The Grand Valley State University Laker Marching Band, GVSU Dance Company and WGVU Nerd Walk will kick-off ArtPrize Wednesday, September 21, at Rosa Parks Circle in downtown Grand Rapids.

The Laker Marching Band will open the night with a performance at the L.V. Eberhard Center in Grand Rapids. After the performance, the marching band, GVSU Dance Company and Nerd Walk participants will march across the Blue Bridge to Rosa Parks Circle.

The band and dance company will perform a second time under the direction of President Thomas J. Haas following a proclamation by Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss.

All are encouraged to join the Nerd Walk and march the streets with magic wands, lightsabers, mystical hammers and capes. A contest will be held at Rosa Parks Circle for best costume, most original costume and most inspired costume.

Schedule of events:

5:45PM - Laker Marching Band performs at L.V. Eberhard Center

6PM - Laker Marching Band marches to Rosa Parks Circle with Nerd Walk

6:30PM - Welcome by ArtPrize and mayoral proclamation

6:35PM - GVSU Dance Company and Laker Marching Band perform

7PM - WGVU and ArtPrize programming/concert

See photos and a video of last year's ArtPrize opening event which included a Bob Ross look-alike contest.

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