Gerald R. Ford International Airport Hosts Music Festival, Irish Dancers and Santa

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) is celebrating the holidays this week with a music festival, Irish dancers, and a visit from Santa Claus.

Santa will be listening to children’s requests and passing out candy in the Airport’s Grand Hall from 1PM - 4PM on Friday, December 11th. Visitors are encouraged to bring a camera. Photos with Santa are free of charge, but guests are asked to bring in two non-perishable food items per person or make a monetary donation to Mel Trotter Ministries.

GFIA’s 21st annual Holiday Music Festival runs December 7-11th. The festival brings in elementary, middle, and high school choirs from around West Michigan to sing Christmas carols. Daily performances run from 8AM - 4PM. A total of 11 local choirs representing public, charter and private schools sing 20 minute song sets throughout the day.

In addition to the music festival and Santa’s visit, piano players and Irish dancers will also be making an appearance at the airport during the holiday season. The Ardan Academy of Irish Dance will be performing on Sunday, December 20th at the airport from 2PM - 4PM.

All events are free and open to the public.

“Our airport is extremely busy around the holidays, but it is important for us to reflect upon what this season is all about,” said GFIA Executive Director Brian Ryks.

“The food donated will help sustain us throughout the year, and we are blessed to be able to partner with the airport to ensure many families in Grand Rapids will not go hungry," said Abbey Sladick, Director of Community Relations at Mel Trotter Ministries.