Six Sensational Festivals

July 15, 2016

Whether you like your festivals vintage, heritage, historical, or modern, there are several great choices on the horizon. Mark these gems down in your calendar of summer celebrations:

One

CHARLEVOIX VENETIAN FESTIVAL

July 16–23 The Venetian Festival got its start 86 years ago as a candlelit boat parade. That’s a far cry from the big, friendly bustle that now takes over Charlevoix, but according to organizers, in 2016, the city’s signature event is bigger and better than ever.

Dan Barron, president of the festival for the last 18 years, noted, “We’re unique among northern Michigan festivals in that we present these waterfront concerts with national performers for free.”

The shows rewind on Saturday, July 23 with 1964: The Tribute. Singer Cassadee Pope hits the stage on Thursday, July 21. The artist, perhaps best known as the first female winner of The Voice, blends country and pop into a crossover sound. Her new EP, Summer, was just released in June.

Canadian rock band The Guess Who appears Wednesday, July 20.

But the music isn’t all there is —Venetian also offers more than a dozen athletic tournaments; an Aquapalooza waterfront stage, featuring beachside reggae music; the coronation of the festival’s queen; and an Arnold Amusements carnival.

The week wraps up July 23 with the lighted boat parade that started it all (this year’s theme: Under the Sea), immediately followed by aptly named “Spectacular Harbor” fireworks.

Location: Charlevoix waterfront.

For the full schedule and more information: venetianfestival.com

Two

INDIAN RIVER SUMMERFEST

July 20–24 The annual Summerfest offers something for every member of the family, which is probably why this fest continues to grow in popularity.

“All the kids’ events are great, and the entertainment tent is a great way to get together with your friends,” said Rachel Vizina of the Indian River Chamber of Commerce.

Wednesday kicks off with the big free Beach Bash and Lobsterfest fundraiser, while Thursday is Family Fun Night, complete with a pizza contest, ice cream social, rubber duck race, fireman’s water ball contest, and teen dance with DJ Dan Frazier.

The weekend includes the 36th annual craft show, cruise night, and live music (Gaylord’s The Remedee on Friday; Indian River’s The Blitz on Saturday). Also on Saturday: Sand Drag Races, 5K and 10K foot races, Northern Michigan Animal Rescue Network’s animal rescue Adopt-A-Pet event, and a chili cook-off.

Sunday is the 9th Annual Indian River Kayak Bike Biathlon, the final event.

Festivalgoers who buy a 2016 Summerfest button for $10 can gain entry to the entertainment tent on Friday and Saturday, plus see Saturday’s fun Sand Drag Race. (Entry to the individual events is $5 per.)

Location: Entertainment tent and most activities in Marina Park.

For the full schedule and more information: irchamber.com

Three

42ND ANNUAL BOYNE FALLS POLISH FESTIVAL

Aug. 4–7 Visit Poland by proxy at this vibrant fourday uroczysto (celebration) complete with carnival rides, Polka dances (many, many Polka dances) and savory Polish foods like pierogies and golabki (aka gawumpki).

The local Polish community does a spectacular job of celebrating its heritage at this event, right down to the beautifully-embroidered folk costumes and Old World Polish food recipes. These traditional Polish elements are combined with classic summer Americana in the form of parades, tractor pulls, a car show, and more.

Highlights for this year include Thursday’s Oldies Night, featuring classic Polka music and awards for the best-dressed ’50s- or ’60sstyle participant; Friday’s youth activities and family movie; Saturday’s Grand Royale Parade and the popular Battle of the Bands competition; and Sunday’s four-wheel-drive mud run and an evening performance by Gaylord dance band The Cookies.

Location: Downtown Boyne Falls, corner of Mill and Railroad streets.

For the full schedule and more information: boynefallspolishfestival.com

Four

RENDEZVOUS IN MACKINAW

Aug. 4–7 Step into another era entirely at this Mackinaw City Fest that brings to life the experience of 18th- and 19th-century trading and shopping in the Mackinaw region.

You’ll be able to visit merchants and blanket traders offering crafts, clothing and periodappropriate accessories for sale as you immerse yourself into this historical time, which is made even more realistic by the costumed actors peppering the event.

Adding to the fun are musket and cannon firings, hawk and knife-throw demonstrations, an auction of historical items, plus storytelling, food, and live music by flutist Silver Fox, the Tibbiawssi Fife and Drum Corps, and Genot Picor and the Trois Bouffons.

Another fair highlight is the “Looting of the Town,” where costumed participants “loot” stores on Central Avenue, then showcase a skirmish in the Mackinaw Crossings Performance Court.

Location: Conkling Heritage Park on South Huron Avenue.

For the full schedule and more information: mackinawcity.com

Five

HARBOR SPRINGS CAR FESTIVAL

Aug. 11 Car enthusiasts, Harbor Springs is the place you’ll want to be when the Car Festival takes over Zorn Park. Half the fun of this fest is in the journey, as you’ll often see vintage and unusual cars driving through downtown before and after the event, but the main draw is the sheer variety of vehicles tooling around town.

Since this isn’t a limited or categorized festival, you’ll get to see a little bit of every sort of car that could possibly catch your fancy, from hot rods and rat rods to exotic sports cars, muscle cars, classic cars and trucks, and even more unusual vehicles like those that have appeared in years past, such as a genuine New York taxi or the Batmobile.

With Little Traverse Bay just a few steps away and plenty of food and beverage options available onsite and around downtown, you’ll be able to fuel up (pun intended) ahead so you can check out every incredible vehicle there.

Location: Zorn Park, just west of downtown.

For the full schedule and more information: mackinawcity.com

Six

ALANSON RIVERFEST

Aug. 12–14 Alanson is justifiably proud of their location along the Inland Water Route, and they celebrate that fact with this themed festival that includes oodles of water events like kayak races and lighted boat parades.

The fest kicks off on Wednesday with a volunteer party, gains momentum on Thursday with a teen dance, and then splashes out more fun all weekend long with a giant arts, crafts, and antiques Flea Market; late-night live music; a 5K run; the Alanson Library’s book sale; and, in the Village Park next to the swing bridge, a much-anticipated free concert by the Petoskey Steel Drum Band.

This year, the fest is also showcasing Alanson’s new Sanctuary Island, the beginning of a village project that will offer riverboat tours, improved public boat docks, a boat house, and a boardwalk to the swing bridge.

Location: Downtown Alanson and the community building on US-31.

For the full schedule and more information: alansonriverfest.com