooky parlor games and broom races, listen to classic ghost stories, have your fortune told, and carve a mini pumpkin to take home. Visit the Halloween Haunts Oct. 18th and 19th, 6-8pm; tickets $8.00 per person for members, $10.00 for non-members, and children ages 5 and under are free. 

Performances & Exhibitions

Our Town Players present Harvest Horror, a collection of psychological thrillers, Oct. 18th and 19th at the Masonic Temple in South Haven. Performances begin at 7:30pm, box office opens at 7pm.


The Barn Theatre School in Augusta just announced two special weekend performances of The Rocky Horror Show, on stage Oct. 18th through 20th and Oct. 25th through the 27th.


The Grand Rapids Public Museum hosts a special Halloween-themed Mighty Wurlitzer Organ Concert by Dale Zieger accompanying the 1920 silent film “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” Oct. 18th at 7pm and Oct. 19th at 2pm. 

Costume parties & parades

Get creative at the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s Hallo-Wee Ones event in Grand Rapids, a special event designed for the youngest visitors, Oct. 25th, 10am-noon. Dress your child as a sculpture, mammal, fish, insect, bird, tree, flower, geologist, or any other way that highlights something about the Children’s Garden and participate in one of two costume parades, held at 10:15am and 11:15am.


Save the date for one of the most popular parties of the year! Just Wicked will be held Saturday, Oct. 26th in the International Ballroom at the JW Marriott Grand Rapids. The first 50 guests at the door will be greeted with a specialty cocktail crafted for the event. Costume contest for cash prizes and indulgent extras will bring out the competitive spirit in you. Costume contest winners to be announced at approximately 10:45pm. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door (if tickets are still available). Must be 21 years of age to attend.

Courtesy Saugatuck-Douglas Convention & Visitors Bureau

There’s really no better place to be during Halloween than in Saugatuck/Douglas. While you will find many family friendly events, the show-stopper is the Adult Halloween Parade in downtown Douglas. This year’s parade will take place Oct. 26th. No sign-up required to join the parade, just come in costume and line up starting at 9:30pm to wait for the Pumpkin King to start the parade at 10pm.


Bring your furry friend to downtown South Haven all dressed up and ready to show off for the Pet Costume Parade 11am Oct. 20th. Prizes for the pet costumes that are the scariest, funniest and matching their owner.

Escape Rooms & Murder Mystery Dinners

Looking for a night filled with suspense, entertainment, and a fabulous meal? Take a crack at solving a ‘murder mystery’ while you feast on a meal that’s to die for Friday, Nov. 1st, at the W.K. Kellogg Manor House in Augusta. Guests may arrive at 5:30pm for a docent-led tour of the Manor House and the dinner and program will begin at 6:30pm.

Festivals, Races, and Other Special Events

Mark your calendar for Spooky Sip and Paint with Star Buxum, Oct. 16th at 7pm at Stella’s Lounge in Grand Rapids. Join local drag queen and artist Star Buxom as she takes over a paint and sip class you will not forget. Get ready for crude humor, vulgar language, messy sing-alongs, strong drinks, and fabulous art with a Halloween theme. Your $35 ticket includes an 11×14 canvas board, a well drink or draft PBR, an appetizer, painting instruction, and a good time. Reserve your spot today


It’s a date night for the whole family at the Lakeshore Museum Center in Muskegon, Oct. 18th, featuring extended museum hours with fun stations and themes. Smashing Pumpkins Friday Family Fun Night will feature the museum-built trebuchet.


It’s that time of year for all things pumpkin — pumpkin donuts, pumpkin pie, pumpkin chucking, and of course, the pumpkin patch, at The Great Pumpkin Festival, Oct. 19th and 20th at Lewis Farms & Petting Zoo in New Era. Come back the next weekend, Oct. 26th and 27th, for Halloween Extravaganza with wagon rides, apple cannons, U-pick pumpkins, and “Disc Dogs Live”.


Prepare yourself for fall flavors and fright-filled nights at Haven Harvest! Taste the flavors of fall as hayrides roll, pumpkins fly, and headless horseman ride. Experience a true South Haven harvest with apple orchards, bonfires, pumpkin chunkin’, and delicious good-as-grandma’s pies. Grab some cider, dance to live music, and see South Haven transform during Haven Harvest, Oct. 18th through 20th. 


BOO on Your Bike will take place Oct. 20th, 1-3pm, on the Kal-Haven Trail in South Haven. This free annual event invites riders of all ages to dress up in costume and get out for a scenic fall bicycle ride on the Kal-Haven Trail starting at the South Haven trail head.


Experience the magic of science this Halloween season at the Air Zoo in Portage. Visit Oct. 26th from 10am-3pm for the first-ever Ice Cream Challenge event, where West Michigan teams will use the power of liquid nitrogen to transform flavors and ingredients into frozen treats to taste. Your votes decide the winner of this epic culinary battle, powered by spooky science.


Come to the Stella’s Lounge in Grand Rapids Nov. 1st at 10pm as they kick off their Halloween party in the front bar. Terrified of clowns, toys and dolls? Head to the back bar with DJ Chowdur and dance your fears away. $5 cover and food and beverage specials throughout the night.


WKTV Halloween line-up includes several local producers, one premiere

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, WKTV Projects, , , ,

 

By WKTV Staff

joanne@wktv.org

 

As you are passing out candy to the trick-or-treaters, WKTV will be featuring a line-up of locally produced horror and Halloween films, with a special premiere showing from a familiar filmmaker.

 

Director and Producer Moe McCoy’s “Angel Horror Movie” will air at 10 p.m. It is a film that according toMcCoy, had its own “horror” backstory that the team from his Fireproof Film company managed to overcome.

 

“This was a film that I originally started shooting in Grand Rapids,” McCoy said. “I had the house lined up and everyone there and then there was a drive-by and I everyone just left, the cast, the crew, everybody.”

 

Not to be deterred, McCoy took the concept with him, reshooting in Houston, Texas with a Red camera, only to discover that the film was so large only a few places could handle the editing, one of which is WKTV.

 

“So I came back to my roots,” said McCoy, who got his start in film by volunteering at WKTV. “It has been so much fun being back here in Michigan and at the WKTV studio. I am excited about the premiere.”

 

WKTV’s Halloween specials start at 7 p.m. with the Rosehill Cemetery Tour followed by a family film, “We Are the Dead,” produced by a group of Grand Valley State University students utilizing WKTV equipment. “We Are the Dead” follows the story of three men as they try to survive the zombie apocalypse. This film will air at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30; 8:30 p.m. and 1:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31; and 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2.

 

At 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31, will be “The Basement,” an indie film produced by another volunteer and local producer Chris Penny of Dogbyte Films. After that is McCoy’s “Angel Horror Film.”

 

The rest of the line-up includes:

 

11 p.m. Transitions

11:30 p.m. Return of the Curse

1 a.m. Grand Rapids Paranormal Alliance Ghost Documentary

How to use four items to give you that zombie look this Halloween

3-bottom, , , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

One of the best parts of Halloween is dressing up in costume and one of the  most important parts of a costume is the make up. 

 

Recently, make up artist Sadie Rose, who is a student at Forest Eastern High School and dual enrolled at Ferris State University’s Kendall College of Art and Design, stopped by the WKTV Journal to show how easy it is to become a zombie. 

 

Rose got her start in make up when, as a freshman, she signed up to do make up for the high school play. 

 

“I really enjoyed doing the make up on people and that following Halloween I decided to be a zombie, getting into more of the special effects make up,” Rose said.

 

So click on the video above to find out what you can do with some liquid latex, tissue, a few different color foundations, and a Crayola water color pencil. 

Salvation Army Kroc Center hosts popular Monster Mash

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, , ,

By Jon Shaner

Salvation Army

 

The Salvation Army Kroc Center is holding its sixth-annual “Monster Mash” Halloween event on Friday, Oct. 26, from 5 to 7 p.m. 

 

This free event will feature “trunk-or-treating” in the Kroc’s east parking lot, giving families a fun and safe alternative to trick-or-treating in their own neighborhoods. Multiple Kroc Center and other Salvation Army groups will be distributing candy and other information, along with other local businesses. 

 

Last year’s Monster Mash attracted more than 2,000 people. In addition to the trunk-or-treating, concessions will be for sale (cash only, please), along with a Kroc members-only play area and other family activities. There is still time for businesses or community organizations to sign up; interested groups should contact Jon Shaner at jon_shaner@usc.salvationarmy.org before Monday, Oct. 22. 

 

“Monster Mash is one of our biggest events of the year,” said Captain Bill Brutto, senior officer for The Salvation Army Kroc Center. “We love giving families the opportunity to enjoy time together in a fun and safe environment. I’m not sure who gets more excited, the kids or our staff!” 

 

The event will be cancelled in the event of heavy rain or lightning. Visit GrKrocCenter.org or call 616-588-7200 for more information. 

GR Story Spinners at Blandford Nature Center Oct. 28

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Kids Activities, Non-Profits, Upcoming Events, ,

By Blandford Nature Center (BNC)

 

Join Grand Rapids Story Spinners and BNC for an afternoon of scary stories. Turn off your devices for a couple hours and listen to some Halloween tales. Audience will be divided based on suspense levels.

  • Where: Blandford Nature Center Visitor’s Center, 1715 Hillburn Ave NW,
  • Date: 2-3:30 pm, Saturday October 28, 2017
  • Cost: This program is $5 for members and non-members. $10 for families .

Scary Stories is appropriate ages 5 and up. Pre-Registration available, walk-ins welcome.

Kentwood hosts Trunk or Treat event on Oct. 21

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, , , ,

Flashback: In celebration of Kentwood’s 50 anniversary, here’s a photo from a 1980s Halloween event.

Calling all ghouls, monsters, superheroes, princesses and other trick-or-treaters: You are invited to attend the City of Kentwood’s annual Trunk or Treat on Saturday, Oct. 21.

 

Trunk or Treat will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at Kentwood Department of Public Works, 5068 Breton Road SE, Kentwood. The City, which is celebrating 50 years in 2017, is inviting families from West Michigan to join in the event.

 

Children are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes and bring their own candy-collection bag. More than 20 businesses and City departments will be handing out candy and other treats throughout the morning. In addition to the trunks, there will be games, face painting, a bounce house and hay rides.

 

Some more flashback fun in honor of Kentwood’s 50th anniversary.

“Trunk or Treat gets bigger every year, which is really reflective of the growth in our community,” said Laura Barbrick, marketing and events coordinator of Kentwood’s Parks and Recreation Department. “It was created to provide families a safe and fun opportunity to trick or treat.

 

“Local businesses and organizations are invited to attend and decorate their vehicles with Halloween themes. It’s a great time for families to connect with local organizations and businesses in a fun, high-energy day.”

 

The event is free for those participating in trick or treating. There is no cost for those organizations wishing to reserve a parking space, however they must supply their own candy. For more information or to register a vehicle, please contact Laura Barbrick at barbrickl@ci.kentwood.mi.us or 616-656-5272.

 

Information is available at www.kentwood50.com.

Haunted high ropes and more at the Grand Rapids Treetop Adventure Park

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Grand Rapids Treetop Adventure Park will be hosting Halloween-themed events this October designed to be fun for the whole family, and a great time as the leaves are changing.

 

Treetop Adventure Park is a high ropes and zipline obstacle course set in one of the many beautiful forests of Grand Rapids. The park is located right next to the Celebration North IMAX Theater off East Beltline and Knapp road in Northeast Grand Rapids.

 

An Adventure Park is a combination of suspended obstacles above the forest floor like bridges, cargo nets, swinging logs, rings, skateboards and ziplines. The courses range in difficulty from the easiest to most difficult, similar to ski resorts, with green, blue, and black runs, so there is something for every fitness and comfort level.

 

The park will feature Terror at Treetops every Friday and Saturday where the trees are lit up with LED lights, black lights, and halloween decorations. There will be a 20 percent off to anyone who comes dressed in their Halloween costumes. Experience the Haunted Forest during this time, recommended for children ages 12 and up. Sunday mornings, there will be cider and donuts on a first come, first serve basis.Also during the day, every day there will be trick-or-treating around the park with candy-filled pumpkins hidden around the park.

 

For more information or to make a reservation visit www.treetopadventuregrandrapids.com, email soar@grtta.com or call 616-226-3993.

Wyoming gets ready for 14th Annual Pumpkin Path

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, , , ,

About 6,000 children, parents, and grandparents attended the Wyoming Pumpkin Path last year.

It’s time to get the kids together and pull out your favorite costume because Pumpkin Path is right around the corner!

 

The City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department is excited to once again host the 14th annual Pumpkin Path – a free event for kids and families on Saturday, Oct. 14 at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW. The event will be held from 4-6 p.m. Local businesses, clubs and organizations will host spaces along the path and will hand out candy, coupons and other goodies.

 

“Pumpkin Path was created to be a fun, safe, family-friendly event for the fall, providing an alternative to traditional Halloween events,” said Rebecca Rynbrandt, director of community services for the City of Wyoming.  “Pumpkin Path gives families the perfect opportunity to interact with neighborhood businesses while enjoying the outdoors, Lamar Park and the beauty of the fall season.”

 

Not only should children expect to receive treats, they should also look forward to a DJ and dancing, jumping in the bounce house and games. Participants are welcome to come in costume or in regular clothes.

 

At last year’s Pumpkin Path event, 65 local businesses and organizations and more than 6,000 children, parents, grandparents and friends attended.

Van Andel Arena throws free Halloween open house as ‘thank you’

3-bottom, Entertainment, Upcoming Events, , , , , , , ,

 vanandel

Van Andel Arena has been celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and the party is set to keep going. The venue is inviting the community to celebrate at the Halloween Open House on Sunday, Oct. 23 from 12–4 pm.

The event is free and open to the public as a way for Van Andel Arena to show gratitude for the support of the community over the past 20 years.

Plenty of activities and freebies are planned for the Halloween-themed event. The first 5,000 people through the doors will enjoy a free hot dog, popcorn, and Pepsi, and the first 2,000 people will be given a treat – a 20th birthday cupcake.

Other activities to enjoy are costume contests, a live DJ, trick-or-treating and bag decoration stations, Halloween photo stations, self-guided tours of the building, ticket giveaways, and more, including a chance to take a slapshot on the ice, shoot hoops on the basketball floor, and have your picture taken with a Zamboni.

The event will be a fun-filled, family-friendly day and guests are encouraged to show up in costume to get into the Halloween spirit.

Public Museum kicks off organ series with a ‘spooky’ twist

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, , , , , ,

Buster Keaton's "The Haunted House" will be featured in the opening concert.
Buster Keaton’s “The Haunted House” will be featured in the opening concert.

Join the Grand Rapids Public Museum for the first Mighty Wurlitzer Organ Concert of the 2016 series with performances by Scott Smith on Friday, Oct. 14 and Saturday, Oct. 15. Titled “Fall, Fun and Flicks,” Smith will play a variety of genres including a special spooky twist.

 

Just in time for Halloween, Smith’s performance on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ will be accompanied by the short, 20-minute silent film “The Haunted House” starring Buster Keaton. Other selections will be a patchwork of eras and genres.

 

Born and raised in Lansing, Michigan, Smith began performing on the Barton organ as a teenager at the old Michigan Theatre. While the theater was demolished in 1980, Smith, who at the time was seventeen, saved and restored the organ. He later opened his own business, Scott Smith Pipe Organs, LLC, a full-service pipe organ business that restores both church and classical pipe organs. Today, Smith performs many concerts accompanying silent films, gives lectures on the history of pipe organs, and has published several articles in various pipe organ journals.

 

Shows will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14, and at 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 15, in the Meijer Theater at the GRPM.

 

Tickets for individual concerts are $10/general, $8/Museum members and $5/children 17 and under. Tickets bought in blocks of 10 or more are $8 each. Season Ticket packages are $50 each for the general public and $45 for Museum members. Tickets are available by visiting www.grpm.org/Organ or by calling 616.456.3977.

 

The second concert of the series will be “Broadway to Big Band” performed by Lance Luce on Friday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Nov.19, at 2 p.m. Luce’s performance will include a variety of musical styles.

 

The third and final concert of the series will be Holiday Classics on Friday, Dec. 16, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 17, at 2 p.m. by Dave Wickerham. This holiday classic is a sellout show, great for the entire family. Tickets are recommended to be purchased early.

 

The Mighty Wurlitzer Organ

The Wurlitzer Company of North Tonawanda, New York, manufactured and shipped Opus #1836, a “3 manual special,” to the Stanley Theater of Jersey City, New Jersey, on Feb. 9, 1928. The Mighty Wurlitzer Organ spent two decades entertaining customers at the Roaring 20’s Pizza Parlor on 28th Street in Grand Rapids, before it was moved to its current location at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

 

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, with its main location in downtown Grand Rapids, MI at 272 Pearl Street, NW. For additional information including hours of operation, admission fees and exhibit/event listings, please visit www.grpm.org.