wizards - WKTV Journal

Wizards and wizards-in-training can visit the magical world of John Ball Zoo. (Supplied)

As the season turns to fall and school begins, a magical change begins to occur at John Ball Zoo. It’s a time when the distinguished magical Zoo staff give lessons in caring for fantastical beasts. It’s time for magic.

John Ball Zoo is officially inviting all wizards, witches, and muggles alike to Wizarding Weekends. For two enchanting weekends, the Zoo will magically transform for this family- friendly event. From entering Nocturnal Alley, to exploring the Forbidden Forest, there is much for every wizarding fan to enjoy.

Visit the realms, hollows, and platforms throughout the magical grounds. Time to renew your imagination and brush up on your spells. Costumes are highly encouraged so put on your robes and grab your wand, and visit the fantastic beasts of the muggle world.

Wizarding Weekends at John Ball Zoo happens for two weekends starting Sept. 11 – 12 and again Sept, 18 – 19, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. each day.

It is recommend purchasing your tickets online prior to arrival. This will make your entry quicker and easier by not having to visit the ticket window first to purchase a ticket before entering the Zoo.

For daily admission tickets and more information about the event, visit jbzoo.org/wizardingweekends. John Ball Zoo is located on Fulton Avenue, one mile west of downtown Grand Rapids. For questions or for more information, call 616-336-4301 or email info@jbzoo.org.

By Anna Johns

WKTV intern

The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.
Country Singer Dolly Parton

Wizards and muggles have a chance to explore the fantastic beasts of John Ball Zoo this weekend (John Ball Zoo)

The Fantastic Beasts of the Muggle World

Potion makers, spell casters and even muggles are invited to visit the John Ball Zoo, 1300 W. Fulton St., for a peek at the fantastic beasts of the muggle world. From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and again next weekend, the lions, tigers, and bears will be out to showcase their unique talents during the Wizarding Weekends or visitors can take their chances in the forbidden forest. Costumes are highly encouraged. For more information, click here.

A Glimpse of Africa Festival

As part of Bridge GR, A Glimpse of Africa will be taking over Rosa Parks Circle on Saturday, Sept. 12, from noon to 8 p.m. Fashion, art, food, and music will be featured throughout the day with performances from the dancers of Eritrean Youth, comedian Daniel Kumapayi, the band Netty BM & Myra Maimoh, and many more. For guests safety, the event will be limited to 100 attendees throughout the day. For more information, visit the organization’s Facebook page.

Things that Go Bump in the Night

Take a walking tour around Grand Rapids this weekend and learn about the spooky history of the city. During this tour, guests will learn the stories of a ghostly janitor still trying to clean up in his after life and a recently deceased man who still roams the city. Guests will meet at Lyons Square, 295 Lyon NW (right next to Grand River). Guests have the choice of a daytime tour at 11 a.m. or a night tour at 7 p.m. The walking tour lasts for about 90 minutes. Tours run from September to October. For more information, click here.

Fun Fact: 150 million and still counting…

Completed in 1957, the Mackinaw Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in the Western Hemisphere, has been helping travelers go from the upper to the lower peninsula for more than five decades. Pre-COVID, the bridge averaged more than 11,600 vehicle crossings a day. In April 2020, that dropped to about 86,413 for the entire month. In September 2009, the bridge marked its 150th million vehicle crossing. To learn more about the Mackinaw Bridge, visit https://www.mackinacbridge.org/