Everyone knows about the Bellagio Fountain in Las Vegas, but have you heard of the Grand Haven Musical Fountain? This football-sized fountain turns 60 this year. Indeed, it was the largest fountain of its kind in the world until superseded by the one at the Bellagio, more than 35 years after it first opened. Inspired by a miniature display that a former Grand Haven mayor witnessed in Europe while serving in the Navy in the 1950s, the full-size version was constructed by volunteers for $50,000 in 1962. The attraction features lights and fanciful fountain displays, set to everything from Led Zeppelin to Frozen. It is situated on the
west bank of the Grand River, directly across from downtown and a new amphitheater.
To celebrate its 60th anniversary, a new feature debuts
today, August 27, in just a few hours, at 9pm local time. Tonight's show was developed and programmed with the help of students from Grand Valley State University’s School of Engineering and Computing. Read more at the article linked below -
If I find a recording of tonight's show, I'll post it when available. For now, here's a compilation from a few years ago. Can you imagine being in Grand Haven on any summer evening, having no idea this thing exists, and then all of a sudden it starts up in the distance?
• Video Link
EDIT: I think this is the show from the 60th anniversary celebration -
• Video Link
Under construction -
1960s -
Present-day Machinery Room -
Modern fountain in action -
Source:
The Lakeshore | Courtesy Images