The World of Winter festival in Grand Rapids kicked off on the evening of Saturday, Jan. 11. The walk along the Grand River is known to provide views of the city’s glittering lights, but during the festival, colorful light structures offer an additional sight. Bundled in coats, gloves, hats and scarves, people walked through snowy sidewalks to enjoy artwork.
For the sixth year, downtown Grand Rapids is hosting World of Winter’s art installations, interactive events and performances. The outdoor celebration is completely free to attend, and is curated for the enjoyment of all ages. This year’s festivities will last through March 2.
The festival’s opening party on Monroe Avenue included live ice carving, yard games, and fire pits, which attendees gathered around to stay warm. Other popular attraction spots included the DJ set, where lights glowed in the form of giant mushrooms. Children pranced around the lights and people took part in free, miniature sessions in the portable sauna. Others booked sauna sessions in advance.
The live ice carving was a noisy source of excitement near the entrance to the festival. A rendition of the Detroit Lions’ logo assured onlookers that sculptures would be worth the wait. Another sculpture recreated the Grand Rapids city skyline.
In addition, an eye-catching display by the Grand Rapids Entertainment Group involved performers skillfully dancing with fire, which captivated a large crowd.
Hannah Gosnell said she’s been a member of the Grand Rapids Entertainment Group for the past three years. The group has performed at the World of Winter kickoff every year, and plans to continue doing so in the foreseeable future.
“It’s just (about) getting the community out when it’s cold and miserable, appreciating art, music, beauty and remembering that’s still around (in the winter),” said Gosnell.
Grand Valley State University student Jaidyn Weis heard about the festival’s opening party from a friend and decided to attend this year for the first time. Weis said one of her favorite parts of the event was the fire-filled performance, but that she also respects the work of ice carvers.
“The live ice sculpture (was) really cool too,” Weis said. “It’s just (that) I don’t have the patience to watch it (the intricate carving).”
Jordan and Stephanie Porter, a couple who traveled from Woodland, Michigan, heard about the event on Facebook. They were entranced by the Grand Rapids Entertainment Group performance. The Porters said they arrived right before the event officially started, and attended with hopes of having a good time.
Stephanie Porter’s favorite parts of the event were DJ Adrian Butler’s music and the glowing mushroom display beside it. Jordan Porter was intrigued by the prospect of the sauna’s warmth.
“The mushrooms are sweet, but I’m thinking about the sauna,” Jordan Porter said.
With family in the area, the couple expects to return for more World of Winter activities in the coming weeks.
Despite the cold, sizable crowds of all ages attended the event and took advantage of the opportunity to appreciate community and the City’s downtown.
