Coast Guard Fest enjoys growth spurt

GRAND HAVEN, Mich. (WOOD) -- Almost 90 years ago, a rowing competition between Coast Guard organizations began in Grand Haven. Now, it's blossomed into a full week were 350,000 people show up for a variety of festivities.

"It's a very family-focused festival, so mainly you se families," said Madonna Kramer of the Coast Guard Festival. "But anyone who loves the lakeshore loves the Coast Guard, so we say we program from (ages) 2-92."

Brian Hatzel visited on Saturday. "There's so many things to do and see, the kids have a great time, (and we're) enjoying the weather."

Among the additions are a hometown "American Idol"-style competition. It's helped the festival grow in recent years.

"We have noticed since the downturn in the economy a few years ago, even though we believe it's going back, people were taking staycations," Kramer said. "We noticed a nice jump in attendance and people were happy to do ti, so we're anticipating great attendance this year."

The Coast Guard Festival continues in Grand Haven through August 5.