The Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival: Friday. July 26 - Monday, August 3
What began as a picnic for Coasties and their families to celebrate the founding of the Coast Guard in 1790, has evolved 100 years later into a massive festival that begins with a 21-gun salute on July 26 and ends with a Grand Parade and spectacular fireworks display on Saturday, August 3. In between every day is jam-packed with summer fun. It’s a daily whirlwind of things to do - besides loads of great music and many tribute bands, there are many kids' activities, a carnival, car shows and craft fairs, a community picnic, and a pancake breakfast. And then consider the crazy fun cardboard boat races, as well as actual tours of the massive Coast Guard ships that have sailed in just for this event. Also, while in town be sure and stop in to the Tri-Cities Museum, which is open most nights until 8:00 p.m., and view their special exhibit titled, Picnics and Parades: 100 Years of the Coast Guard Festival, which is going on until Sept 22. Be sure to check out the Grand Haven website for each day's activities, times, and if any tickets are required.
Fly-in; UH-1 Huey - Air Zoo, July 27, 11:00 - 4:00 p.m.
A very impressive visitor is flying into the Air Zoo on July 27th. And if you love history engines, props, pilots, or the sound of whirling blades and the wind on your face, then this is the doors-wide-open ride for you! You can purchase a seat on a Vietnam War-era military helicopter - the UH-1 Huey Greyhound - which will be on site from 11:00 - 4:00 p.m.! Come check it out live and in person, or purchase a ride through the skies. There is so much to see and do at the Air Zoo, so come on out and spend a memorable day experiencing the exciting air exhibits, the super fun indoor amusement rides, thrilling motion simulators, and theater shows.
Binder Park Zoo Summer Day Camps
If your kids are starting to get bored and restless, then look no further than Summer Day Camp at the Binder Park Zoo and there are two exciting and fun-filled weeks remaining. The Prehistoric Party camp runs from July 29th to August 2nd and focuses on extinct animals. The last camp of the summer, from August 5th - 9th, is titled Lights, Camera, Snack-tion, and is all about food chains and predator vs prey relationships. Each week campers will have a blast exploring and participating in loads of learning activities to better understand the natural world. Of course, all the things kids love about Binder Park Zoo, like feeding the giraffes, riding the train and the carousel, going behind the scenes with camp staff, and having their very own pizza party movie will be part of this close encounter experience.
