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Going Local in Grand Rapids

Tiberius Images was responsible for the photographing the 3rd Annual Local First Street Party outside of Bistro Bella Vita. The Local First Street Party is an annual event in downtown Grand Rapids that promotes Local Food, Local Bands, and Local Beer that supports locally owned businesses, farms, and non-profits through initiatives focused on the triple bottom line: economic prosperity, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility.

Weston Street in front of Bistro Bella Vita, and the nearby Commerce Realty parking lot, was the bustling center of commerce where thirty-four locally owned businesses—florists, gourmet foods markets, boutiques of sustainably-manufactured clothing, a chocolatier, and others—showcased their wares under tents and market umbrellas. Partygoers munched a variety of gourmet fare, including vegetarian victuals masterminded by the chefs from Bistro Bella Vita; quaffed any of four local beers created by Grand Rapids’ own Founder’s Brewing Company; and sipped the fermented fruits of one of West Michigan’s premier vineyards, Chateau de Leelanau.

- Russell Climie