I should start off by saying that I was born and raised in Portland so this post may be a little biased..... This weekend is Portland's Riverfest, if you're looking for a fun time with the small town atmosphere this is definitely a must for your weekend to-do list. Riverfest is sponsored by the Portland Chamber of Commerce, and in 2008 Riverfest is celebrating their 5th anniversary. This year's festivities will be a little more exciting.... In recent years Portland was designated a "Cool City" by Governor Jennifer Granholm, that designation allowed Portland to receive many grants for revitalizing the downtown. With one of those grants a boardwalk was constructed along the River and the riverfront buildings received a much needed face lift. This will be the first Riverfest since the construction was completed! Here is the list of activities and events, if your free, stop by and enjoy the local shops, vendors and activities.
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Friday, August 22nd |
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Time |
Event |
Location |
Coordinator |
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6 pm - 9 pm |
Portland Cruisers Classic Cruise In |
Downtown on Kent Street |
Mike VerPlank |
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All Weekend |
Main Street Sales |
Local Merchants |
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Dusk |
Free Movie Night - "Ratatouille" - Sponsored by Tri-County Electric |
Doug Snitgen |
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6 PM - Midnight |
Beer Tent
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Nick Bengal |
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6:30 PM |
Board Breaking Blitz for Habitat for Humanity, sponsored by the Portland Black Belt Academy |
220 Kent St, Downtown |
Julie Chapin |
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7:30 pm - 11:30 pm |
El Kabong - Live Music |
Beer Tent |
Jerry Krause |
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Saturday, August 23rd |
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Time |
Event |
Location |
Coordinator |
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8:00 am |
Riverfest Run - 1/2 Marathon / 5K Run/Walk |
Start & End at |
Dave Hoort |
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8:30 am |
Sandy Vanderbroeck 517-626-2493 or 517-974-7565 |
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All Weekend |
Main Street Sales |
Local Merchants |
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10:00 am - 8:00 pm |
Merchant/Craft/Food Booths, Kids Games |
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10:00 AM |
Water Ball Competition |
Near Bogue Flats |
Doug Logel |
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10:00 AM |
Water Parade |
From Thompson Field to Two-Rivers Park through downtown |
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11:00 am |
Xtreme Bike Show |
Thompson Field South Parking Lot |
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Noon |
Riverfest Bed Race |
Marilyn Danielson |
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1:00 pm - 5:00 pm |
DJ - Live |
Beer Tent |
Scott Creswell |
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1:00 pm |
Hot Dog Eating Contest |
Loralee Hilligan |
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1:30 pm - 3:15 pm |
Canoe Race Registration |
Dan Smith |
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2:00 pm |
Ice Cream Eating Contest |
Chocolate Moose, Bridge Street @ Kent |
Chocolate Moose |
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3:00 pm |
Dog Show - Sponsored by the Portland Veterinary Clinic |
Portland Veterinary Clinic |
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4:00 pm |
Canoe Race, Sponsored by the Kruger Memorial |
Put in at Peake Rd @ the Grand River - End at Thompson Field |
Dan Smith |
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6 pm - Midnight |
Beer Tent
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Nick Bengal |
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7:30 pm - 11:30 pm |
Royal Ramblers |
Beer Tent |
Ted Alberta |
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Sunday, August 24th |
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8:00 am |
Sunday Prayer Service - Interdenominational |
Bridge Street Bridge Downtown |
Marilyn Danielson |
Well, anyone who says they have nothing to do here in Grand Rapids, they are not trying huh!
Thanks Michelle, Exactly, this brings people from all around. It is a good time!