Iris show and Grand Haven Ribfest round out the Top 5
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Memorial Day weekend is nearly here with the official kick off to summer. Don’t forget to pause and remember the cause for your extra day off of work. A Memorial Day Ceremony conducted by the Army and Navy Club of Grand Rapids will be held in Veteran’s Memorial Park, 101 Fulton St., at 10 a.m. Another ceremony and parade is scheduled for Friday, May 30 at 7:30 p.m.
Comedy & Illusion Show
Illusionist Tom Coverly brings his faith based comedy and illusion show to the Ceglarek Fine Arts Center, 10760 68th Ave. , on Saturday, May 24 at 6:30 p.m. Coverly and his wife tour nationally with the 90-minute show and have opened for bands like Toby Mac and Casting Crowns.
This free performance will be filmed live for an upcoming DVD. Doors open at 6 pm. While tickets are free, advance reservations are required and available at www.tomcoverly.com.
David Nash: From Kew Gardens to Meijer Gardens
Over the last two years, the staff at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park have been working with critically-acclaimed British sculptor David Nash and the Royal Botanic Garden at Kew in order to bring this display to Grand Rapids. Frederik Meijer Gardens,1000 E. Beltline Ave. NE, is the only venue in the world outside of London to host this exhibition starting Friday, May 23.
David Nash: From Kew Gardens to Meijer Gardens will offer a wide array of wood sculptures, complemented by drawings, on display throughout the galleries, while a group of bronzes will be installed in the arid and tropical conservatories. Three major works will also be on view outdoors. The “Iron Dome,” composed of 46 elements, will be on display in the sculpture park not far from the permanent display of Nash’s iconic “King and Queen.”
Admission into the gardens is $12 ages 14-64; $6 ages 5-13; $4 ages 3-4; free ages 2 and younger; $9 for seniors and students. Visit meijergardens.org or phone 616-957-1580 for more information.
2014 Spring Parade of Homes
This year’s parade of homes, brought to you by the Home Builders Association of Greater Grand Rapids, will feature 78 homes throughout 19 different West Michigan communities from May 23 – June 7.
With home prices ranging from $100,000 to over $1 million, builders will be showcasing the latest trends in building styles, using green practices, custom details, unique floor coverings, the latest wall treatments, quality products, and landscaping. Tickets can be purchased at Option One Credit Union branches, the Home Builders Association of Greater Grand Rapids office, online at www.myGRhome.com, and at homes on the tour.
Ticket prices are $10 in advance or $12 at the door of each house. Children under 12 are free. More information at 616-281-2021. Over 50,000 people toured last year’s parade of homes in its first week according to the Home Builders Association of Greater Grand Rapids.
Grand Haven 10th Annual VFW Ribfest
A two-day free event featuring ribs and entertainment is set for Friday and Saturday, May 23-24 in downtown Grand Haven. The Grand Haven VFW Post 2326, 20 N. First St., presents its annual Ribfest event with West Michigan restaurants and independent chefs presenting and competing for the best ribs in the west. An entertainment tent with live music and a variety of Michigan craft beer will also be on hand.
The fun begins on Friday at 3 p.m. and at 9 a.m. on Saturday and ends at midnight both days. Contestants vying for the grand prize of Best Ribs and People’s Choice will be selling their ribs and sides for $3 a sample (including sides). A hog calling contest with a grand prize of $100 will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday. Proceeds from the event to benefit veterans and veteran programs. More information is at www.vfwpost2326.org
Iris Show at Meijer Gardens
Members of the Grand Valley Iris Society will be on hand at Frederik Meijer Gardens,1000 E. Beltline Ave. NE, all weekend from May 24-25 to answer questions and offer tips on the topic of irises. A variety of the flower, from old favorites to newer hybrids all grown by local iris enthusiasts, will be on display.
The public can vote on their favorites from 1 to 5 p.m. on May 24 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 25. Entry to the show is included in the general admission price of $12 ages 14-64; $6 ages 5-13; $4 ages 3-4; free ages 2 and younger; $9 for seniors and students. Visit meijergardens.org or phone 616-957-1580 for more information.
Todd Chance is the West Michigan Entertainment Concierge for MLive/Grand Rapids Press. Email him at tchance@mlive.com or follow him on Facebook , Twitter, Google Plus