GRAND HAVEN (WHTC-AM/FM) — The U.S. Coast Guard Festival kicked off Saturday with perfect weather and crowds of people.
What started in 1924 as a Coast Guard picnic and rowing competition for those stationed in Grand Haven is now a week-long celebration drawing around 350,000 people to West Michigan.
While the festival’s main focus is the National Coast Guard Memorial Service, set for 4 o’clock Friday afternoon, the week is filled with family friendly attractions.
Visitors find musics, a quilt display, ship tours, parades, a carnival, sports competitions, a craft fair. On Saturday, the Meijer Grand Parade steps off at 11-45 and fireworks are planned for dusk on the waterfront.
The festival closes with a waterfront worship service, set for 7 p.m.Sunday.
Grand Haven is the first of 25 cities designated as a “Coast Guard City, USA” by Congress 20 years ago.
