News File Photo Members of the community are seen enjoying the 2023 Rogers City Nautical City Festival. This year, events kicked off on Tuesday and continue through Sunday. From carnival rides to art shows, softball tournaments, parades, and more, there’s plenty to enjoy at the fun-filled, family event in Rogers City this week.

ROGERS CITY — The Rogers City Nautical City Festival is underway as it started Tuesday and continues through Sunday.

The Nautical Festival is a safe, fun-filled, family event that promotes community pride in Rogers City, according to the mission statement listed on the festival’s website.

There are plenty of ways for the community to get involved and have some fun as the festival offers events from art shows and parades to Texas Hold ‘Em and Spitzer.

Throughout the week, there are also ways to stay active, including the 41st Nautical City Run/Walk for Health on Saturday and softball tournaments, with finals on Sunday.

Native Amusements will have carnival rides and games available from 6 to 10 p.m. on Wednesday, 4 to 10 p.m. Thursday, and noon to 10 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Single tickets are $1.25 and special-priced packages are available for those planning to attend multiple days.

On Tuesday, a Sailors Memorial at the Lakeside Park Bandshell helped kick things off, followed by a concert featuring Rogers City City Band. Trivia wrapped up the night in the big tent with cash prizes for the winners.

Today, community members have the opportunity to check out and create sidewalk art at the Courthouse Square. Keeping things creative, Interknit, a free art project open to all ages, will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. at Stone House Studio. Later on, Texas Hold ‘Em will be played at the big tent with registration starting at 5:30 p.m. and games beginning at 6:30 p.m.

The first parade of the event is today, as well, as the Kiddie Parade welcomes a theme of “Games People Play” and begins at 6 p.m.

For some tasty meals, there are plenty of local places in Rogers City to check out and enjoy, but the festival is also hosting a spaghetti dinner on Thursday from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Rogers City Area Senior and Community Center.

Music events also get going on Thursday with a show by DJ Tim Sounds of the 1980s and up at the big tent.

Beginning Friday is the Juried Art and Crafts Show from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., continuing 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Friday welcomes people to a giant equipment display from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Main Gate of Carmeuse Americas. Giant equipment used daily by Calcite Mining operations will be available for viewing, and participants will also be able to climb on board and sit in the driver’s seat.

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, stop in at the Presque Isle District Library Rogers City Branch to stroll through the used book sale. The book sale continues from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m on Saturday.

At the Courthouse Square from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, a food court will offer plenty of options and tasty foods to try. The food court returns Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and wraps up on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

More food is available in the big tent as Nowicki’s Sausage Shoppe will be available on multiple days throughout the event.

For the kids, Fossil Dig behind the Little League Field will be at 1 p.m. on Friday.

Get in some exercise at the 41st Nautical City Run/Walk for Health on Saturday with same-day registration available starting at 7 a.m. and the events beginning at 8:30 a.m. Registration is also available from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday.

Take in the competition of the Nautical City Festival Men’s and Women’s Slow-Pitch Softball Tournament starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday. More competition is available in the Spitzer Tournament at 9 a.m. on Saturday at the Serviceman’s Club.

Kiddo Games are available starting at 9:30 a.m. at the Bandshell area for ages three to 11.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, the Nautical City Festival Antique and Classic Car Show will be at Westminster Park for the community to admire the work and upkeep of plenty of classic cars and antiques.

Tommy K and the Rock Show Tribute Band will perform from 8 p.m. to midnight on Saturday in the big tent.

The Grand Parade at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday is themed “All Roads Lead Home…” The route will start at Glipin Field and head north on Third Street.

Also on Sunday is an ice cream social from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., a cornhole tournament at 1 p.m., and more, including the big finale of fireworks at 10 p.m.

With plenty of other things to see and do, including horseshoe tournaments, Bloody Mary bars, barbecues, clowns, bingo, ice cream, food courts, and more, there is something for everyone at the Nautical City Festival.

Be sure to take a stroll downtown and stop in the local shops to support local businesses.

For more information, check out rogerscitynauticalcityfestival.com.