GRAND HAVEN, Mich. (WOOD) — Grand Haven is reaching beyond the grave to keep vital tourist traffic alive through October.
All month, the city is hosting the second annual Bones About Town, with the goal of driving foot traffic to local retailers. Households and businesses compete to come up with the best skeleton figure displays.
Some of the displays this year include over 150 skeletons and will be placed in three categories to win: most original, funniest and spookiest. The winner in each category will be announced on Oct. 26 during the Fall Festival.
In a city known for its busier-than-busy Coast Guard Festival, smaller events can also draw a crowd.
“Not everyone loves the big events,” Grand Haven Visitors Center Executive Director Marci Cisneros told News 8. “They can sometimes be a little too congested for them, so these kind of quaint community events that happen in the shoulder seasons can be just what a visitor is looking for.”
For retailers downtown, a strong shoulder season can make all the difference between high summer and the holidays.
“October typically for retail is the calm before the storm because of the holiday season,” Grand Haven Main Street Development Authority Executive Director Chandi Pape said. “So to have an event like this get people down here visiting town, especially when we have weather like this, is a really big deal.”
“Plus, it makes (visitors) mix a little bit with residents and businesses a little more,” Cisneros added. “Just create some energy.”
You can learn more about the skeleton decorating competition by clicking here. Click here to vote for you favorite display.
The Bones About Town isn’t the only reason to head to Grand Haven this weekend. Chow Down Centertown is coming up Saturday, bringing food, music and mini golf madness downtown from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.