Coast Guard Festival to include ‘Hometown Idol,’ circus on the waterfront, Beach Boys tribute

Tickets go on sale May 23 for the 2011 Coast Guard Festival's waterfront entertainment. This year's festival will kick off with "Hometown Idol' at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 29. This will be a local version of the popular "American Idol' TV show. "Playing Out Loud: A Circus Thing' is a free event at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 30. It will feature a big top on the waterfront for kids and their families.

Tribune Staff

Grand Haven

May 16, 2011

Nightly entertainment continues Saturday, July 30, with Decades — a musical revue of the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s pop, rock and disco with singing, dancing and multiple costume changes.

Perennial favorites coming back to this year’s festival include the Scottville Clown Band on Monday, Aug. 1; Grand City Skiers water-ski show on Tuesday, Aug. 2; and Big Band Night featuring the Ransom Street Big Band on Wednesday, Aug. 3.

On Thursday, Aug. 4, the festival will present Good Vibrations, a tribute to the music of the Beach Boys. On Friday, Aug. 5, the festival entertainment will honor the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard with a “Salute to Heroes” show.

The festival’s Grand Finale on Saturday, Aug. 6, will feature Motor City Glee, a group of polished entertainers that bring the sounds of the TV show “Glee” to the stage. That is followed by the Musical Fountain performance and fireworks after dark.

Tickets can be purchased beginning at 9:30 a.m. May 23 at the Coast Guard Festival office, 113 N. Second St. in downtown Grand Haven; at any Meijer store; or online at www.startickets.com.

For more information, visit www.coastguardfest.org or call the festival office at 846-5940.