LAFCU is bringing its famous oversized letters to Phil Denny’s Armory Smooth Jazz Fete on Saturday, August 8th, and this time, you’re invited to help create the artwork.
If you’ve been to any festivals or community events around mid-Michigan since 2015, you’ve probably spotted these giant letters spelling out LAFCU. They’ve become something of a local landmark—basically the credit union’s version of those “LOVE” sculptures you see in every major city, except more Lansing.
This year, there’s a twist. Instead of just posing for selfies with the letters, festivalgoers can actually help paint one. The letter “F” will feature an interactive paint-by-number activity that anyone can jump in on, while local artists work their magic on the other letters with original designs.
“The letters have become a familiar symbol of LAFCU’s community involvement, and this year’s collaborative painting gives festivalgoers a new way to be part of that tradition,” explains Kelli Ellsworth Etchison, who serves as chief marketing officer and chief diversity officer at LAFCU, plus CEO of StableCommunities Foundation. “It reflects what this event is all about—bringing people together through creativity, music and community.”
LAFCU has been supporting the Armory Smooth Jazz Fete for eight years now, staying true to its mission of strengthening the communities it serves. Beyond the painting project, they’ll have a full setup at the festival complete with giveaways and—wait for it—a Money Machine. Yes, that’s exactly what it sounds like: a cash-grab booth where you step inside and try to snatch bills swirling around you like you’re a contestant on a game show.
The giant letters first showed up back in 2015 as part of LAFCU’s “Down to the Letter” campaign. The idea was to show how the credit union, its members, and the community collaborate to build something meaningful together. Mission accomplished—the letters quickly became both popular photo ops and a recognizable piece of LAFCU’s community presence.
The festival itself runs from 3 to 9 p.m. at the Lansing Armory (330 Marshall Street) and features an impressive lineup of internationally acclaimed musicians playing smooth and contemporary jazz, soul, funk, and R&B. You’ll also find food vendors, beer and wine, local artists, and merchandise. Just note that this is a 21-and-over event.
Swing by the LAFCU table to grab a paintbrush, watch talented artists transform the other letters, and snag some freebies while you’re at it. It’s not every day you get to leave your mark on a six-foot letter—literally.