GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A foodie’s fantasy will become a reality in Grand Rapids Thursday, as the city’s Festival of the Arts returns to Calder Plaza for its 49th year.
“It’s so worth everyone to come down because all of the arts are free for everyone to enjoy. The thing that will cost a little bit of money though is the great food in all of our food booths,”said festival executive director David Abbott.
Along with food trucks, 19 vendors will be serving up food during the three-day event, which starts at noon on Friday.
Some of the ethnic food available for purchase will include pavlovas,baklava, kapusta,pierogis, tamales, schawarma sandwiches, golumpki and souvlaki.
"(Souvlaki has) been with us for 49 years — the exact same recipe from Holy Trinity Church," Abbott said.
American fare will also be available, including turkey legs, elephant ears, grilled cheese, corn dogs, hot dogs, pretzels, deep fried pickles and deep fried Oreos.
WHAT’S NEW
Festival of the Arts was created to celebrate the 1969 installment of Grand Rapids' iconic sculpture, Alexander Calder's La Grande Vitesse.
While the sculpture still serves as a backdrop for the event, the festival itself has changed.
This year, it's taken on a new footprint, with Monroe Avenue, Division Avenue, Ionia Avenue and Michigan Street serving as borders.
To the south, visitors can find kid-friendly activities at the Grand Rapids Art Museum.
To the east, regional art will be on display at Kendall College, and storytelling will take place at the county courthouse.
Once again, Calder Plaza will serve as the hub of most activity, with the traditional Artisans' Village, DIY art stations, face painting and Calder stage, where dozens of dancers, bands and choral groups will perform.
“Performance, music, dance, theater – that’s really the thing that we are built on. We are a platform for all of the arts in our region,” said Abbott.
Comic book lovers are in luck: for the first time this year, organizers are incorporating comic book artists into the lineup.
And grilled pineapple is also joining the menu this year, giving visitors a healthier option.
This year’s Festival of the Arts is also the first Abbott has coordinated as executive director.