ROGERS CITY – The biggest summer event in Rogers City starts soon, and new events are in store for those who come.

The Rogers City Nautical Festival starts Aug. 4, with a few events set to take place a week earlier. Along with old favorites and traditions like rides, quarry tours, a car show and a parade, Nautical Festival Committee Treasurer Joan Karsten said the festival has a few new events as well. Among them are monster car rides at Gilpin Field, a Junior Miss Nautical City pageant for girls 13 to 15 and a dice game tournament called bunco.

The queen’s pageant is 7 p.m. Friday at Rogers City High School, according to events schedules. Karsten said that along with five girls vying for the Miss Rogers City crown, 10 have entered the junior miss contest.

“That’s a pretty good turnout for Rogers City,” she said.

Festival events kick off Aug. 4, starting with a sailor’s memorial at Lakeside Park and a band concert immediately after. Bunco tournament registration begins at 6 p.m. in the big tent at the park, and it’s $10 to enter. The Texas Hold ‘Em is at the same place and time, with a $40 buy-in.

Karsten said the festival has a good lineup this year, and one with something for people of all ages. Magician Michael Pierce will perform twice on Aug. 8, once under the big tent at 11 a.m. and again on the courthouse square at 1 p.m. Rosco the Clown will be at the arts and crafts show on the courthouse lawn Aug. 8-9, and Donna Klein will lead a children’s sing and dance concert in the big tent Aug. 6-7.

For teens, there’s a dance at 8:30 p.m. Aug. 5 under the big tent, and for adults there’s a Business After Hours Chamber Mixer at 5 p.m. Tuesday. Other events for the older crowd include dances Friday and Saturday under the big tent and the 25th annual spitzer tournament.

From 1-4 p.m. Aug. 8 there’s an unofficial class reunion and tasting of Michigan wines under the big tent, Karsten said. It’s for anyone who graduated from Rogers City High School, and some former teachers will be there. Guitarist Paul Perry will perform as well.

Many more events are for all ages, including a new antique tractor and farm implement show at the courthouse square Aug. 7-9, an antique and classic car show Aug. 8 and tours of Carmeuse’s Calcite Quarry Aug. 8-9. Giant quarry equipment will be on display as well. Returning this year on Aug. 7 is a surprise hit – a pet show, and the Cheboygan County Humane Society will be there accepting donations.

“Who would’ve thought something like that would be so well-received, but people love their pets,” she said.

There are plenty more events, all leading up to fireworks at 10 p.m. on Aug. 9, Karsten said. Festival pamphlets are available at many local businesses, or visit www.nauticalfestival.org for a full schedule. Check back often, as events are still being added.

Along with providing a boost to local businesses, Nautical Festival brings families together for several days of fun, Karsten said. There’s always plenty of activities, yet it always comes together nicely with the help of the many volunteers and service organizations who make it happen.

Among them is Rogers City Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Shannon McKinstry. She’s been coming to Nautical Festival since before she moved to town, and sees it as a fun, affordable event that draws a lot of people to town. It’s also a chance to present Rogers City to newcomers.

“I just love seeing all the people in town, it’s such a good vibe,” she said. “Everyone’s happy and friendly, I mean everywhere you go.”

Volunteers are still needed, Karsten said, so call 734-4656 or email nautical@cityfestival.org to find out how to help.

Jordan Travis can be reached via email at jtravis@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5688. Follow Jordan on Twitter @jt_alpenanews. Read his blog, A Snowball’s Chance, at www.thealpenanews.com.