The Council on Aging will once again create a space for grandparents and grandchildren to bond.

The COA’s 14th annual Grand Fest will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. July 14 at the COA Lowe Center, 60525 Decatur Road, Cassopolis. During this time frame, a train for both adults and children, bounce houses, a rock climbing wall, miniature gold, an all ages agility course and more will be available. A D.J. will also play music throughout the event.

After 4 p.m., there will be a magic show performed by John Dudley, as Southwest Michigan based magician. Follow the show, a picnic dinner will be provided to attendants. The event is free and open to the public.

The event is meant to serve as a venue for grandparents and grandchildren to interact and enjoy the day together, organizer Sandi Hoger said.

“The kids bring their grandparents for a day of fun and to have fun together,” Hoger said.    

Hoger believes the event is important because it can bring people of different generations together, which is why the event was created in the first place.

Hoger came up with the idea for Grand Fest in 2003, when the COA was looking to implement more intergenerational programs.

“[Grand Fest] is a way for grandparents and grandchildren to spend time together and learn from each other,” Hoger said.

The COA took strides to ensure that the event was enjoyable for people of all ages, Hoger said. The Grand Fest will feature both high energy activities for the children and activities for adults. The COA has also ensured that there is plenty of seating, so even if a senior is unable to stand for long periods of time, they can still watch and interact with their grandchild.

More than just providing an intergenerational outlet, Hoger said the festival brings families together.

“I’ve had a lot of grandparents tell me that their grandkids from out of town make their annual trip to see grandma and grandpa at this time so they can come see the Grand Festival,” Hoger said.

Another big draw to the event is the fact that it is free of charge, Hoger said.

“A lot of times people won’t come to these events, because there is a fee, but this is total free,” Hoger said. “I think anyone that comes will just have a fun time with grandma and grandpa.”