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Spring Events 2008

Open for limited hours starting in March 2008
Garlyn Zoological Park

In Michigan's beautiful upper peninsula. Only 40 minutes west of the Mackinac Bridge on US2. See Live black bear, cougar, bobcat, wolves, wallaby, camel, reindeer, whitetail deer, sika deer, river otter and more. Feed the deer, goats, camel and llama. Natural park-like setting. Fun for the whole family. Gift Shop filled with wildlife related items.
Hwy 2
Naubinway, MI 49762

Website: www.garlynzoo.com
Phone: 906-477-1085
Fax: 906-477-1085

Opening Day for Historical Parks including:

Fort Mackinac (Mackinac Island) - Opening May 7th
Colonial Michilimackinac (Mackinaw City) - Opening May 5th
Historic Mill Creek (Mackinaw City) - Opening May 5th
Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse (Mackinaw City) - Opening May 12th
Mackinac Island State Park - Opening May 6th


Website: http://www.mackinacparks.com/
Location: Historic Parks
Contact Name: MSHP
Contact Phone: 231-436-4100

May 18th, 2008
Zoo-de-Mackinac

The Zoo-de-Mackinac is a weekend of huge parties with great bands, one of the most scenic bicycle rides in the country, a lot of sunshine, views of the mighty Mackinac Bridge, and one magical island. THIS IS NOT A RACE!! The Zoo-de-Mackinac is a collection of outdoor enthusiasts (2,200+ last year) who want to enjoy a little physical exercise together in one of the most beautiful areas in the state of Michigan. The bike ride starts Saturday morning at Boyne Highlands Resort and spans 51 miles along Lake Michigan on a paved road with very little automobile traffic. Riders pedal through rolling countryside and trillium covered forests, along sandy beaches, and are surrounded by breathtaking views of Lake Michigan from 400' high bluffs.
For more information visit www.zoo-de-mack.com.

May 24th, 2008
4th Annual Mackinaw Memorial Bridge Race - Mackinaw City

GEAR UP for an Active Summer with the Mackinac Bridge Memorial Weekend Race. The only time of year that runners are allowed to run the Mackinac Bridge will be this year on May 24th. Advance registration for the race will begin starting January 1st, 2008. Must register in advance and be able to run a minimum of 12 minutes per mile pace to race in the event.
For more information, visit www.mackinawcity.com.

May 24th, 2008
Memorial Day Parade

Event: Parade
Location: Downtown Mackinaw City
Time of Event: 1:00 p.m.

May 24th - May 26th, 2008
Memorial Weekend Pageant

Mackinaw City, MI: Over 400 cast members will re-create events that took place between the French, British and Indian tribes, on June 2, 1763. This historically rich event will take place for the 43rd consecutive year. The Fort Michilimackinac Pageant is the longest running, free historical Memorial Day performance in the Nation. Visitors will meet famous Indian Chiefs: Minavavans and Matchekewis of the Ojibwa tribe and will Wawatam who becomes a blood brother to Alexander Henry and later saves his life.

Event: Memorial Weekend
Location: Colonial Michilimackinac
Time of event: Saturday, May 24, 2008; Sunday May 25th; Monday, May 26th
Contact Name: Fort Michilimackinac Historical Reenactment Pageant
Contact Phone: 231-436-5574 or 1-888-455-8100
May 26th, 2008
Memorial Day Observance, Mackinac Island
Free. A brief and informal Memorial Day observance at Fort Mackinac Post Cemetery, to pay tribute to the soldiers who served at Fort Mackinac. Soldiers will assemble at 8:30a.m. at Fort Mackinac. They will march to the cemetery, perform a short ceremony and salute, and return to the fort. Open to the public.
For more information, visit www.mackinacparks.com
Summer Events 2007

June 6th - 15th, 2008
58th Annual Lilac Festival on Mackinac Island

This festival features days of activities and ends with one of the largest festival parades in Michigan.
See over 100 different species of lilacs throughout the splendor of Mackinac Island. A day on Mackinac Island during the Lilac Festival is the perfect spring getaway.

Location: Various Places On Mackinac Island
Time of event: Various Times
Contact Phone: 1-800-454-5227

June 14th-15th, 2008
Big Mac Shoreline Spring Scenic Bike Tour - Mackinaw City

Join us for a one of a kind bike tour, that has become a tradition for many bikers in Michigan and in surrounding states. On Saturday, June 14th, over 400 participants celebrate a 25, 50, 75, or 100 mile bike tour along the shores of Lake Michigan. The routes are clearly marked and a number of rest areas dot the course. SAG Safety Wagons also circle the route to ensure safety for riders.

Website: www.mackinawchamber.com
Location: Mackinaw City High School
Time of event: 7:00 a.m.
Contact Phone: 231-436-5774 or 888-455-8100

June 15th, 2008
 Lilac Parade, Mackinac Island

June 20th-21st, 2008
Antiques on the Bay Car Show

Saint Ignace, Michigan
The first of three auto-related events, this show features original and restored classic and antique vehicles on display along the downtown waterfront. Period clothing, entertainment, and a Mackinac Bridge rally all add to the festivities. 21st - Registration, Mackinac Bridge Rally 22nd - Vehicles on Display

June 20th-22nd, 2008
Girls Just Want To Have Fun Red Hat Extravaganza
Ladies don't miss out on this spectacular weekend in Mackinaw City during "Girls Just Want To Have Fun" Red Hat Extravaganza on June 20-22, 2008. There is a party going on just for you featuring Live Entertainment, Food, Ice Cream Social, Tea & Crumpets Cruise, Popcorn & a Movie Night, & lunch at the Grand Hotel!!!
For more information, contact Courtney Kolatski at the Mackinaw Area Visitors Bureau (courtney@mackinawcity.com)

June 21st-22nd, 2008
Mackinaw Kite Festival

The Mackinaw Kite Festival is scheduled for the weekend of June 21st & 22nd at the Conkling Heritage Park on the waterfront in Mackinaw City, where the skies will be filled with brilliant colors, with many shapes and sizes of kites.
For more information, visit www.mackiteco.com

June 27th-28th, 2008
33rd Annual St.Ignace Auto Show

The well known St. Ignace Car Show© was formed in 1975 and the first show was held the last Saturday of June 1976. 134 vehicles were on display that year. The show continued to grow each and every year and by 2004, 2500 collector vehicles were on display with 100,000 spectators observing.

Event: Auto Show
Location: Downtown St.Ignace
Website: St. Ignace Auto Show

June 28th-29th, 2008
Mackinaw City Arts and Craft Show

Mackinaw Area Visitors Bureau to host the Mackinaw City Arts and Craft Show at Conkling Heritage Park on South Huron Avenue.

The Show is Juried and will feature many artists from around the country. Exhibits to include paintings, woodwork, hand-crafted jewelry, hand-designed clothing, and much more.

Event: Art Fair
Location: Conkling Heritage Park
Time of event: 10:00 a.m. till 7:00p.m. on Saturday, and 10:00a.m. till 3:00p.m. on Sunday
Contact Name: Mackinaw Area Visitors Bureau
Contact Phone: 1-800-750-0160

July 1st, 2008
Canada Day Celebration

July 4th, 2008
Mackinaw City Independence Day Celebration

Enjoy children's games on the Marina Lawn, an evening concert at Conkling Heritage Park and the largest fireworks display in Northern Michigan.
Location: Conkling Heritage Park, Mackinaw Crossings, Marina Lawn
Time of event: - Fireworks at Dusk

August 2nd, 2008
Mackinaw Historic Village - Summer Jubilee

The Mackinaw Area Historical Society invites everyone to an old-fashioned celebration of summer, 1880's style, on Saturday, August 2nd, 2008 at their historical village site on Wilderness Park Drive. The event will feature fun, food, music, vintage baseball, and tours of our restored one-room, Freedom School and Pest House Infirmary.
Time of event: 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Click here for more detailed information.

August 1st, 2008
Mackinaw City Antique Show

Event: Antique Show
Location: Mackinaw City High School
Time of event: 10:00 a.m. to 4:30p.m.


Area Antique Shops display and sell antiques.

August 8th-10th, 2008
International Ironworkers Festival

The International Ironworker Festival is an annual event held each summer Mackinaw City. It attracts ironworkers from across the United States and Canada to compete in friendly competition. It is open to the General Public, although only ironworkers and retirees can compete in the skilled events. These events include knot tying, rod tying, rivet toss, spud throw, column climb (Field Event), and the World Championship Column Climb.

Event: Ironworkers
Location: Mackinaw City High School
Time of event: Various Times Throughout the Weekend
Contact Name: Ken Dumas
Contact Phone: 269-962-8511
Click here for more detailed information.

August 22nd - 23rd, 2008
Corvette Crossroads Auto Show

Mackinaw City, Michigan is the site for the annual Corvette Crossroads event, and what a fun place to be. This event, hosted by the Greater Mackinaw Area Chamber of Commerce and supported by area businesses, is definitely a must for Corvette vacationers!

Event: Auto Show
Location: State Dock on South Huron Avenue
Time of event: Auto Show starts at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday
Contact Name: Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce
Contact Phone: 231-436-5574 or 1-888-455-8100

  Fall Events 2007

September 1st, 2008
51st Annual Labor Day Bridge Walk

Join thousands of pedestrians as they participate in a long standing tradition, the LABOR DAY BRIDGE WALK. The walk begins at 7:00 a.m. on Labor Day and concludes at 11:00a.m. This is the only day of the year that walking the "Mighty Mac" is allowed.

Event: Bridge Walk
Location: Mackinac Bridge
Time of event: 7:00 a.m.
Contact Name: Greater Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce
Contact Phone: 231-436-5574 or 1-888-455-8100
Click here for more detailed information.

September 5th - 7th, 2008
Sidewalk Sale Days

Shop downtown Mackinaw City and the Mackinaw Crossings for bargains galore!

Event: Shoppers Festival
Location: Shopping Districts

September 5th - 6th, 2008
Hopps Of Fun Beer & Wine Festival

On September 5th and 6th, 2008 Mackinaw City will host “Hopps of Fun Beer & Wine Festival.” This unique event will feature an extensive sampling of 50 plus award winning Michigan microbrewed beers and over 40 wines from Michigan’s four internationally recognized wine regions. Brewmasters and winemakers will be on hand to answer questions and discuss the brewing and wine making process.

Event: Beer & Wine Festival
Location: Conkling Heritage Park
Time of event: 5:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. on Friday, and 1:00p.m. till 11:00 p.m. on Saturday
Contact Information:sarah@mackinawcrossings.com
Contact Phone: 231-436-5030

September 12th, 2008
Antique Tractors Mackinac Bridge Crossing Parade

The Parade of over 500 Antique Tractors will begin in Mackinaw City September 12th, at 3:00pm., parading across the Mackinac Bridge and end at the Kewadin Casino in St. Ignace.

September 12th & 13th, 2008
13th Annual Big Truck Show and Parade of Lights

See these awesome semi trucks - customized cabs, extraordinary paint/art work and neon light displays.
Click here for more detailed information.

September 13th & 14th, 2008
Big Mac Shoreline Fall Scenic Bike Tour

Join us for a one of a kind bike tour, that has become a tradition for many bikers in Michigan and in surrounding states. On Saturday, September 13th, over 300 participants celebrate a 25, 50, 75, or 100 mile bike tour along the shores of Lake Michigan. The routes are clearly marked and a number of rest areas dot the course. SAG Safety Wagons also circle the route to ensure safety for riders.

Event: Biking
Location: Mackinaw City High School
Time of event: 7:00 a.m.
Contact Phone: 231-436-5574 or 1-888-455-8100

October 3rd-4th, 2008
Fort Fright Night at Michilimackinac

October 12th - 21st, 2007
Fall Shoppers Festival and the Great Pumpkin Hunt

Event: Shoppers Festival
Location: Area Retail Shops
Contact Name: Greater Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce
Contact Phone: 231-436-5574 or 1-888-455-8100


Weekend specials at most stores including cash prizes and prize drawings.