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Grand Rapids Welcomes 2014 With Downtown Celebration

Posted at 12:36 AM, Jan 01, 2014
and last updated 2014-01-01 00:40:25-05

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Young and old alike were all trying to stay warm while welcoming in the New Year in downtown Grand Rapids on Tuesday night.

“I think it’s cold and I’m staying warm by wearing a jacket and I have long johns on,” said Nolan Martisius.

Thousands took advantage of Consumer Energy’s warming tent and free hot chocolate. The tent also included a free charging station for cell phones.

“I love that it’s free because I didn’t money with me so I love that,” Marissa MacDermaid.

Consumer Energy said that this year’s celebration was 20 degrees cooler than last year.

“It was just something fun to do that’s family friendly and you know even with the cold temperatures they have warming tents and you can bring your hot coffee and it’s a lot of fun,” said Kate Martisius

Organizers were expecting as many as 40,000 in downtown Grand Rapids to watch the ball drop at midnight.