Over the last few years, Rapid Growth has focused on the development of a city. But one area that is critical to a city's rise is the health of its people. On Saturday, LINC, a community revitalization organization in Grand Rapids' Madison Square neighborhood, will present their third annual Rock the Block Street Fair, an event squarely focused on their community's health.
Rock the Block picks up where the former Madison Street Fair left off after they ceased operations following the 2010 event. Reborn as a festival focused on creating and sustaining healthy communities, Rock the Block attracts more than 3,000 residents to the more than 40 vendor booths presenting employment opportunities, healthy living demonstrations, and connections to vital services available in and to the community.
"We love this opportunity each year to highlight to our neighbors what is available in their neighborhood often just steps from their front door," says LINC's Co-Executive Director Darel Ross II. "We are especially proud of event partners including our new program 'Buy Local, Hire Local,' with West Michigan's Local First, where we will be connecting people to the concept of hiring local workers and how this will impact a local community for the better."
And lest you think this is just a healthy living fair, Ross wants you to know that there will be plenty of music all day that reflects the African-American and Latino demographics of the neighborhood, as well as spoken word poetry curated by Azizi Jasper. Scheudled to appear are Jesse Ray, Punksuhate, Cinco en Clave, Lady Ace Boogie, Veronica Quintino, Grand Rapids Kappa League, Dante Cope, Jerry Wayne, and Willy Devon
In addition, the event provides an opportunity to taste the fabulous BBQ from the soon-to-open LINC Up Café. There will even be a healthy version of soul food to try, so you can leave your Lipitor pills at home for the day.
Admission: Free
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