BIG RAPIDS – The Band of Locals hosts the 56th annual Labor Day Arts and Crafts Festival in downtown Big Rapids on Monday, Sept. 2.
This year’s festival includes a day of activities for all ages and the return of the River Valley Car Club’s Labor Day Car Show.
The handicraft exhibition takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and offers visitors the opportunity to discover a variety of handmade goods from local artisans.
In addition to arts and crafts, there will be an official festival kickoff at 11 a.m., which will include a “Call to Colors” by Big Rapids AMVETS Post 1941, followed by a performance of the national anthem by local singer Allison LeVeque.
Festivalgoers can also look forward to family-friendly activities, such as a Touch-A-Truck event with Big Rapids Public Safety, balloon animals, face painting and music by the band Raised on Radio.
Food trucks will be set up on site and downtown shops and restaurants will be open to visitors.
Lisa David, chairwoman of the Band of Locals, looked back on the success of last year’s event and emphasized the positive feedback on the downtown location.
“The downtown location was certainly more accessible for our guests and visitors,” she said. “Everyone enjoyed stopping by the downtown restaurants and shops. This event brings local businesses together to support each other and the community.”
The Band of Locals thanked their sponsors for their support, including Y102 Radio, Horizon Bank, Sunny 97.3 Radio and River Lodge Restorations.
“We can’t think of a better way to end the summer than with a great Labor Day event in our downtown business district,” said David.
For more details about the Band of Locals Labor Day Festival and information on how to participate, visit: BandOfLocals.org/Events.
