Rogers City set for Nautical Festival
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ROGERS CITY – The Nautical City Festival kicks off this evening and runs through Sunday with a full slate of maritime-themed events, live music, a grand parade and fireworks over Lake Huron, drawing thousands to what organizers and city officials call the community's largest annual celebration.
Mayor Scott McLennan said the festival's economic importance cannot be overstated.
"The economic impact in terms of dollars brought into Rogers City certainly cannot be understated when it comes to the Nautical Festival," McLennan said. "The festival is the largest event that we have, and it's been going on for decades."
McLennan described the week as a major boost for local shops, restaurants and other businesses.
"It's a large shot in the arm for local businesses with an influx of thousands of people to the area throughout the week," McLennan said. "All of the businesses are on top of their game, ready to serve, and provide a great experience for visitors."
Festival Chairwoman Karen Spens echoed that view.
"It is the largest economic event for the community so it's important for our small businesses," Spens said. "We continue to try and expand the festival in hopes of drawing in more people to the area."
Last year, it was announced the festival was forced to be held outside of its normal first weekend date, which ruffled some feathers in Rogers City. Spens said the change was driven by carnival availability and things should return to normal next summer.
"The reason for changing the dates revolves around the availability of a carnival company," Spens said. "We could not find a company for the dates we had in previous years. Next year it will be the first full week of August. The two-week push back this year is temporary."
Beyond the dollars, both leaders stressed the festival's role as a homecoming.
"It's a great time to celebrate the community, and to welcome home a number of people who have called Rogers City their home over the years," McLennan said. "We also get to welcome first and second time visitors and show them everything the area has to offer."
Spens agreed.
"It's a homecoming for a lot of people, everybody looks forward to this festival every year and coming home for it," Spens said. "Family and friends reuniting is the most important part, and we want everyone to have a good time."
Putting on an event of this scale requires broad cooperation. McLennan said city departments and volunteers work closely with the festival committee.
"In order to put on a festival like this all groups have to come together, and it is amazing to me every year, it truly is," McLennan said. "Everyone puts forth a great effort toward doing their part in making this happen.
"The Department of Public Works is a large part of it, they are integral in both manpower and equipment that assists the Nautical Festival Committee," McLennan added. "All of the volunteers that make up the committee step up year after year and we couldn't do it without them."
The festival features what organizers describe as the largest tent available in Michigan, set up near the marina and Lakeside Park. It serves as the hub for evening entertainment, food vendors, bingo, trivia and other activities.
According to the official schedule, the week opens today with the Sailors' Memorial at 5:30 p.m. at the Lakeside Park Band Shell, hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Rogers City and VFW Post 1607, followed by a concert by the Rogers City Band. Taste of Rogers City runs from 6:30 to 8 p.m., offering samples from local establishments for $10 per person. Late Night Trivia follows at 8:30 p.m. in the big tent.
Wednesday includes the Noon Sidewalk Art event at Courthouse Square, kids' yoga, crafts and face painting, Truck Your Pizza, the Kiddie Parade at 6 p.m. and Teen Night. Native Amusements carnival rides begin that evening.
Thursday features Walk-In Bingo, more carnival hours and a country western night with Waylon Hanel from 8 to 11 p.m. in the big tent. Admission is $10 for those 18 and older after 8 p.m.
Friday brings the Rogers City Farmers Market, Presque Isle District Library book sale, Carmeuse Americas quarry tours, a giant equipment display, the Juried Arts & Crafts Show and Food Court at Courthouse Square, a Bloody Mary & Mimosa Bar, scavenger hunt, fossil dig, fish races and Jedi Mind Trip performing from 8 p.m. to midnight in the big tent, again with $10 admission for ages 18 and older.
Saturday highlights include the 43rd Nautical City Run/Walk for Health, men's and women's slow-pitch softball tournaments, the Knights of Columbus Scholarship Breakfast, an antique and classic car show at Westminster Park, Pure Pro Wrestling shows at noon and 2:30 p.m. in the big tent, Battle of the Bartenders, and a glow party with Knee Deep from 8 p.m. to midnight. Wrestling tickets are $10 for general admission and $25 for ringside seats that include an autographed poster; they are available at rogerscitynauticalcityfestival.com. Band admission remains $10 for those 18 and older after 8 p.m. Carnival rides and games by Native Amusements operate with single tickets at $1.25 or armbands at $25; a four-day MEGA pass is $75.
Sunday closes the festival with softball finals, a Festival Breakfast at St. Ignatius Catholic School gym, continued arts and crafts and food court hours, a strawberry shortcake and ice cream social, the Grand Parade at 12:30 p.m. sponsored by DTE Energy with the theme "Happy Birthday USA" and grand marshals Matt and Jackie Quaine, a cornhole tournament, polka lessons, free admission to Kielbasa Kings from 4 to 8 p.m. in the big tent, and fireworks at dusk over Lake Huron. A rain date for the fireworks is set for the following Sunday if needed.
Spens offered a simple invitation to anyone considering the trip.
"Rogers City is a beautiful place to be, and if you've never experienced it for yourself this is the time to do it."