The Four Flags Area Council on Tourism will host a grand opening celebration, co-sponsored by the West Michigan Tourist Association, on Thursday at 2 p.m. at its new location, 404 East Main St., Niles in the Historic Four Flags Hotel.

Attendees will enjoy live entertainment by Greta Pope, an international entertainer who has delighted audiences throughout Europe, the Far East, South America, the Caribbean, United States and Canada. Pope has been touted as one of the great voices of our time as she performs with ease all styles of music, from country to opera, from rhythm and blues to Broadway. To get a preview, visit Pope’s website at www.gretapope.com.

Meet Miss Southwest Michigan 2010 Whitney Rehn Munger and hear about her passion for Special Olympics. Blossomtime and community royalty will also be present.

What does tourism do for Southwest Michigan? Ask Rep. Sharon Tyler, who will be attending the event. Attendees will also get the opportunity to meet the Four Flags Area Board of Directors and many other Four Flags area members. While enjoying refreshments catch a glimpse of the past with local historian Donna Ochenryder.

Attendees are invited to participate in an information exchange by bringing brochures, business cards or other literature for attendees to see and learn about what it is you do or what services you provide.

The Salvation Army will collect school supplies for their Back Packs for School Program, and it will also be collecting non-perishable food items to stock its food pantry.

To learn more, contact the Four Flags Area Tourism Council at 684-7444 or info@fourflagsarea.org.