Community responds to Pure Michigan casting call

Participants were asked to wear bright colors and beach attire; and bring beach towels, umbrellas and beach balls.

“It’s an everyday occurrence in Grand Haven to have fun,” said Ray Schaubel, a Grand Haven native who now lives in Hastings. He said Grand Haven has earned the recognition for being a great beach.

The video is set to the “Good Time” song by Carly Rae Jepsen and Owl City, and will be available for viewing on YouTube in mid-September. Grand Haven is one of 50 Michigan cities selected to be in the video.

Marci Cisneros, executive director for the Grand Haven Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, said she was proud to see the number of residents and visitors who turned out to show their support.

As participants waited for the arrival of the film crew aboard a helicopter, a group from the North Ottawa County Council on Aging's line-dancing class warmed up. One of the line dancers, Grace Stanton, said they were there to dance in the video because it fits with what they enjoy.

“We have a good time dancing,” she said.

When the helicopter was on its way, the song blasted from speakers.

As participants danced and waved their arms in the air, West Olive resident Jenni DeHaan laid down in a sand angel on the beach. DeHaan said she attended the event because her mom enjoys being on film and they were celebrating her mother’s birthday.

“I thought, ‘What a great way to get on film,’” DeHaan said.

Ferrysburg residents Jack, Carol and Valery Olthof said they enjoyed Friday’s beautiful weather on the Grand Haven pier. Carol and Valery wore fluorescent yellow shirts to stand out in the video, and Carol said she attended the event be part of "something cool."

“You live here, you’re proud of it,” Carol said.