Smells of firework smoke and elephant ears lingered in the air as Celebration on the Grand took place September 4th-6th. The event provided a significant amount of entertainment for the crowd of people that flocked downtown.Celebration on the Grand was first held as a celebratory festival to commemorate the growth of the city. Past events included the dedication of the Gerald R. Ford Museum and the renaming of the Pantlind Hotel as the Amway Grand Plaza. This year, the 29th annual affair provided both vendors and also bands for the Grand Rapids community. Popular local musicians such Little Texas and Bless You Boys took the stage during the three day event.

Senior Rachel Koval expressed her excitement about the bands saying, “I really liked the live music because I was already familiar with Bless You Boys.” In addition to the bands, family friendly events such as face painting occurred at Ah-Nab-Awen Park.

Aside from face painting and musicians, other types of entertainment included the Taste of Downtown. Grand Rapidians could sample the area’s finest foods for a small fee. For those that were of age, alcoholic beverages were available as desired.

The fireworks, however, were enough excitement for some. “Because my birthday is on the Fourth of July, I can relate to fireworks. I thought the ones [at Celebration on the Grand] were out of this world!” said Senior Michelle Smith.

In addition to the Celebration on the Grand, the yearly Hispanic Festival occupied Calder Plaza, filling it with tastes, smells and sounds of numerous hispanic cultures.

Even though this year’s Celebration on the Grand did not include any dedications, it proved to be an exciting event. The vendors, fireworks, bands, and other activities provided did not fall short of expectations. As Koval summed it up, “It was a hoot!”