Founders Brewing Co. to kick off summer with 11th annual Local First Street Party

On Saturday, June 7, Local First is "calling all party animals" to celebrate local beer, food and music at the 11th Annual Local First Street Party. Festivities begin at 3 p.m.  and will last until midnight in front of Bistro Bella Vita.

"[The Street Party] started out as a small block party just over 10 years ago," says Hanna Shulze, Program and Events Coordinator for Local First. "Every year we have more and more interesting food, and different music to bring to the table. This is the first year we are adding in some art elements.”

As part of the festivities, family-friendly activities will be available including chalk art with Marco Riolo, recycled art with Reb Roberts, Discover Your Local Treasure giant shopping bag, and Story Matters story sharing with The Rapidian.

From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., The Rapidian will be capturing the stories of Grand Rapids citizens and visitors. Street Party attendees are invited to drop by The Rapidian’s story fort to share stories and reasons they are drawn to Grand Rapids. See previous Story Matters videos from The Rapidian for examples of stories that other local citzens have told.

Local food at the Street Party include A Moveable Feast, Bandit Queen, GoNuts, Twisted Rooster and What the Truck. Beverages will be provided by Founders Brewing Company, St. Julian wine and cider and Faygo soda. The complete list of vendors, sponsors and entertainment can be found on the event's webpage.

Local First, an organization founded in 2003, aims to “promote and educate the community about local businesses and what community grounded and local business can do to promote a vibrant community,” says Shulze. “Having a diverse and vibrant community with different and diverse local business builds pride in the community, you are more likely to spend your time and your money and take ownership of your community.”