Grand Rapids Rings in 2026 With a Community-First New Year’s Eve Apple Drop

A very happy New Year to you!

I wanted to make sure our first blog post of 2026 focused on something positive, and thankfully, that wasn’t hard to find.

Hats off to the organizers of the inaugural New Year’s Eve Apple Drop in Grand Rapids! The night was packed with activity, with celebrations happening at LaRoe’s, the Old Fire Station, Rapids Edge, and along the street where the illuminated apple was dropped at midnight.

What made the night even more special was the turnout. LaRoe’s was packed, and a solid crowd braved the freezing, snowy weather to gather outside Rapids Edge and count down to the apple drop together.

Even better, this was a free community event. In a time when many New Year’s celebrations charge $50 or more just to attend, people here were able to spend the evening with friends, enjoy live music, and grab a drink from the cash bar without a cover charge. That matters.

I think I speak for many in our community when I say thank you to the organizers (Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Revitalization Partners). This was a truly selfless, community-first event, and it set a great tone for the year ahead.

Here’s to more moments like this in 2026.

Josh
President, NWO Community Media/ 98.7 Towpath Radio host