If you're in the Greater Grand Rapids area and looking for something unique to do this weekend to celebrate Labor Day, then you're in luck! There are plenty of amazing options for entertainment and socialization on this three-day weekend. The amount of cultural events is certainly one of the major draws of living in West Michigan. With so many communities with their own traditions in our area, there are always lots of interesting events on offer.
If you enjoy camping or watching live entertainment, consider checking out the Sparta Rodeo, a long-standing area tradition in its third year of its new incarnation. Nestled on the south side of the road on 13 Mile, less than a mile from M-37 (which is fed into by Alpine Avenue), there are camp grounds and rodeo grounds that were once the Klein Rodeo but are now called the Sparta Rodeo. This will be their third year of hosting camping and rodeos on Labor Day weekend.
Camping fees are straightforward: $25 for adults 18 and older, $10 for teens aged 13-17, and children 12 and under stay for free. That charge does not include admission to the rodeo events. The campgrounds actually opened this last Wednesday, September 2nd and runs through September 9th. There's plenty of space in the rustic campground for tents and sleeper vehicles of all kinds, just no electrical or water hookups for RVs. For information about registering and rules about the campground's use, click here. Horses and pets are allowed at the campgrounds, but dogs are not allowed in the arenas during events.
The rodeo itself is a two-day event, starting at 5 pm on Saturday, September 5th, and Sunday the 6th. Gates open at 3:30 pm each day, and all seating is lawn seating. Glass bottles are not allowed. Admission costs $12 for adults, $8 for kids and teens age 6-17, and kids five and under get in free. Events at the rodeo include Cowgirls Barrel Racing, Wild Cow Milking, Team Roping, Saddled and Bareback Bronc Riding, and Bull Riding. There are other events throughout the camping period, such as Cowboy Chuch on Sunday at 10 am and a live musical performance by Dirt Road Remedy at 9 pm Saturday night.
If camping or rodeos aren't your thing, consider checking out any number of West Michigan Labor Day celebrations on Monday, such as the Belding Labor Day Celebration's main Labor Day Parade, which starts at 11 am. The Belding Celebration also has an Arts on the Bridge vendor area open September 5th and 6th from 9 am to 9 pm and on Monday the 7th from 9 am to 3 pm. There's plenty more going on, such as the Miss Belding competition and a Talent Contest.
If you enjoy taking part in community exercise, consider heading downtown on Monday for the Grand Crossings Labor Day bridge walk. Inspired by an event on the Mackinaw Bridge annually, this event features a five mile long route which is wheelchair accessible. There is free parking available in the City lot Area 7 and the Scribner lot.
Finally, there's the Labor Day Truck Parade in Holland/Zeeland. This year, there will be 67 different trucks representing local businesses. It starts at 9:15 am, and there is always free ice cream!
These are just a sampling of the many community events taking place across West Michigan this Labor Day weekend. If you already live here, there's surely something you'll enjoy. If you're considering moving here, this weekend is a great time to see a lot of what the area has to offer. If you're considering purchasing a home in the area, be sure to call Pyxis Realty for the best possible assistance with finding and purchasing a home on the West Michigan real estate market. Happy Labor Day!