Manistee National Forest Festival

June 28, 2009

Manistee National Forest Festival
A small city pulls off a whopper of a party
By Vince Hancock 6/29/09

Less than 48 hours after word leaked that fireworks just couldn’t be afforded this year, Melissa Reed, the executive director of the Manistee Chamber of Commerce, received a phone call. It was the daughter of the late Dr. LeRoy Futterer, offering almost half the amount for the annual show.
Futterer knew that it was increasingly difficult to raise the funds, according to his wife, Peggy. “He loved his fireworks. We’d go down to the water or watch from our screened-in porch,” she says. After he passed away last year, the family knew what project he’d want to support.
Within another few days, more donations came in, and the fireworks were back on track.
“Manistee rallied in such a spectacular way,” says Reed. “Truly, those fireworks will be as much a celebration of local spirit this year, as they are a celebration of our independence.” The display is scheduled for Friday, July 3 at 10:30 p.m. First Street Beach and Fifth Avenue Beach are recommended viewing locations.
The fireworks represent only one of the many events scheduled at Manistee’s National Forest Festival from Wednesday, July 1 through Sunday the 5th. Indeed, the scale of the festival surprised Reed, who’s worked for other chambers.
“The last community I worked in was eight times larger than Manistee,” she says. “Their summer celebration was nowhere near as extensive or varied as the Forest Festival.”

FINE ART
Only nine months into the job, Reed says she’s already impressed with the volunteers that make sure the festival unfolds without a snag.
Guided tours, duck races and carnival rides are common elements at many festivals, including Manistee’s, but fine art is one element one might not expect. Thanks to the Manistee Art Institute, a bit of tranquility will drift into town for a second year. “En Plein Air” is the exhibit showcasing a number of works created outdoors. Local artists will also be throughout town, working on new compositions. Along with scores of other exhibitors, the MAI will have a tent set up at Red Szymarek Park at the Fifth Street Beach. Another site for the exhibit is Hardy Hall, at the Ramsdell Theater Complex at 101 Maple Street.
Also returning this year is the raucous Bed Race, featuring teams of five pushing wildy-decorated beds-on-wheels. American Auto, a new garage that opened in January, takes the reins from First Street Tavern, which organized the mad mattress dash for several years.
“You do have to wear sleep attire,” says American Auto co-owner Carla Miller. “And your bed has to have a sheet, comforter and pillows.”

NEWCOMERS
Miller and partner Brian Langlois represent the fresh blood that arrives in town from time to time. Vacations and family visits brought them to Manistee a few times, but the couple almost settled in Tennessee. Instead, they found a site that Langlois desired, and Miller says he’s fixed it up to display his passion for hot rods.
“A lot of the shop is a museum,” she says. “It’s also a hang-out spot for the old-timers.” Miller says the business will also serve as the Bed Race’s official pit stop. “We’ll help you unload your bed in the parking lot, and we have tools for last-minute finishing touches.” The checkered flag waves at 297 First Street, Saturday at 7 p.m. The event is free to participate in and observe.
On Saturday, two neighboring nations celebrate their heritage. The July 4th parade kicks off at 10 a.m. and will travel down the length of River Street. Get there early to claim a spot on the sidewalk. Just a few miles north, at the gathering grounds of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, the 15th Annual Jiingtamok (or Pow wow) will start at 11 a.m.
Traditional dancing is a hallmark of the Jiingtamok, and includes both men and women’s dancing. The “Jingle Dress Dance” is one style that will be seen, says Jay Sam, who directs the LRBOI’s Historic Preservation Department. “Young women make a pledge to perform the dance for at least one year,” he says. “365 cones are sewn into each dress with a prayer, and as they jingle, the prayers are released.” Such dances are still performed for similar purposes, says Sam, in order to help a specific village or even to assist students taking college entrance exams.
“The part you don’t want to miss is Grand Entry,” says Sam, referring to the colorful parade of all the dancers. Grand Entry will be held at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, and 1 p.m. on Sunday. Traditional food and native arts and crafts will also be available.

MUSIC & A FOOT RACE
Back at the Manistee beachside, music of a modern variety spills forth at the Jaycees Aqualpalooza. PowerPlay and Brother Stomp will take turns playing from 8 p.m. until 2 a.m. at the Festival Tent on First Street Beach (21 and over admitted). Jaycees member, Jordan Soloweij, says the $8 cover charge helps with local projects. “The money is reinvested in Manistee County,” says Soloweij. “We donate to non-profits like United Way, Homeward Bound and the Salvation Army.”
Bright and early the next morning, the Firecracker 5K Run/Walk and 1K Fun Run returns to Manistee High School. Varsity Track Coach Eric Thuemmel says that a variety of prizes will be awarded to the top finishers, in several age categories. More importantly, the registration fees will help the school raise money for a new track. “Our current track is 30 years old and it keeps developing cracks, despite resurfacing,” says Thuemmel. Last-minute registrations are permitted, or register online at http://runmanistee.blogspot.com.
Finally, take Melissa Reed’s advice for two highlights that cap the Forest Festival. Sunday’s Kid’s Parade starts at 1 p.m., with line-up at the Armory. “The ‘Critters of the Forest’ theme is a way for us to sneak in appreciation for the natural resources around us,” she says.
Later, as the sun shifts and pushes out shadows, Reed hopes others will take in her favorite Midwest combo, the Lions Pig Roast ($7.50, 1-4 p.m.) and the Scottville Clown Band ($1, 4-6 p.m.). “I went to high school in Iowa, so I love a pig roast. The band – well, it’s been a fixture in my July celebrations for 40 years. I’ve been all over the country and I’ve never seen anything like it.”

For more information, call the Manistee Chamber of Commerce at (231) 723-2575. Full schedule of events also available at http://www.ManisteeChamber.com