GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - FOX 17 and Founders Brewing Company are teaming up for a new fall event for Grand Rapids in 2016.
Tribute on the Grand will debut on September 10, 2016, which used to be the weekend of Celebration on the Grand. The event will take place at Ah-Nab-Awen Park and will be a fundraiser in support of Grand Rapids Whitewater, the grass roots organization that is working to restore the river through downtown.
Founders president Dave Engbers says that the whole idea of restoring the rapids was hatched over a few pints at the original Founders location about a decade ago. Since then, those friends have spent more than seven years researching, designing and laying the groundwork for the river and it has become a key goal for city leaders.
Founders is creating a new signature craft beer called "Palm Reader" for the event. All ingredients in the pale ale will be from Michigan. It will be released on May 1st.
The beer is made with Michigan-grown Crystal and Zuper-Saazer hops. Derived from Saaz, a traditional noble hop hailing from the Czech Republic, these Zuper-Saazer hops, grown locally at Hop Head Farms, impart intense and fruity aromas. Combined with the citrus notes of the Crystal hops and the simple malt bill, this beer is crisp, bright and delicious. Palm Reader comes in at 5.4% ABV and will be available in 6-pack 12oz bottles with a suggested retail price of $9.99.
The event will feature local music, as well as a headlining national tribute band, local beers and food, including a Founders beer dinner on the Gillette Bridge. The whole event will be a celebration of the Grand River.
