Watch a 500 Pound Pumpkin Get Carved Downtown Grand Rapids This Friday
This won't be your average jack-o-lantern! On Friday watch as professionals create a massive work of art out of a 500 pound pumpkin downtown Grand Rapids!
Folks from Ice Brigade, a Food Network show that follows professional ice sculptors/ pumpkin carvers from right here in Michigan, will be showing off their skills at Rosa Parks Circle October 29th, starting at 2p.m.
In previous years, the event has also included free pumpkins for the first 100 kids, a costume contest, and food trucks. Stay tuned to the event page from Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. on what else this year's event will entail!
They do say the event is 2p.m. to 6p.m., kid friendly, and crafts will be involved.
And it's free!
From what I can tell, this might be the first official event at Rosa Parks Circle since construction began in May. The downtown Grand Rapids landmark has been getting a $2.8 million renovation, which includes lots of upgrades after 21 years of wear and tear. Originally, the plan had been for Rosa Parks Circle to be open in time for ArtPrize in September. Unfortunately that was delayed due to granite for the seating area taking longer than expected to be delivered.
In addition to new seating, upgrades at Rosa Parks Circle include:
- Replacing pole lights with LED lights
- New bathrooms
- New signs, benches, trees and trails
- New bus shelter
- Redesigned stage at the bandshell
Funding for the project came from the city's park mileage and the Downtown Development Authority (DDA). The remainder is through private donations.