CASSOPOLIS — A local organization will soon be reviving a summer tradition that brings families and generations together.

The Cass County Council on Aging will host its annual Grand Fest starting at 2 p.m. on July 13 at its Lowe Center location, 60525 Decatur Road, Cassopolis. Grand Fest, which is meant to serve as a carnival like event for grandparents and grandchildren to experience together, will feature games, activities, hay rides, an agility course, a toddler tent, a climbing wall, a bounce castle and more. At 4 p.m., a magic show will take place. At 5 p.m., the event will be capped off with a cookout dinner. The event is free and open to the public.

“We have almost too much to even talk about,” said Sandi Hoger, organizer of the event. “There is a lot going on.”

The July event will mark the 15th year that the COA has hosted Grand Fest for families in Cass County. Though Hoger said the organization is not doing anything particularly special to celebrate the milestone, she is excited that the tradition has lasted so long, saying that Grand Fest is something she looks forward to every year.

“I love Grand Fest. It is one of my favorite things that we do here,” Hoger said. “I love seeing the grandpas and the grandmas and the little kids just having such a good time.”

Hoger said originally, the COA simply wanted to host an event for young children to enjoy at the COA property, but later decided to host the Grand Fest, which brings grandparents and young children together for one event.

“It’s just kind of evolved over the years,” Hoger said. “It turned into a thing for grandparents and grandchildren and we couldn’t be happier. … This is such a fun thing. It’s wonderful.”

In the past 15 years, Hoger said she has many memories of the Grand Fest, almost too many to choose a favorite from. Ultimately, she said she just enjoys watching those who attend the event have fun.

“[In the petting zoo] we have snakes, and I hate snakes,” Hoger said. “But I love to watch the kids with snakes wrapped around them. … That’s just one of the things that makes the Grand Fest special.”

COA Programs Director Heidi Powell will be experiencing Grand Fest for the first time this year. She said she is excited to take part in the tradition, adding that anyone can attend, whether they are a grandparent or not.

“It’s going to be a really fun event and we have a lot going on,” she said. “From what I’ve heard, the event brings people a lot of happiness and joy.”

Both Powell and Hoger said they would encourage the public to attend the Grand Fest.

“It’s a great way for grandparents and grandchildren to spend time together,” Hoger said. “It’s totally free and a great way to spend the day.”