Music and smiles

TRUFANT — Since the early 1990s, Tim King, Mark Lavengood and a group of other local musicians have faithfully gathered to celebrate the Fourth of July with music and fireworks in the Trufant area.

Mark Lavengood, left, and Tim King stand on the nearly finished stage at the Smiling Acres Music Festival, which is happening in Trufant from July 2-4. — DN Photo | Brandon Schreur

As that celebration grew over the years, it became clear the group needed more space. In 2011, they moved into a wide-open area just northeast of Rainbow Lake, which later became known as Smiling Acres.

Now, wanting to spread the gift of music with the rest of the local community, they are ready to open up the event to the public.

The inaugural Smiling Acres Music Festival will be held from July 2-4 at 3060 N. Johnson Road in Trufant.

"The additional space allowed for the scope of the show and the guest list to grow substantially," said King, who's wearing many different managerial hats for the event. "Over the years, we refined the party to deliver an amazing Fourth of July experience everyone talks about and looks forward to all year long. After as many years of talking about it and planning details, all the pieces are now in place for us to take the leap and share the fun with everyone else."

Those looking to attend the event can expect two days full of music, camping, food, vendors, relaxation, activities and more.

Mark Lavengood, left, and Tim King point out to the 40 acres open and wooded spaces surrounding the stage at the Smiling Acres Music Festival, which is scheduled for July 2-4 in Trufant. — DN Photo | Brandon Schreur

"We have a rich display of styles of music from outlaw country, bluegrass, Latin rock, Afrobeat, hip hop to jam band and rock," King said. "(Entertainment Coordinator Mark Lavengood) dreamed up the lineup in the early weeks of 2021 and really wanted to highlight the abundant amount of diverse musical talent that West Michigan has to offer."