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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Hundreds of men and women flooded downtown Grand Rapids on Friday for this year’s Competition of the Arts. The beloved event returned for the initial time given that 2019.

“It’s actually interesting. I’m super stoked to be back,” reported volunteer Jenni Kasul. “Festival is like my favorite part of the summer time kick-off all the things. And, I genuinely definitely actually pass up that component of my coronary heart.

When the coronavirus broke out in March 2020, the competition that yr and in 2021 was much smaller with fewer phases and minimal to no foods.

Even so, this yr they’re again in total swing with 16 meals tents, lots of them operate by nonprofits, educational facilities, and churches attempting to raise income for their corporation.

“Well the Kenowa Hills Instrumental Songs Boosters is the business that supports the band and orchestra for Kenowa Hills at the middle university and superior university amounts,” reported Michelle Geesin, vice president of the KHMB. “So, all of our cash lifted go to the basic fund. It assists with band uniforms, scholarship, band camp, audio, instrument obtain. So, lots of diverse points and we truly rely on Festivals of the Arts as 1 of our major fundraisers of the year.”

Geesin stated they’re hoping to raise $10,000. They are selling garlic shrimp with garlic bread between other meals at their booth. Through the day, dozens of men and women waited in line to acquire some.

There’s also shaved ice at Frostbite which the owner Justin Hawkin shaves straight from an ice block and into a bowl that’s promptly doused with flavors and fruit like pineapple and raspberries.

Organizers said this yr there’s four levels with are living bands and performances. There’s also, for the initially time because 1970, a beer tent.

Hundreds of persons are predicted to go to in excess of the next couple times.

“I enjoy pageant. It’s been 50 several years for me,” stated Kim Denton, operations volunteer. “To do this once more, I’m looking ahead to carrying out a further 50. So, completely, I’m thrilled.

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