By Jacob Mathias

The 15th annual Downtown Grand Affair, hosted by the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce, is set for September 13 with new features alongside it’s showcase of the city’s downtown.

The event runs from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on the West Grand Ave. portion of the downtown district.

New this year is the Red, White and Brewers which will include beer and wine tents, the first time there will be alcohol as part of the vent.

“We’re looking to have the Packer game on down there for the guys,” said Krista Coon, program director for the Chamber.

Coon said the yearly highlights include arts and crafts vendors, farmers market, live music, food vendors, kids’ activities and the car show. The car show is expected to bring in 150 classic and collectible cars.

Food vendors will include Kiwanis, the Central Wisconsin Moravian Church serving walking tacos, a concession company serving gyros, the Old World Almond Company, multiple egg roll vendors and Great Expectations catering.

Coon said there are usually 70 booths promoting businesses and selling various arts and craft wares as well as about 10 food vendors.

Live music performers have not been confirmed as of yet.

“We have a historical bus tour that you can sign up for,” said Coon. “There’s three different tours. They tour the downtown history. They go around by the museum and talk about the dam area and the history of downtown Wisconsin Rapids.”

The Chamber took over the Grand Affair about five years ago but was originally started by the Downtown City Center Committee.

More information on the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Grand Affair can be found here.