1. The Beltline Bar, the original home of the legendary famous wet burrito, is celebrating 70 years as a favorite neighborhood restaurant. As a thank you to all their loyal guests, their fiesta week, which is going on now is serving up their $7 famous wet burritos and during the weekend fiesta which starts on October 6, there will be a variety of deals and prizes. To learn more about the their celebration visit beltlinebar.com.
2. Registration is now open for Toys for Tots. The process has been simplified and all you have to do is visit toysfortots.org, select your state and then your county. Click on "request a toy" and fill out the form. Registration ends December 1. In 2022, organizers saw a record need in some West Michigan counties.
3. Thousands of Sandhill Cranes will soon descend upon Big Marsh Lake for all to enjoy during the 28th Annual Cranefest on October 14 and 15. Hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Battle Creek, Cranefest is held each year at the Kiwanis Youth Conservation area. The event takes place from Noon until dusk on both days. Parking is $7 per vehicle and $1 per person on buses. Parking passes are good for both days of the event.
4. Windmill Island Gardens welcomed a record number of visitors this year and if you didn't get a chance, no worries. The park will be open on certain weekends in October and December for general visits and special events. In October, the park will be open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through the 15 at a reduced admission. There will be an Artisan Market as part of Holland's Fall Fest on October 6 and 7. The gardens will reopen on Fridays and Saturdays from December 1 through 16 for the second annual Magic at the Mill Holiday Light event.
5. Registration is now open for next year's River Bank Run happening May 11. Over 12,000 runners are expected to participate in the 25k, 10k, 5k and junior races in 2024. The race through downtown Grand Rapids holds the title as the largest 25k road race in the country and is the only 25k wheelchair racing division in the world. It also includes a 25k handcycle division sponsored by Mary Free Bed. The race will be partnering with and making contributions to five local groups including the Conductive Learning Center, Kids Hope USA, No Surrender Running Club, Guiding Light and Meals on Wheels. To register head to amwayriverbankrun.com.
