Grand Rapids committee approves fireworks permit for Griffins New Year’s Eve show

Overview

Updated 37 minutes ago

On Dec. 31, 2026, the Grand Rapids Griffins plan to mark New Year’s Eve with special effects inside Van Andel Arena. The city’s Community Development Committee approved a fireworks discharge permit for RKM Fireworks Co. on Nov. 10, clearing one regulatory step for the indoor show.

The approval does not end the process. The Grand Rapids Fire Department must still inspect the setup and issue the required permit. The city’s Risk Management team already reviewed the applicant’s proof of insurance and approved it.

Why it matters

A routine permit approval keeps a downtown New Year’s Eve fireworks show on track, but fire department inspection still stands between approval and launch.

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Key Indicators

Permits approved

Fireworks discharge permit approved by the Community Development Committee.

Voices

Curated perspectives — historical figures and your fellow readers.

Organizations Involved

Grand Rapids Community Development Committee

City committee

Approved the fireworks discharge permit

City committee that approved RKM Fireworks Co.’s permit for the Griffins’ New Year’s Eve celebration.

RKM Fireworks Co.

Fireworks contractor

Committee-approved; awaiting fire department permit

Fireworks company approved to provide special effects at the Griffins’ New Year’s Eve celebration.

Grand Rapids Griffins

Professional ice hockey team (AHL)

Hosting Dec. 31, 2026 New Year’s Eve celebration

Grand Rapids hockey team hosting the Dec. 31, 2026 New Year’s Eve celebration at Van Andel Arena.

Grand Rapids Fire Department

Municipal fire department

Will inspect and issue required permit

City fire department responsible for inspecting the fireworks setup and issuing the event permit.

Van Andel Arena

Arena

Venue for Dec. 31, 2026 celebration

Grand Rapids arena scheduled to host the Griffins’ New Year’s Eve celebration.

Timeline

December 2025 November 2026

2 events Latest: 3 days ago

November 2026
Committee approves Griffins fireworks permit
Latest Permit approval

Committee approved RKM Fireworks Co. permit for Griffins’ Dec. 31 celebration; fire inspection next.
3 days ago
December 2025
Griffins hold 28th annual New Year’s Eve celebration
Event

Griffins hosted Milwaukee and held West Michigan’s Largest Indoor Fireworks Show at Van Andel Arena.
December 31st, 2025

Scenarios

Fire department issues permit and show proceeds

Likely Resolves by End of 2026

Discussed by: City of Grand Rapids permit process

After the committee’s approval, the Grand Rapids Fire Department conducts its inspection. If the inspection clears the setup, the department issues the required permit and RKM Fireworks Co. provides special effects at the Dec. 31 celebration.

Inspection delays or modifies fireworks display

Possible Resolves by End of 2026

Discussed by: City of Grand Rapids approval record

The approval record says the fire department will inspect and issue the permit after the committee vote. An inspection finding or permit condition could delay the special effects or require changes before the Dec. 31 event.

Historical Context

One moment from history that rhymes with this story — and how it unfolded.

December 2025

Griffins’ 28th Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration (2025)

The Grand Rapids Griffins hosted the Milwaukee Admirals at Van Andel Arena on Dec. 31, 2025, for their 28th annual New Year’s Eve celebration. The event included what the team called West Michigan’s Largest Indoor Fireworks Show, sponsored by Macatawa Bank.

Then

The game and indoor fireworks show took place at Van Andel Arena.

Now

The annual event established a recurring venue tradition for indoor New Year’s Eve fireworks.

Why this matters now

The 2026 permit approval applies to the same venue and event tradition, now with RKM Fireworks Co. as the special-effects provider.