Good morning, Grand Rapids.

Deep Roots Produce in Alto has sunflowers fully in bloom and invites families to take pictures while offering a full calendar of events through the fall including u-pick produce, a petting zoo and a general store with donuts + local treats.

Feeding America West Michigan launched the Bridge the Gap fundraising campaign to help offset over $2 million in federal funding cuts that have raised food assistance needs—aiming to collect $1.5 million with a $300,000 matching donation.

The nonprofit has seen a 70% increase in demand since 2021 as it works with more than 800 partner programs to serve 40 counties.

Canadian apparel company Roots filed a federal trademark lawsuit against Meijer over its new ROOTS & THREADS children’s line, alleging it will mislead customers by suggesting false affiliation.

The suit seeks to halt Meijer’s trademark registration after a non-final decision from the U.S. trademark office for the upcoming 2025 back-to-school season.

Sha-Tera Coleman-Todd, a 27-year-old Grand Rapids native and recent master's graduate in clinical mental-health counseling, died in a road-rage crash on Lake Michigan Drive near Grand Valley State University when two vehicles collided—both drivers have been sentenced to prison for their roles.

Two World War II veterans Eugene Khorey, 99, and Maxine Lay Boeve, 101, will serve as grand marshals for the Celebration Honor Parade in downtown Grand Rapids on Sept.

1 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The parade is part of a week-long commemoration of the Greatest Generation + it will include WWII-era vehicles and a flyover of historic aircraft.

On August 12, Grand Rapids passed the first part of its 115-page Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, which aims to cut all greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 by speeding up safer walking options, boosting energy efficiency, and supporting local food systems and housing affordability. City staff began analyzing the cost and feasibility of the plan’s 20 top actions after extensive community and business input—some business leaders expressed concerns about added regulatory burdens.

Dr. Lauren Snyder of Corewell Health advises parents to offer a variety of healthy foods that kids will eat even if that means including choices like ranch with carrots—she added that every child has different needs.

Michigan reported its first human case of West Nile Virus this year in a Livingston County resident last week and state health officials said the rise in infected mosquitoes may lead to more cases—residents are urged to use bug spray and remove standing water around their homes.

The Grand Rapids African American Health Institute will host its 17th annual Rhythm and Run health fair and 5K at Ottawa Hills High School on August 16—starting with a 7:30 a.m. run/walk and continuing with free health screenings, raffles and music until 12:30 p.m. Organizers expect the event to draw a larger crowd and invite families to join in several fitness activities and team challenges.

Paramount Development Corporation will build 207 new homes on 28 acres near Grand View Elementary School in a Grand Rapids suburb—townhomes are expected to cost between $300,000 and $400,000 and single-family homes between $425,000 and $800,000—and the project will replace a vacant home on the site.

Eddie Gossling Stand-Up Comedy Show

7:15-8:45 p.m. — Dr. Grins Comedy Club — Tickets available — Laugh along with Eddie Gossling as he delivers his hilarious takes on life.

Imminent Sonic Destruction Concert

7-11 p.m. — The Pyramid Scheme — Entry cost varies — Experience a night of music with Whirlwind by Entransient and emotional lyrical storytelling.

The Pink Stones Live Performance

7-11 p.m. — Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill — Check for cover — Experience the unique blend of honkytonk, trucker anthems, and gospel from The Pink Stones.

Member Nights at John Ball Zoo

6-8 p.m. — John Ball Zoo — Membership required — Enjoy exclusive member activities including zip lines, ropes courses, and special animal events.

Conversations, Un-Corked: Chapter IV - The Iconic Wines of Emidio Pepe

7-9 p.m. — Grand Vin — $125 per person — Experience the elegance of Emidio Pepe’s wines with unique tastings and gourmet charcuterie.

Moms with Moms Gathering

10-11 a.m. — Allendale Township Library — Free coffee and tea — Connect and bond with fellow mothers while children play.

Small Foreign Festival

4:20-10:20 a.m. — Sullivan Field — Free entry — Celebrate summer with art, music, food, and a lively artist market in Grand Rapids.

JP & The Energy Live Performance

6 PM – 12 AM — The Score Restaurant & Sports Bar — Cover charge TBA — Enjoy a lively night with modern pop music and nostalgic throwbacks from up-and-coming band JP & The Energy.

Angry Zeta Concert

8 PM – 12 AM — Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill — Ticketed event — Experience the unique fusion of punk, country, and hillbilly sounds from Argentina.

Harry Dean and the Dusty Boys Live Performance

6-10 p.m. — The Score Restaurant & Sports Bar — Free entry — Experience the live sounds of Harry Dean and the Dusty Boys in a vibrant atmosphere.