GRAND RAPIDS – Escape to the grandest of old canal towns for Rapids Rally Days on July 11 and 12.
The community musical, "The King and I," will be presented in air-conditioned comfort in the
restored town hall theater, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. The Grand Rapids
Historical Society is the sponsor of the event, and local talent will put on the show. Tickets can be
purchased at the door, or in advance at the Village Apothecary or by calling (419) 832-7765.
On Saturday, the festivities kick off with a parade at 11 a.m. featuring several Shriner units, the Delta
Pantherettes and area fire departments, just to name a few. Children are encouraged to walk in the
parade and blow bubbles with "Bubbles" the clown. Meet "Bubbles" at 10:45 a.m. at
the Grand Rapids Care Center to walk with her.
The Grand Rapids Volunteer Fire Department will host its annual chicken barbecue beginning at 11 a.m.
Every year is a sell-out, so be there early.
For the young and young at heart, there will be a water slide, bounce house and petting zoo at Howard
Park.
Only on Saturday, the "canal experience" at Providence Metropark will have free tours of the
Isaac Ludwig Mill and rides aboard "The Volunteer" canal boat, on the hour, from noon to 4
p.m. Tickets are required for the canal boat ride. Living history characters bring the canal era to life
during the 45-minute narrated journey on an original section of the Miami and Erie Canal.
On Sunday, Calvary United Methodist Church will host an ice cream social and luncheon downtown at the
fire hall, starting at 11 a.m. It will feature sandwiches, side dishes, pies, cakes, ice cream and
beverages.
There will be an antique car, truck and motorcycle show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with live music, door
prizes and goody bags for the first 75 entrants. There is no entry fee, and trophies will be presented
at 3 p.m.
The Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce is hosting the first annual Rapids Rally craft show/sale where
crafters will set up their wares on the canal tow path with the sound of the rapids and a beautiful view
of the river as the backdrop.
Saturday and Sunday will both feature a farmers’ market, sidewalk sales, free kayaking in the canal
sponsored by River Lures, pie-eating contests and more.
The Grand Rapids Arts Council is hosting "Art in the Park" both days in Howard Park for
children and adults. The children’s project is free to do, but the adults’ craft, a mosaic stepping
stone, is $10.
The following is a schedule of events:
Saturday
10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Petting zoo at Howard Park, Canal boat rides
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Farmers’ market and sidewalk sales, business district
11 a.m., Parade, Front Street
11 a.m., Grand Rapids Fire Department chicken barbecue
11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Water slide and bounce house, Howard Park
Noon to 3 p.m., Kayaking in the canal, River Lures, Dowling Road band, Lincoln Street
Noon to 4 p.m., "Bubbles" the clown, strolling
2 p.m. to 4 p.m., "Art in the Park," for children and adults, Howard Park
3 p.m., Pie eating contest at Couzins’ Restaurant
8 p.m., "The King and I" musical, town hall
Sunday
9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Craft show/sale along the towpath
10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Car show, Front Street Live music, town hall
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Farmers’ Market and sidewalk sales, business district
11 a.m., Ice cream social, fire hall
Noon to 3 p.m., Kayaking in the canal, River Lures
2 p.m. to 4 p.m., "Art in the Park," for children and adults, Howard Park
3 p.m., Pie eating contest at Couzin’s Restaurant
7 p.m., "The King and I" musical, town hall