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Grand Rapids, MI (January 19, 2010) – The DTE Energy Foundation Ethnic Heritage Festival will be held from 9 am – 5 pm, Saturday, February 6 at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.  Visitors will receive free admission to the Museum to enjoy music, dance, crafts, displays and food representing various ethnic groups that call West Michigan home. 

 

The Planetarium will present gratis Everybody’s Sky: Star Stories from Around the World at 11 am, and 1, 2 and 4 pm.  Guest can also view the Museum’s permanent exhibit “Newcomers: The People of This Place” which highlights over forty ethnic groups and looks at the personal journey stories of people who’ve settled in the greater Grand Rapids area.  Carousel rides will also be free.

 

Colorful and varied performances are scheduled throughout the day on two different stages.  Guests will enjoy the talents of Irish, Pacific Island and Indian dance groups; the sounds of the multicultural drum group WaZoBia and others.  Visitors can listen to storytellers and participate in craft demonstrations.  A variety of ethnic foods will be available for purchase, and visitors over the age of 21 can sample beers from around the world (including Australia, Mexico, Canada, Poland, Germany, Argentina and Belgium) from 1-4 pm for just $6.  A showcase of traditional and modern ethnic fashions will begin at 12:30 pm hosted by Storm Team 8 Meteorologist and eightWest Co-HostTerri DeBoer.

 

Members of ethnic organizations will staff display tables throughout the three floors of the Museum, sharing their unique cultures with guests.  Groups already signed up to attend include the Asian Center, Congress of North American Bosniaks, the Edelweiss Society, Finnish American Society of West Central Michigan, Grand Rapids Scottish Society, Latvian Association of Grand Rapids, the Multicultural Language School, Sons of Norway and the Western Michigan Genealogical Society.

 

The Public Museum of Grand Rapids has a long history of presenting exhibitions and programs on ethnicity and cultural change. For information call 616/456-3977 or go to www.grmuseum.org.      
 
 
FREE.  What a great word!

Parents, you'll be delighted by the free family fun that can be found at our local libraries.  Many of them are hosting DVD release parties or movie parties that feature big titles on a big screen.

Recently, I took my kids to the GR public library downtown to watch Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs on the big screen.  Kids of all ages showed up with their stuffed animals and blankets and plunked down for the 5pm flick.  The library provided free popcorn and pop, so this was a special time for all!

Plan to take your family to one of the upcoming Movie Parties in your area.  Here are some to look for:

Family Flix: G-Force
Saturday, March 27, 2010, 2:30 pm
Grand Rapids Public Main Library – 111 Library St NE
 
Families can come and watch the blockbuster film “Astro Boy” on the big screen. Bring your pillow and favorite stuffed animal and enjoy the movie. Free and open to the public.

 


Get a Clue with Nancy Drew
Thursday, March 25, 2010, 5:30 pm
Main Library – 111 Library St NE
 
Nancy Drew has been on the case since the 1930s. How has she changed through the years? Is Carolyn Keene really the author of the books? Solves these mysteries and test your knowledge of Nancy Drew with games, activities and a craft. A screening of the film “Nancy Drew” will take place at 6:30 pm. For ages 8 and up. Free and open to the public.


Family Flix: Astro Boy
Saturday, March 27, 2010, 2:30 pm
Grand Rapids Public Main Library – 111 Library St NE
 
Families can come and watch the blockbuster film “Astro Boy” on the big screen. Bring your pillow and favorite stuffed animal and enjoy the movie. Free and open to the public.
 
 

Tomorrow you can stop by an Arby's in the greater Grand Rapids area and buy a soft drink...you will then be presented with a FREE Roast Burger.  This offer is valid all day Wednesday at participating Arby locations.  Enjoy!

 
 

Here's a perk of being a Grand Rapids Kids user!  Right now you can get a $25 gift certificate to USA Baby from the WOOD TV.com. 

Just go to the main page for www.woodtv.com and scroll to the bottom where it says Directory and has an "e-moms" tab, then click on USA Baby.  You have to register for the gift certificate...it e-mails it directly to you in a few minutes to print.  No catch...no minimum purchase required. 

I've printed my certificate but I haven't used it yet.  This appears to be legitimate, and I've heard one person already used her certificate to buy Robeez...