Friday’s forecast for local grandparents and grandchildren looks sunny, with a chance of magic.

The Cass County COA will host the 11th annual Grand Festival at the Lowe Center in Cassopolis Friday. Beginning at 2 p.m., grandparents and their grandchildren can enjoy a free afternoon of activity, including hayrides, a wall climb, a petting zoo, crafts and more. The day is capped off by a magic show inside the building at 4 p.m., followed by dinner at 5 p.m.

Among the special guests at this year’s festival includes members of Sarett Nature Center, who will bring snakes and other reptiles for the kids to see. The county sheriff’s department will be there as well, offering fingerprinting for both kids and adults.

“We also have a surprise ride this year,” said Sandi Hoger, active living team leader with the organization. “We’re not saying what it is, you’re going to have to go there to find out what it is.”

For the magic show, the COA will again have area magician John Dudley, who’s show promises to have lots of interaction with attendees, Hoger said.

The COA introduced the Grand Festival 11 years ago, offering an event that both COA regulars and their family could enjoy together, Hoger said.

“In the summertime, kids are looking for something do and their grandparents are looking for something to do with them,” she said. “Intergenerational events are very important to offer, especially to grandparents who come here all the time.”

Over the years, the Grand Festival has grown from a small party held inside the facility to a sprawling that takes place over the outdoor grounds. Last year, the event drew nearly 400 attendees to the center, Hoger said.

“We have grandparents who tell us they have grandkids whose parents plan trips around the time of the festival just so they can go,” she said.

The Cass County COA in Cassopolis is located at 60525 Decatur Road and M-60.  For additional information, contact the COA at (269) 445-8110.