Gilda's LaughFest comedians and businesses want in on next year's event

After a 10-day festival filled with laughter, the Grand Rapids Press reports that LaughFest's participating businesses and Gilda's Club leaders report bigger than expected crowds and enthusiasm for next year's event.

According to excerpts from the story:

Nearly 300 LaughFest staff, volunteers and attendees raised yellow and black placards above their heads into rainy conditions Sunday afternoon on Calder Plaza to create one giant LaughFest-logo smile -- and with good reason.

The first-year event, a 10-day laughter-focused fundraiser and celebration of Gilda's Club Grand Rapids' 10-year anniversary, has a lot to smile about having been both "seriously funny" and seriously successful for participants, local businesses and its comedians. LaughFest attracted 55,000 attendees from 25 states and Canada with many throwing around the adjective "world-class" in describing the event.

Read the complete story here.