-
August 2024 by Perry Land
Drones fireworks couple of ships. Well worth my travel,
-
August 2024 by Aaron Lehrman
My favorite parts are the Kids Parade, Cardboard Boat Race, the Parade of Ships, Ship Tours, the Grand Parade, seeing the helicopter flybys and demonstrations throughout, and seeing the recruiters.
All these are free of charge! Other aspects do have a cost like the carnival, concerts, etc.
- Kids Parade: Still a rather large and full parade on the first Saturday at 10:30 AM. In 2024, they started at 5th Street and Franklin Avenue, West on Franklin to 1st Street, North on 1st Street to Washington Avenue, East on Washington to 5th Steet. I stood at 5th and Washington for pictures which was nice to get great lighting with the sun behind me, but it was at the end of the parade (some get tired) and the front view can be limiting. They do throw candy and so on.
- Cardboard Boat Race: Also on the first Saturday, but at 1:30 PM at the Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium. There are two classes of racers that are age based. There are often some boats that sink, but many make it through the three rounds of races. There are several awards based on time, design, and best sinking. The kids love it!
- Parade of Ships: Several Coast Guard Cutters come into port Monday at 1 PM. You can see them well before then in the distance and typically you can track them on several websites that track marine traffic worldwide. You can watch from Grand Haven State Park, many places along the board walk, or the North Pier (which is where I was). The North Pier has limited parking so get there at least two hours early or you will have to walk a long distance (like me).
- Ship Tours: After the Parade of Ships, you can tour the inside of the ships that are moored. They allow you into many parts of the ships including the bridge, decks, mess (cafeteria), and you can look into the engine areas and officers quarters (though not go inside).
- Grand Parade: It is grand! Lots of floats, cars, Coast Guard displays, boats, and officers. They do throw candy and so on. My son got a T-Shirt from one of the floats last year (2023).
- Helicopter flybys and demonstrations: A half hour before the Cardboard Boat Race, there was a water rescue demonstration. This was my favorite part in 2024! Amazing to understand the logistics, safety measures, procedures, and power of the helicopter.
- Recruiters: Not just Coast Guard, but also other branches. 2023, they had a punching bag that rated the force of your punch. This year the Army recruiters have chin-up bars and deadlift. If you perform well, you are given US Army accessories. I don’t think they have strict standards, but reward based on how impressed they are.
There is also still other activity with ships coming into harbor, the amazing city culture and architecture, sculptures, beach, and lighthouses that makes it multifaceted. I love visiting Grand Haven! It’s at its best during the Coast Guard Festival.
Honor, support, and celebrate our U.S. Department of Homeland Security United States Coast Guard men and women. They keep us safe from threats at the border, rescue, monitor, patrol, and keep us informed. They are a strong, helpful, and cheerful part of our military and nation!
-
August 2024 by Ken Kyle
The highlight of summer in Grand Haven!
-
August 2024 by Lisa Lisa
Love the coast guard festival every year. Thank you to everyone that tirelessly put this on year after year to make it fun and a great success. 2024 I feel the carnival should of been down the street where car show was that way it leaves open parking. There was no parking which makes it worse ESPECIALLY FOR HANDICAP PEOPLE WHOM WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE FIREWORKS. PLEASE do a better job organizing this so you DO NOT TAKE UP ALL THE PLACES TO PARK ESPECIALLY THE CLOSE HANDICAP SPACES. Was disappointed in parking situation for the HANDICAP spaces. NOT GOOD.
-
August 2024 by James Novack
Our first time coming and absolutely loved it! People were very courteous and friendly. Even driving, people were patient and courteous. Ice cream was fabulous. Lots of fun things going on. Carnival, shopping, Boat tours, parade of boats, concerts every nite, water fountain show with music every nite. Street dance, food trucks, we truly appreciate the Men and Women of the Coast Guard that keep us all safe.
-
August 2024 by DR RULES
Well organized event. It would be great to see the "1" in the 100 straightened up before the 2024 festival is over. It looks a little amateurish as it is now,
-
December 2023 by Mosquito / Pest Authority
Had a great time. The crowds were very friendly!
-
September 2023 by jmel1056
There's a lot to see and do at this festival.
-
August 2023 by T JB
I was at the Eagles Friday as well as Saturday.The bands were great, great bartenders (Erin was the best).Okay Mexican food, water available for non alcoholic drinks.The Coast Guard festival was great!There was also fireworks!
-
August 2023 by Robert Tonkavich
So much fun, and education if you toir the Coast Guard Cutter. Plenty of restaurants and other activities. Stop by Barefoot Daves for a T-Shirt.
-
August 2023 by Jason & James -Mosquito / Pest Authority Dolan
Had a great time. The crowds were very friendly!
-
August 2023 by Michael Zauche
Great kids day activities and very friendly tour staffers
-
August 2023 by T
I was at the Eagles Friday as well as Saturday.The bands were great, great bartenders (Erin was the best).Okay Mexican food, water available for non alcoholic drinks.The Coast Guard festival was great!There was also fireworks!
-
July 2023 by Craig Fritz
Had a great time at the Coast Guard Cruise In Car show Great Vehicles cars, trucks, bikes, pancake breakfast put on by the Grand Haven Bucs Sports Boosters was wonderful and yummy. The volunteers running the show were friendly and helpful, local businesses were accommodating and friendly. Huge friendly crowd all thru the show. Big shout out to Lake Side Eats Deli for their wonderful food and delivery service. A great fun time Thanks to all!!
-
July 2023 by Tara Pennington
Flea on seventh was full of unique items with something for everyone.
