1. The fifth annual Grand Rapids Greening Initiative is looking for volunteers. The city is planting 500 trees in the neighborhood surrounding Garfield Park.
This year's tree planting will take place over two days, October 9 and 10, each with a limited number of volunteers to make sure everyone stays safe. It's all part of the city's goal of a 40-percent tree canopy.
For those interested in helping out, head to friendsofgrparks.org/events.
2. ArtPrize was canceled this year due to the pandemic, so the Beer City Brewers Guild came up with a new way to celebrate local artists, and local brews called AlePrize.
The event will run for the entire month of October, with more than 20 local breweries acting as venues for artwork.
Just like ArtPrize, this is a competition and the public can vote for their favorite piece of art. There's a $1,000 prize each for the public and juried winners.
The Beer City Brewer's Guild has all of this information posted on their website. Organizers say some breweries will also create beers specifically for AlePrize, so be on the lookout for that!
3. It's Perrin Brewing's 8th anniversary and since the usual Backyard Bash can't go on, as usual, beer craft lovers can now celebrate in their own backyard.
Customers can purchase a party box to-go now! It includes a 6-pack of their anniversary amber ale, stainless steel cups, party koozies, a treat from Nothing Bundt Cake and coupons from local vendors.
Each kit is $28.99 and will be available for pick-up on September 24.
Order one on their website, perrinbrewing.com.
4. Better Made Snack Foods is saluting teachers with a special nine-week contest. Head to their Facebook Page and nominate your teacher by telling them why he or she deserves to win.
Each winner will be treated to a sampler box of delicious, freshly made, Better Made Snack Foods.
The company is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year.
5. Ford Motor Company broke ground on a new factory and announced plans to build an electric F-150 pickup too.
The Rogue Electric Vehicle Center is being built in Dearborn.
The company will add 300 jobs and is investing $700 million into the factory and new trucks.
The electric F-150 is expected to go on sale in mid 2022. Ford also plans to build a hybrid version that's both gas and electric.
