The Bands, Brews & BBQ Festival committee are excited to announce that they will be back this summer at the Big Rapids Bandshell on July 10 from 2pm- 10pm, for an amazing day of Bands, Brews & BBQ.
In an effort of looking for new and exciting ways to generate greater awareness of the Big Rapids Region, the Mecosta County Visitors Bureau (MCVB) partnered with the Big Rapids Lions Club in 2019 to bring back the highly anticipated Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival. “This has been a great partnership between the two organizations,” stated Connie Koepke – Executive Director of the Mecosta County Visitors Bureau. “The MCVB’s mission is to market the area’s tourism highlights in hopes of capturing overnight stays at area hotels, as well as return visits to the hotels,” which is where the Visitors Bureau receives its funding from. The Lions Club mission is to raise funds that can be used in support of a large variety of activities that improve their communities and help people in need. Dave Hamelund with the Big Rapids Lions Club states, “Some of the Lions Club projects include assisting the hearing impaired, providing diabetes awareness & education materials, working on environmental projects & developing youth programs.”
With two organizations working together on this amazing event, they are able to not only accomplish both of the groups’ missions & goals, but also create an extraordinary event that can be enjoyed by all. “You may have noticed a change in the name of this year’s event, altering Blues to Bands. This allows the ability to offer more variety of musical styles and bands; as this annual event continues throughout the years to come,” noted Koepke.
The day of the event is set for Saturday, July 10, from 2pm – 10pm, which is a great kickoff to fair week that begins on Monday, July 12. The festival will not only include amazing music throughout the day (Blues, Jazz, County & Contemporary) but also local restaurants, offering at least one BBQ & other vendors.