GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WZZM) - As the ArtPrize competition gets closer to naming its winner, the streets of downtown Grand Rapids were packed more so than ever on Sunday, Sept. 27.
And for those trying to get around downtown we understand it was a little frustrating. But from a business standpoint things couldn't be better.
With thousands packing the streets for the anticipated paper air plane dropping on Sunday made that day one of the largest turnouts ArtPrize has ever had.
And local restaurants like T.G.I. Friday's were reaping the benefits.
"Business is great!," said Dawn Broderick, who's the general manager at T.G.I. Friday's.
It's also a great time for local hotels. The Courtyard Marriot, which is right across the street from ArtPrize's main hub, couldn't be in a better location.
"We're sold out. And that's good at the hotel. The folks next door to us ... the hotel next door ... the J.W.'s (Marriott) sold out," said Mike Donnelly, general manager of the Courtyard Marriott.
"We've seen some events that have happened that have really impacted us economically. New Year's Eve last year was fantastic. We had a great event downtown that really trickled all of the businesses down here but nothing like this. This is unbelievable."
The ArtPrize competition isn't just about attracting the locals but those from out of town too.
"I've been to Grand Rapids a few times and I've never seen this many people around," said John Metes, a Detroit native, who's attending Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Mich.
"I mean ... it's just crazy. Like trying to walk around. It's unbelievable."
"I think the ArtPrize, the idea of it, you know, to invest a little bit and watch it exponentially grow should be going on," said Jason Strzalkowski, who's also a Detroit native. "Because I'll probably drop $50-60 bucks while I'm in town today and there's tens of thousands of people that probably might not have come down today if not for that."
"We haven't been able to close our doors from 11 o'clock to 1 a.m. - it's just been crazy the whole time," said Broderick.
There's no doubt ArtPrize is generating thousands of dollars to local businesses across West Michigan.
"We live downtown so first we're going to all the restaurants and going to all the stores and seeing what's available," said Grand Rapids' very own Marilyn Leven.
"It's a plus for the city. It really is. Grand Rapids is notable for Gerald Ford but now it's going to be notable for the ArtPrize."
David Solano
In your voice
