Goodrich-Judging from the feedback of people at the event, last week’s Good Times in Goodrich festival was a success.
The festival on Sept. 16 ‘was better this year,? said Linda Hautamaki, of Goodrich, as she made her way back to her vehicle from events at the Commons. ‘I got all kinds of free stuff,? Hautamaki added with a laugh.
Good Times in Goodrich organizer Ann Hutchins said Hautimaki’s comments echoed the feedback she had received.
‘I received nothing but extremely positive comments,? said Hutchins.
Hutchins said many of the comments were made in regards to the festival’s new, centralized location in the Goodrich Commons Park, rather than scattered, as in years past.
Pam Heilman, of Davison, said she enjoyed visiting all the crafters at the event. ‘I thought that was interesting,? said Heilman.
Though Hutchins said she did not have a count on attendance at the event, she believed it to have been better attended than previous Good Times, attributing the larger crowd to events like the Music Boosters? Beat on the Street 5K Run/Walk and more extensive planning of the festival.
Another feature Hutchins said drew a crowd was the kids play area at the event.
‘We had a great, great kids area this year,? said Hutchins. ‘The kids had a blast and the parents could sit and have something to eat and keep an eye on their kids.?
Brendan Stowell, 7, of Goodrich, said he had a good time. ‘My favorite part was the pie eating contest,? said Brendan. :I saw some of my friends here too.?
Younger brother Nolan Stowell, 3, agreed.
‘My favorite was the bouncy thing,? said Nolan of the play area.
Business vendors were given the opportunity to show their wares, which Outside Inn owner Julie Czajka said was proving to be worthwhile.
‘A lot of people haven’t know what (the store) is, and now they have an idea,? said Czajka as she stood at a booth in the business expo area.?
Hutchins credits the community for the festival’s success.
‘Basically it was a community event put on by the community,? said Hutchins ?(it would not have happened) without sponsors and without all the fabulous volunteers. Thank you to everyone who worked so incredibly hard and worked with the (Goodrich/Atlas Chamber of Commerce) to sponsor an event like this. We were successful in all those ways’not to mention it was a really fun day.?