Tag Archives: Mega 80’s

Gonzo’s Top 5: Big trucks, 80s music, pet, toys, and cottage living shows

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By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer

Spring is officially here, and if you’re getting out of town soon, consider this the last weekend before you have to start packing.

In my Top 5, which you can find exclusively on WKTV Journal, you’ll find a perfect way to get ready for Spring Break and warmer weather.

What are you going to do?

Gonzo’s Top 5

Mega 80’s returns to Grand Rapids this Saturday. (Facebook)

5. MEGA 80’S

I’ve been singing the praises of Michigan’s top ‘80s band for more than a decade. The Mega 80’s is the premiere cover band of an era that is most remembered for colorful clothes, synthesizer rock and musc videos. Get dressed up, gather a group of friends and relive some of the biggest songs and videos from the ‘80s on Saturday (March 26) at The Intersection. The Detroit area band always puts on a great show. Guaranteed. Ticket information and more at sectionlive.com.

Take a walk down memory lane was the Grand Rapids Toy Show. (Facebook)

4. Grand Rapids Toy Show

Speaking of nostalgia, this weekend you can experience the GR Toy Show from 9 a.m,-3 p.m. Saturday (March 26) at the Home School Building; 5625 Burlingame Ave SW, in Wyoming. You’ll experience more than 200 tables with antique toys, collectibles, pedal cars, dolls, bears, furniture, movie posters and more. Admission is $5 and free for those 10 and under. More info at midmichigansupershows.com.

3. West Michigan Pet Expo

Where are my pet lovers? Me, I’m warming up to the idea of getting a pet in the near future. This might be a good time for me to check out the West Michigan Pet Expo, a two-day event (March 26-27) with fun activities for animal lovers and families. Along with 50 pet-related vendors, you can enjoy entertainment from The Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show, which was recently featured on America’s Got Talent, as well as a petting zoo, pony rides, a reptile and amphibian exhibit, and more. Learn more at deltaplex.com/event/west-michigan-pet-expo-3/.

2. Monster Jam

One of my favorite memories as a dad is taking the kids to see Monster Jam at Van Andel Arena. It’s a fun, family activity where you get to see these incredible machines race for a championship, do stunts and make jumps. Plus, you have to love names like Grave Digger, El Toro Loco and Monster Mutt! In addition, you’ll be entertained by Freestyle Motocross exhibitions, too. Check out this weekend’s show, March 25-27, which is at Van Andel Arena. For ticket prices and show times go to vanandelarena.com.

1. Cottage and Lakefront Living Show

We’re all ready for spring, right? That makes this the perfect weekend to think about summer getaways to a family or friend’s cottage. At the annual Cottage and Lakefront Living Show, those looking to make upgrades or some remodeling can talk to designers, lakefront builders and realtors. Maybe you’re looking for a new dock or boat. This is the place to be. The show is Friday-Sunday (March 25-27) at DeVos Place. Times and ticket information at  devosplace.org.

That’s it for now.

As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for events to include in my Top 5 list. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

Have a great, safe weekend.



John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

Celebrating Kentwood is what this upcoming weekend event is all about

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Former Kentwood mayors Richard Clanton, Jerry DeRuiter, and Bill Hardiman; former mayor Richard Root’s wife Karleen, Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kelley, and first mayor Peter Lambert’s son Richard at the Kentwood 50th anniversary kick-off in February.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

There will be music, food trucks, and lots of fun behind the Kentwood City Hall as the city hosts its community-wide “Celebrate Kentwood” event in honor of its 50th anniversary.

 

Since February, the city has been marking its 50th anniversary with a series of events with this weekend, Aug. 11 and 12, being the big two-day celebration.

 

The 50th anniversary ale, the Golden Beeraucrat brewed by Railtown Brewing, will be available during “Celebrate Kentwood.” (Supplied)

“Everyone is welcome,” said City Treasurer Laurie Sheldon, who has headed up the Kentwood 50th committee which has organized a year-long celebration that includes this weekend’s event. “We have tried to make this as inclusive as possible. We wanted to make it family friendly and affordable, so please come join us and have a great weekend with us.”

 

Activities will kick off on Friday behind the Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE, and next to the KDL Kentwood Library Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. From 5 – 8 p.m. will be a classic car show. Starting at 7 p.m. will be the Kentwood’s Got Talent featuring 10 talented local performers who will be singing, dancing and even beatboxing.

 

“The kick off with the Kentwood’s Got Talent, we have some amazing individuals competing for a grand prize, and they are pretty excited to be a part of it as well,” Sheldon said. “We have a panel of local celebrity judges who will actually pick the winner. Some of the judges are Mike Knuble, an East Kentwood graduate who is now with the Griffins and Rachael Ruiz, also a Kentwood graduate, will be our MC.”

 

The other judges include WZZM reporter Angela Cunningham, dance instructor Deavondre Jones of Dancespire, and Vonda Poll from Unique Models & Talent.

 

Immediately following Kentwood’s Got Talent, WKTV will be premiering the documentary “Kentwood – A Place Called Home,” which covers the city’s first 50 years.

 

The music starts at 3 p.m. and goes throughout the night with the Mega 80’s wrapping up the evening.

The activities continue on Saturday at 9 a.m. with the Breton Street Fair and the Kentwood Farmers Market. Throughout the day there will be inflatables, carnival games, cultural events, and community booths along with activities at the KDL Kentwood Library Branch.

 

For the adults, there will be a beer tent featuring the 50th anniversary ale, the Golden Beeraucrat brewed by Railtown Brewing. Also available will be several food trucks such as B.D. BBQ, Doughnuts, the Maine Dish Munchie Snack, The Nordic Grill, and The Olive Branch, will be on hand as well.

 

The music will start at 3 p.m. with Tom Cutts & Friends. At 4 p.m. is The Isaac Norris Project, followed by Cabildo at 5:30 p.m. Wrapping up the music is the Michigan-based Mega 80’s at 7 p.m. The night will be capped off with fireworks.

 

“We’re building a Kentwood-centered tradition that we want all of West Michigan to enjoy,” said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley. “The event will be family-friendly giving West Michigan a wonderful opportunity to gather with neighbors and enjoy a weekend of free activities.”

 

“The entire year, we are celebrating Kentwood’s 50th anniversary with a series of special events. We’ve grown greatly as a city in the past 50 years, and we look forward to our community improving upon its solid foundation.”

 

The Kentwood 50 celebration will continue until the end of year with the End of Summer Food Truck Festival Sept. 16; the Fall Festival featuring Trunk or Treat Oct. 21, the Ugly Seater 5K Nov. 8, and the Tree Lighting Ceremony Dec. 8.

 

For more on the Kentwood 50, visit www.kentwood50.com.

City of Kentwood is looking for a few good volunteers

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The City of Kentwood is hosting a volunteer signup party for its community event “Celebrate Kentwood” Tuesday, July 18, at Railtown Brewing Company, 3555 68th St. SE, Caledonia.

 

The “Celebrate Kentwood” event takes places on Aug. 11 and 12. Volunteers are needed to help with everything such as set up, manning the information booth, and helping with merchandise sales.

 

Activities for the two-day event include a classic car show from 5 – 8 p.m. and Kentwood’s Got Talent for 7 – 9 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 11, and on Saturday, Aug 12, there will be a farmers market and Breton Street Fair from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., various cultural acts performing from 1 – 3 p.m., various activities from noon – 7 p.m.;  the Mega 80s fro 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. and fireworks at dusk.

 

Those who attend Tuesday’s event will receive a t-shirt and pizza for signing up on the spot.

 

If you can make Tuesday’s event, you can still sign up up to help in August. For more information, click here.