The arrival of Columbus ships Pina and Nina brought out spectators eager to watch the ships as they sailed under the 9th street bridge to dock in the Thunder Bay River at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center. The ships will be docked and open to the public daily, starting Thursday, 9:00-6:00 p.m., until their departure early Monday morning July 6.

Alpena Residents will have more to do on the Fourth of July than just salute the red, white and blue. Alpena Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jackie Krawczak said there are all kinds of activities going this weekend. The annual Fourth of July parade will begin at the Alpena County Fairgrounds at 11 a.m. The parade route will span over 11th Avenue, Chisholm Street, across the Second Avenue Bridge and end at the big parking area across from Alpena Marc’s building. “It’s probably the biggest parade in Northeast or even northern Michigan for the Fourth of July. We have 85 entries and counting which is really good in a non-political year,” she said. Krawczak said following the parade will be the rubber duckie race. Tickets that correspond to numbers on the rubber ducks may be purchased in advanced from any Alpena Optimist Club Member at the parade or the 9th Street Bridge prior to the releasing of the duckies. Ticket prices are $2.50 for a chance to win $5, $500 or $1,00.