‘A huge deal’: Grand Rapids florist chosen to help design Rose Parade float [Video]

GRAND RAPIDS — West Michigan will play a part in the famous Rose Parade in California as one Grand Rapids florist was chosen to help arrange flowers on one of the floats. Kennedy’s Flower and Gifts part-owner, Holly Haveman, said it’s a bucket list item she can check off.

As the design team manager for her family’s business, Haveman grew up surrounded by flowers.

“I worked in the corporate world for a while, and while I was doing my corporate role, I realized, oh my gosh, what we do is so much more fun at Kennedy’s,” said Haveman Monday.

The holiday season means that Kennedy’s has been bustling.

“It feels kind of like a marathon leading up to Christmas. So, you’re going for it, and we have tons of orders, tons of flowers, still like, oh, do I have enough?” Haveman said.

She, however, is preparing for a different kind of celebration. Haveman has always wanted to be a part of the Rose …