2015 Charlevoix Venetian Festival

July 9, 2015

Eighty-five years ago, it was just a candlelit boat parade. Now, it’s a week-long hustle and bustle of activities — a major summer highlight that brings thousands of visitors to Charlevoix. It’s Venetian Festival time!

FLOAT A BOAT

The glittering Boat Parade (Saturday, July 25 at dusk) is the major highlight of Venetian Fest. The parade on Round Lake features all kinds of boats and lights, with great viewing along Charlevoix’s waterfront. Awards go to the most creative entries. The theme this year is Mardi Gras, so expect lots of masks and beads in shades of purple and orange.

DANCE TO THE BEAT

In addition to major name headliner Starship, the Venetian Rhythms concert lineup will also present Louisiana swamp country artist Chase Tyler, Saginaw funk band Soul Xpress, a cappella act Three Men and a Tenor, country-rocker Anthony Orio and local favorites like Tom Zipp, The Up North Big Band and The Accidentals.

GET SPORTY

If you’d rather participate than observe, Venetian Fest can oblige. A whole range of sporting events is happening during festival week, from volleyball, basketball and soccer tourneys to footraces, golf and, of course, sailing. If these are a little too active for you, the Castle Garden Games (Tuesday, July 21 from 1-4pm) await at Castle Farms with croquet, bocce ball and outdoor chess.

HIT THE STREETS

The Boat Parade may be the main event, but the Street Parade (Saturday, July 25 at 11am) is almost as popular. Starting at Carpenter Street and winding all the way down Bridge Street, the parade’s actual content is a surprise every year, but has historically included marching bands, a fife and drum corps, clowns, costumes and a plethora of elaborately decorated floats.

PLAY A GAME

Pick up a carnival armband from Arnold Amusements for $20 and you’re good for festival rides all day long, whether you prefer bumper cars or whirling dervish. That leaves the rest of your pocket change for games. Buy some tickets and hit the midway; you might hear the carnival barkers yelling “winner winner chicken dinner” about you!

TAKE A RIDE

To honor the U.S. military, the Venetian Fest will feature the Independence Bike Ride, starting at 9am on Friday, July 24. The ride will start at Shanahan Field, with participants of all ages riding together (bicycles only, no motorized vehicles please). Non-perishable food donations will also be welcomed at this fun community event.

MEET A QUEEN

Serving as Charlevoix tourism ambassadors, the Venetian Queen and her court are selected via a scholarship competition, with entrants writing essays and completing personal interviews with a panel of judges. The new queen’s coronation will take place at an elegant event before the evening’s high aerial fireworks display on Friday, July 24.

WATCH THE LIGHTS

Speaking of fireworks, with the themes of Night Sky (Friday, July 24) and Spectacular Harbor (Saturday, July 25), this year’s fireworks are sure to be a visual treat. Park at Castle Farms to avoid traffic and you can snag a free shuttle ride back to your car until midnight. It’s the perfect, no-hassle way to wind up the 2015 Venetian Fest with style.

This year’s Venetian Festival runs July 18- 25. For a full schedule of events, locations and times, visit venetianfestival.com or call 231-547-3872.