From its queens pageant through its annual fireworks show, the grand parade is perhaps the most attended and beloved event during the Nautical Festival in Rogers City.

The 2019 festival wrapped up Sunday, but not before those from near and far lined the streets to see the floats and entertainment in the parade.

Freshly named Nautical Queen Madison Tulgestka said she grew up watching the parade and having others in her family being in the queen’s court. She said over that time she has learned and seen first hand how important the festival is to the community. Tulgestka said festival is sort of a culmination of the summer and a time for family and friends to get together to celebrate the city they call home.

“You can see during festival just how much everyone loves the community and how great it is,” she said. “We have people come from all over to celebrate what we are. Nautical Festival is the best time of year for many of us.”

Darrin Cransfield said he enjoys the festival as a whole, and is able to do a lot of fun things with his grandchildren, who live in Florida. He said there are many people who plan vacations around Nautical to come home and see loved ones.

“Everyone is in town and everyone has a house full of company,” Cransfield said. “It seems like everywhere you go you are bumping into someone you know, but haven’t seen in a while.”

Tara Wilson had her family at the parade and she said after that they were going to watch the men’s and women’s softball tournament finals at “The Hole.” She said her family and friends have a good time during festival, but it is also bittersweet for her.

“Once Festival gets over you know school will be starting soon and summer is almost over,” she said. “It is like the last hurrah in town for the summer and one last chance for everyone to hang out and have some fun.”

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ss_alpenanews.com.