Laughfest 2017 Opens Registration

Gilda's LaughFest is preparing for its seventh year and registration is now open for various LaughFest activities. Events include festival favorites such as LaughFest Showcases, FUNderwear Run, and the Seriously Funny Family Adventure Challenge. The 2017 festival of laughter is scheduled for March 9-19.

Gilda's LaughFest 2017 will begin to take applications for participation in various showcases. Showcase categories for the 2017 festival include stand-up, improv/sketch, college stand-up and college improv. Individuals of all ages, and groups of any size are encouraged to showcase their talents. Applications are being accepted online through December 18, 2016.

The FUNderwear Run and the Seriously Funny Family Adventure Challenge (SFFAC) are both returning forLaughFest 2017 as well. The FUNderwear Run is a 5k race/walk that invites participants to wear their finest and funniest underwear over their running clothes. Those who register early will have receive a limited FUNderwear run t-shirt and medal for participating in the event.

The SFFAC, hosted by LaughFest and presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield and Blue Care Network of Michigan as part of the Meijer Family Friendly Series, is a free family friendly adventure challenge where teams of two to four race across areas of downtown competing in fun and wacky timed challenges that require fast thinking and fast acting. Prizes are awarded to various categories.

Individuals interested in participating in LaughFest events can register at laughfestgr.org.

Proceeds from the festival and donations raised will go to support the free cancer, grief and emotional health programs offered through Gilda's Club Grand Rapids. Visit laughfestgr.org, or call 616-735-HAHA (4242) to learn more about Gilda's LaughFest.