Who Was the 14 Millionth Visitor to Grand Rapids Meijer Gardens?

What a milestone achieved yesterday at the Frederik Meijer Gardens, and it's equally hard to believe that it's been nearly three decades in the making.

But it happened as their 14-millionth visitor came through their doors. That visitor was Barbara Earl from Grand Rapids. She visited the gardens around noon yesterday with her son and daughter and was totally surprised by her greeting.

It certainly was a heart-warming occasion when President David Hooker greeted her. Fox17 covered the event, so take a look.

Barbara was honored with a basket full of Meijer Garden-centric goodies, including books, canteens, and even tickets to their sought-after summer concert series. Stop right there. She's a luck duck with those always in demand concert tickets. Way to go Barbara.

Barbara said she hadn't been to the gardens in 5 or so years, and with her son Joe coming in from California, and actually having some nice Michigan weather, it seemed like the perfect day to visit.

5-years is a long time between visits for anyone, and with that length of time anyone would be stunned and amazed at all of the changes and growth.

JAPANESE GARDENS at MEIJER GARDENS

People come from, not only locally, Michigan and the U.S. but from around the world to visit this beautiful wonder of modern sculpture in a stunning garden setting at this combination botanical garden and sculpture park, featuring exotic plants, desert and Victorian gardens, wetlands, meadows, and sculptures by famous artists throughout the gardens.

We don't how lucky we are to have this beautiful gift in our community from Fred and Lena Meijer. Count our blessings!