by Carol Henrichs

Created on: October 14, 2009   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Every year, a grand festival is held in Grand Rapids, Michigan-the Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts.

Considered one of the country's most celebrated public art communities-Grand Rapids- celebrates that status. The festival is a testament to the city's dedication to its love of art.

Last year's festival marked its 40th year, making it the longest-running in the State of Michigan. The annual celebration begins at noon on the first Friday of June. It continues until Sunday.

The festival commemorates the day the city's vision was realized.

In 1969, members of the community gathered in downtown Grand Rapids to witness the unveiling of the city's newly-commissioned, bright red, 43-foot tall, steel sculpture in Vandenberg Square, at what is now known as Calder Plaza. It is named for the sculptor. Once installed, a three-day community celebration was held with music and food.

That first sculpture was the first of hundreds of pieces of public art that now grace the city. La Grande Vitesse, (which translates to the great swiftness,) was a symbol of Grand Rapids' turnaround from potential urban blight and into the art community it has become.

A year after the dedication, the community started a tradition; it held its first Festival of the Arts.

In 2002, a not-for-profit corporation was formed. The festival is now one of the largest all-volunteer events in the country. And the tradition continues. Planning has already begun for next year.

Each year, downtown Grand Rapids is transformed into an art extravaganza, bringing more than 500,000 people into the city.

Six outdoor stages provide a continuous stream of music representing every genre-from rock, to blues and from jazz to country.

Food is plentiful, filling the downtown area with dozens of booths. Ethnic foods-from Crab Rangoon from Asia to Spinach Pie from Bosnia and everything in between are available. Vegetarian dishes are plentiful. Desserts, treats, and more, are available for snacking during the three day extravaganza. The 2009 festival provided 26 different food booths.

A juried art show featuring some of Western Michigan's finest artists showcase their work. Youth art is exhibited. Some artwork is for sale. Art supplies are provided for anyone who wants to try their hand at being creative.

New in 2009, visitors were able to take a tour of downtown Grand Rapids on a trolley.

A street market was also held in conjunction with the festival. A film and video competition was also held for the first time.

To kick off the summer with free entertainment, Western Michigan is the place to be-with the Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts.

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