The lively Grand Rapids anniversary celebration at Rosa Parks Circle brought together families and communities for a day of fun and history.
Grand Rapids, Michigan, celebrated its 175th anniversary with a community party at Rosa Parks Circle. The event featured live music, games, and food stalls while recognizing the city’s diverse cultural history. Community groups contributed significantly to the festivities, showcasing Grand Rapids’ connections with its Sister Cities. An exhibition of 175 historical photographs captured the city’s journey from 1850 to present, further enriching the celebration and demonstrating community pride.
Grand Rapids, Michigan, officially marked its 175th anniversary on Saturday, June 7, 2025, with a community party held at Rosa Parks Circle. The event was designed to celebrate the city’s rich history and foster community connections, featuring a variety of activities that drew residents and visitors alike.
During the anniversary celebration, attendees enjoyed live music, food stalls offering free hot dogs, cupcakes, and ice cream, as well as games for all ages. The day was filled with entertainment from local artists, stilt walkers, and jugglers, creating an inviting and festive atmosphere for families and individuals.
Months of planning culminated in this family-friendly event, aimed at engaging the community and promoting a spirit of unity. Doug Matthews, the assistant city manager, participated actively by taking part in a dunk tank, humorously recounting that he was dunked approximately 60 times and noting the shock of the cold water.
The celebration also included meaningful contributions from various community groups, as well as displays recognizing Grand Rapids’ global connections through Sister Cities International. This organization marked 40 years of fostering international relations, showcasing the diverse cultural backgrounds that contribute to the city’s evolving legacy, including Ghanaian, Mexican, Japanese, Korean, Ukrainian, and Polish communities.
To further highlight the rich history of Grand Rapids, an exhibition was set up, containing 175 photographs that encapsulated key moments from 1850 to 2025. The collection, curated by Tony Wright, the City Archive Officer, reflects Grand Rapids’ growth and development over the years, with some images dating back to the 1800s. The exhibit commenced with an opening prayer and welcoming remarks from the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians, underscoring the local heritage.
City officials, including City Manager Mark Washington, delivered addresses during the event, expressing gratitude for the community’s continued participation and contributions to the city’s vibrancy. The event also served as an opportunity for residents to voice their appreciation for living in a medium-sized city that fosters a family-friendly atmosphere, highlighting the walkability and sense of community that Grand Rapids offers.
Families attending the event were motivated to participate after seeing advertisements on social media, emphasizing the effectiveness of modern communication in engaging the local population. Community members shared their sentiments about the celebration, noting the welcoming environment and enjoyment found in the festivities.
The exhibition showcased pivotal moments in Grand Rapids’ history, including events related to notable figures such as President Gerald Ford, further enriching the narrative of the city’s journey over the past 175 years. The archives team encouraged attendees to capture photos from the celebration, proposing that these moments may be featured in future historical displays as the city gears up for continued community development.
As Grand Rapids takes a moment to celebrate its past, there is a clear intention to continue building community pride and cohesion in the lead-up to the city’s 200th anniversary in 25 years. The energy and participation witnessed during this 175th-anniversary celebration lay a strong foundation for future gatherings and events that honor the diverse history and cultural richness of Grand Rapids.
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