This Saturday close to 10,000 people are expected to 'Rock the Block' at the sixth annual community street festival hosted by LINC Community Revitalization.
Organizers say there will be lots of activities for every age, including live entertainment from a popular hip hop group.
“Rock the block is a street festival that’s all about building connections.”
And the connections appear to be spreading to more and more Grand Rapids city residents.
Jeremy De Roo is co-executive director at LINC, which hosts the yearly event.
"It started as a celebration of opening LINC’s new offices at Madison and Hall, and the event went so well we just kept doing it every year. This year we have over 80 non-profits that are committed to be out on Saturday morning, as well as 30 businesses.
"We’re really excited about how the community has supported this event."
A quarter-mile stretch at Madison and Hall will be closed off for the event, which will run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Organizers say there will be food stands from local restaurants, a street market and more - a little something for everyone.
"So there’s a band that will have live entertainment throughout the day, and [there are] various entertainers from gospel choirs, to R&B to hip-hop, clowns and entertainment for kids. And carnival games so kids can win prizes. And everything’s free."
One of the big attractions is the Hip Hop group Dead Prez. They’ll take the stage at 5 p.m.
DeRoo says the event showcases and highlights the community and all its existing strengths: where it’s at, and where it’s going.
"And we know that there is real estate development changes going on in Grand Rapids, but we also know there are already great things happening in the neighborhoods.
"And we want to celebrate both the present and the future."
