News Photo by Steve Schulwitz A pair of workers help to erect the big tent at the Alpena Boat Harbor which will be the site of live entertainment during the Michigan Brown Trout Festival, which begins Friday.

ALPENA — The fishing may not begin until Saturday, but all the fun that the annual Michigan Brown Trout Festival in Alpena brings begins on Friday.

This year’s festival and fishing tournament feature a full slate of entertainment, activities, food and drink that should appease nearly everyone.

On Friday, a pair of live bands should fill the dance floor in the big tent and the smaller tent at the harbor in Alpena.

105.7 The Bird presents Bayou Country, a tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival and John Fogerty will play their classic tunes starting at 8 p.m.

The Beachbillies start their show at 5 p.m. in the small tent and will play a variety of classic rock, country, reggae and rock-and-roll.

On Saturday, fishing begins and Big Brownie is waiting to be caught. If the tagged fish is landed, the happy angler will win the brown trout progressive jackpot that currently sits at $4,000.

Other tournaments include the Kiddie Classic on Sunday, the Thunder Bay Bass Classic, the youth offshore tournament on Wednesday, the Ladies Classic on July 20, and the Super Tournament on July 22-23.

People are encouraged to visit the harbor and watch the fish weighed in in the evening and grab a bite to eat or enjoy a drink.

Brown Trout President Peggy Donakowski said she anticipates many people taking advantage of the entertainment and other activities the festival offers. She said there are large concerts in the tent that don’t cost much to watch.

“Where else are you going to be able to go to watch a live band or bands for only five dollars?” she said.

On Saturday, four more bands will perform in the big tent for $5 beginning at 7 p.m. and the Truckey Road Experience will play at 5 p.m. in the small tent.

Sunday is Family Day at the festival, where kids can meet local emergency first responders and get a close-up view of the emergency vehicles, as well as receive school supplies in the big tent.

The Wild Honey Collective will play in the small tent.

A cornhole tournament will occupy the big tent on Tuesday and a veterans event is planned for Wednesday. The Bay Bash is on Thursday with the Persuasion Band performing and then, WATZ will host Country Night, featuring Waylon Hanel in concert on Friday.

Both of those events cost $10 for admission.

Saturday the local rock/metal band Katharsys Theory will play in the big tent, while Borderline will provide entertainment in the small tent.

On Saturday, the annual Wine at the Harbor event takes place, which features craft wine and beer tasting at the harbor from noon until 7 p.m. The cost is only $15, which includes a wine sampling glass.

A complete list of events and tournament information is available at the Michigan Brown Trout Festival website, browntroutfestival.com.