11th annual LaughFest kicks off first virtual event
By: FOX 17
and last updated 2021-03-11 07:42:22-05
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. â Today marks the kickoff for the 11th annual LaughFest which has gone virtual due to COVID.
This yearâs LaughFest festival will feature 30 events raising money for Gildaâs Club which is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
The organization provides free emotional health support for those on a cancer or grief journey.
Headlining acts, which will be part of the festivalâs premium paid content include Ron Funches, Tom Papa, Justin Willman and more.
PREMIUM SHOWS & PASSES
Premium passes are $40 and grant access to ALL SIX shows
Want To Take Part In LaughFest? Registration Is Open!
The virtual version of LaughFest means things will be different, but you can still take part. Here s how.
Registration opened Monday for anyone who wishes to perform or a be a part of LaughFest 2021, which will be conducted online in a virtual environment.
By the way, headliners for this year s event will be announced on Thursday at 8:15am on the Casey and Jojo Show.
Additionally, LaughFest organizers have released the full schedule of free programming (donations welcome).
Here s some of the events the public can get involved in:
The Kids Joke Time Virtual Showcase hosted by comedian Allen Trieu, has been part of LaughFest from the beginning and encourages young comedians to gather their favorite jokes and perform in front of this year’s virtual audience. Parents can submit videos, through March 4, of their children performing for possible inclusion in this showcase, which will be held at 10 a.m., Sunday, March 14.
Grand Rapids Business Journal
Courtesy Gilda s LaughFest
Gilda’s LaughFest is returning in 2021 after being canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it will be celebrated a bit differently.
LaughFest will be a shortened and primarily virtual event this year, which is scheduled for March 11-14.
A full schedule of events will be announced later this month, but it will feature 30 events, free activities, social media content and contests.
“It’s been a tough year, yet we remain in this together and look forward to delivering smiles in a new way to West Michigan and beyond in 2021,” said Joanne Roehm, festival director. “Our goal is to retain the spirit and community impact of the festival while providing a unique celebration as part of Gilda’s Club’s 20th year of operations.”
The fun must go on: LaughFest announces plans for 2021 event
The celebration of laughter and health will look a little different in 2021, but it will continue as a shortened and primarily virtual event. Author: 13 ON YOUR SIDE Staff Published: 5:32 AM EST January 27, 2021 Updated: 6:51 AM EST January 27, 2021
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. The fun will go on! Organizers of Gilda s LaughFest says they do indeed plan on hosting the annual celebration of laughter and health, but it will look a little different in 2021.
LaughFest will be a shortened affair this year and primarily virtual, according to a press release Wednesday.
The festival is a fundraiser for Gilda s Club, which provides free cancer or grief support for people in West Michigan. Gilda’s Club is celebrating its 20th year of operation, having first opened its doors to the public on February 15, 2001.