GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Friday's snowstorm comes just in time for the start of this year's World of Winter in Downtown Grand Rapids. It officially kicks off Friday night at 6 p.m. with a luminary parade at Ah Nab Awen Park in front of the Ford Presidential Museum.
“We're going to feature a parade that anyone can join along the river here and on the other side of the river, then across the Gillette bridge to come back to this location,” says Bill Kirk the Communications Director of Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.
World of Winter is listed as the largest winter festival in the United States lasting from January 12th through March 10th. The event is now in its third year in the expanded format and includes 30 art installations and other interactive activities across the city. “We'll have some interactive light-based installations. So, installations that people can press buttons on and make sounds with but just some very engaging and visual.”
World of Winter displays are spread across downtown Grand Rapids. Kirk says it is walkable but there is also parking available for visitors who prefer to drive. “There's also a map on the website that can show you all the different locations and art installations. So really, it's kind of a choose your own adventure as far as how to get here and how long you want to stay.”
On Saturday, Jan. 13 Rosa Parks Circle will host this year’s second event called ‘Fire and Ice’ and will include figure skating performances with twirling fire sticks. If you’re concerned about the weather, Kirk says just come prepared. “If the weather's bad, it's winter in Michigan, so we're kind of expecting that.”
A full list of events can be found more information on the event’s website.
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