The Mackinac Blog

Star Spangled Fourth of July – Fort Mackinac – July 4, 2024


The historic island fort is decked out in patriotic finery with banners, flags and bunting. It is an 1880’s Independence Day, with 38-gun salutes honoring the states of the period and children’s games. Guests join the party and participate in games on the fort parade ground.

Don’t miss out on this all 1880s Independence Day as we have catch and baseball available on the parade ground to go along with foot races and sack races, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, the raising of the colors, the national salute (38 rifle blasts for the 38 states of the 1880s!), a cannon salute, and much more!

Games will be available on the parade ground beginning at 3:30 p.m. Special programming will take place at 4:00 p.m.

The Tea Room Restaurant, operated by Grand Hotel, is open all day serving snacks, sweets, and beverages, and will have full lunch service from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

All special programming is included with regular admission to Fort Mackinac. #thisismackinac

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Grand Hotel – Old Fashioned Mackinac Fourth of July Celebration – July 2 – 5, 2024

Grand Hotel - Old Fashioned Mackinac Fourth of July Celebration

Available Tuesday, July 2 • Friday, July 5, 2024

Length of Stay Requirements and Pricing Details:

  • Three-night stays are required on July 2 – 5.
  • Five-night stays are required for premium room types.
  • Discounted extra day rates are available on June 30, July 1, July 5 and July 6.

Description

Celebrate the 4th of July with family and friends, while exploring the best that a Mackinac Island summer has to offer. July is the perfect time to soak up the sun at the Esther Williams Swimming Pool, play lawn games in the Tea Garden, or take a bike ride and explore Travel + Leisure’s #1 Island in the Continental U.S.

Package Includes:

  • Grand Hotel Accommodations
  • Breakfast and dinner daily
  • Family-friendly evening movies at the Esther Williams Swimming Pool
  • Evening Receptions on July 2nd and 3rd
  • Glow stick and cotton candy parties on July 2nd and 3rd at the Esther Williams Swimming Pool
  • Children’s Carnival in the Tea Garden on July 3rd and 4th
  • Ice Cream Social on July 4th
  • American Picnic in the Tea Garden on July 3rd
  • Grand Fourth of July Fireworks Display Viewing
  • Complimentary admission to the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum

The Old Fashioned Mackinac Fourth of July package is also available by calling Grand Hotel Reservations at 1-800-334-7263.

Additional July Fourth Package Details
Start off your weekend with evening movies with Esther. Experience two days of an exciting children’s carnival full of games and prizes, small rides, face painting, blow-up bounce houses, and much more! On Wednesday, enjoy a BBQ luncheon in the Tea Garden and on Thursday cool off with our annual 4th of July Ice Cream Social. Celebrate the Fourth of July, with an evening American Picnic and Grand Fourth of July Fireworks Display, best seen from The World’s Longest Front Porch!

With so many activities around Grand Hotel and Mackinac Island, there really is something for everyone of all ages to enjoy. We hope to see you for this Grand Fourth of July tradition!
See Pictures of Past July Fourth Events

 

View Grand Hotel Policies and Information >>

*Subject to Michigan 6% sales tax, 3% Mackinac Island assessment, and a $15.00 per person, per stay, baggage-handling charge. Regular children’s rates apply. Extra charges apply for additional adults over double occupancy rates. Dates are subject to availability. A 30-day cancellation policy applies. A 3 night deposit is required for this package.

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Grand Hotel On Facebook

Below are the latest postings from the Grand Hotel Page On Facebook.

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Mackinac Island Stone Skipping Tournament – July 4, 2024

The annual 4th of July tournament on Mackinac Island is sure to be another crowd pleaser.

Everyone is eligible to compete in the tournament. The more the merrier.

The tournament is open to all ages and always occurs at Windermere Pointe Beach (Located next to Hotel Iroquois) every year at 10:00 am on the 4th of July. Professional skippers compete at high noon, often skipping 20+ skips.

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Schedule:

The Honorable Judge Glen Allen Open Tournament

10:00 Open tournament Begins
Kerplunking for the toddlers and little ones,
12 and under Division (Winner receives bragging rights for a year and a trophy)
13 and up Amateur division (Winner receives a trophy and fudge)
11:45 Awards Ceremony for Open Tournament

Wilmer T. Rabe International Stone Skipping Tournament (July 4th)

High Noon – Professional Invitational Competition (Winner receives goblets of cash)

All are welcome to participate in some family fun. No one is too young or too old to compete.

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50th Annual Stone Skipping was great fun

The weather was perfect on Mackinac Island for the 5oth annual tournament open to all. Check out the final results on the 2018 Scorecard to see this years winners.

The Pro division was quite exciting with a tie for first place. Traditionally when there is a tie the win goes to the to skippers second best stone. This year Bugsy and Lefty tied for 19 as their best skip and tied again with 17 for their second best skip. After deliberating with the judges Acting High Commissioner Paul H. Toepp, III announced that the winner would be determined by a sudden death 1 stone skip off. The crowd audibly signed when Bugsy threw a 5 and wonder if Left would go for the easy win. Lefty wound up and through for a 20+ but ended up with a 10 to take this years pro title.

Read More

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Skips Stones For Fudge [OFFICIAL TRAILER] from Highway Goat Productions

Skips Stones For Fudge [OFFICIAL TRAILER] from Highway Goat Productions on Vimeo.

Photos and Video from the 2010 Stone Skipping Tournament

Former Guinness Book Record holder Russ “Rock Bottom” Byars won the 2010 Mackinac Island Stone Skipping Tournament with a throw of 30 skips. Second place went to Todd “Mussels” Callewaert with 26 skips & rounding out 3rd was Glenn “Hard Luck” Loy with a 22 skips. (Note: Video is the third round throw and is not the tournament winning 30 skip throw.)

Photos from the Mackinac Island Stone Skipping Tournament – July 4, 2010

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Alex Graham – Music In The Park – July 11, 2024

Alex Graham - Music In The Park
Saxophonist, flutist, and composer Alex Graham is an internationally recognized performer and educator who has performed as a leader or sideman with a variety of artists at festivals, clubs, and concert halls all over the world. He has been awarded fellowships and residencies to compose original music, and is an Associate Professor of Saxophone at Belmont University in Nashville, TN.

Graham’s recordings on Origin Records have been acclaimed by international critics and radio DJs, and feature some of the top jazz instrumentalists in the world. Alex is a Vandoren Regional Artist, a performing artist and clinician for Jupiter Saxophones, and holds a doctorate in jazz studies from the Eastman School of Music.

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6:30pm, Marquette Park, Mackinac Island – Free

With a spectacular backdrop, our summer concert series takes place on the lawn of a National Historic Landmark, Marquette Park, which is at the foothills of Historic Fort Mackinac downtown across from the marina. Bring a picnic and tune in for some great live folk, rock, country, blues—the best of Americana. All concerts are free. We recommend bringing a blanket or lawn chairs for your comfort.

Music In The Park
EVERY THURSDAY 6:30pm
MARQUETTE PARK
Rain location: Mission Point Theater

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Visit Mackinac Arts Council Website >>>>

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Mackinac Arts Council On Facebook

Below are the latest postings from the Mackinac Arts Council Page On Facebook.

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Chicago Yacht Club – Race to Mackinac – July 12 – 16, 2024

Chicago Yacht Club - Race to Mackinac

Chicago Yacht Club - Race to Mackinac

Sailors from 15 different U.S. states as well as Ontario, Switzerland, and as far off as Hong Kong, are preparing for the race of a lifetime – the 333 mile Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac, presented by Wintrust.

The Mac, as it is affectionately known, kicks off Friday, July 12, 2024 (cruising division) and Saturday, July 13, 2024 (racing division) with 3,000 sailors competing in this world-class sporting event. Although The Mac remains primarily an amateur event, this race has a proven track record of attracting some of the finest sailing talent in the sport.

The Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac is the longest, annual freshwater sailing race in the world. It takes place on Lake Michigan.

Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac Quicklinks: (Look for updates as racetime approaches)

Race to Mackinac – FAQ – Basic questions (and answers) about the race

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Online Race Tracking

Mackinac Bridge Call-Ins Page (Keeps track of boats that have passed the bridge)

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Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac Facebook Page
Follow the Race to Mackinac Via Twitter
Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac Website

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Visit Race To Mackinac Website >>>>

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Chicago Yacht Club – Race to Mackinac On Facebook

Below are the latest postings from the Chicago Yacht Club – Race to Mackinac Page On Facebook.

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Chicago Yacht Club Race To Mackinac – Photos via Instagram

Here are the latest photos of Chicago Yacht Club Race To Mackinac via instagram. If you have an instagram photo to share of Chicago Yacht Club Race To Mackinac, tag it with #cycrtm and your photos will appear in the photo stream below.

Instagram post 18448134820045558 Heading back from Mackinac Island to Chicago. I got to go to the island as part of race committee for this year's Chicago to Mackinac race, which was incredible. Thanks racetomackinac for having me - here's to the first of many. More photos to come after I figure out my next move on the trip home! #cycrtm

Heading back from Mackinac Island to Chicago. I got to go to the island as part of race committee for this year's Chicago to Mackinac race, which was incredible. Thanks racetomackinac for having me - here's to the first of many. More photos to come after I figure out my next move on the trip home! #cycrtm ...

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Instagram post 17913719911812184 Great night photographing the yachts crossing the finish line! Welcome to Mackinac sailors! ⛵️ #cycrtm

Great night photographing the yachts crossing the finish line! Welcome to Mackinac sailors! ⛵️ #cycrtm ...

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Instagram post 17928584354399263 #CYCRTM, #Hiwassee, #Farr395, #jasailing, #racetomackinac, #weather, #clouds, #sailing,  predict_wind

#CYCRTM, #Hiwassee, #Farr395, #jasailing, #racetomackinac, #weather, #clouds, #sailing, predict_wind ...

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Instagram post 18010519354754728 It’s summer in Chicago and that means the 114th Race to Mackinac! We are racing Jasmin again to defend our title, again (a three-peat?). Unlike the stormy (and fast) race of last year, this looks to be a slow race (read: lots of sun, little wind). It’s a good thing we all like each other on the crew!

Follow us as we work our way north from Chicago… start time is today at 3:10. Hope to arrive by Monday. Tracking for this year’s race is available on the web. View Race Tracker https://yb.tl/chicagomac2023 

For the best experience on your mobile device (iOS or Android), download the free YB Races app. For those of you who have followed us in the past, just open you app and find the CYC Race 2023 and search for Jasmin in the Cruising Division. 

Thanks for cheering us on! #CYCRTM

It’s summer in Chicago and that means the 114th Race to Mackinac! We are racing Jasmin again to defend our title, again (a three-peat?). Unlike the stormy (and fast) race of last year, this looks to be a slow race (read: lots of sun, little wind). It’s a good thing we all like each other on the crew! Follow us as we work our way north from Chicago… start time is today at 3:10. Hope to arrive by Monday. Tracking for this year’s race is available on the web. View Race Tracker https://yb.tl/chicagomac2023 For the best experience on your mobile device (iOS or Android), download the free YB Races app. For those of you who have followed us in the past, just open you app and find the CYC Race 2023 and search for Jasmin in the Cruising Division. Thanks for cheering us on! #CYCRTM ...

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Instagram post 18067772899398486 Esprit d’Ecosse and friends ready for the 2023 Chicago race to Mackinac! #cycrtm

Esprit d’Ecosse and friends ready for the 2023 Chicago race to Mackinac! #cycrtm ...

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Instagram post 17888390563236194 Rough Waters. This afternoon on Lake Michigan for the Race To Mackinac

Rough Waters. This afternoon on Lake Michigan for the Race To Mackinac ...

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Instagram post 18005853649880623 The Chicago Race to Mackinac has begun, and he's cheering them on.

Since 1921, the Race to Mackinac has run consecutively every year, remains the longest annual freshwater distance race, and is recognized as one of the most prestigious sailing races in the world.

Today, sailors from Maine to California make this race an invariable part of their summer. Moreover, each year, the Mac hosts sailors from as far off as Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Australia. 

Although the Mac remains primarily an amateur event, this race has a proven track record of attracting some of the finest sailing talent in the sport. 

America's Favorite Weatherspotter 

Yeagor 
150#
Black Russian Terrier 

#greatlakes
#lakemichigan
#chicago #illinois #usa #mackinac #mackinacisle #mackinacisland #michigan #usa #sayyestomichigan #sail #chicagoyachtclub #sailboatrace #sailing #sailon #sailingadventure #sailingaway #chicagomac2023 #cycrtm #weatherwatch #watchweather #weatherspotter #weatheringwithyou #cherylscottwx #weatheryoulikeitornot

The Chicago Race to Mackinac has begun, and he's cheering them on. Since 1921, the Race to Mackinac has run consecutively every year, remains the longest annual freshwater distance race, and is recognized as one of the most prestigious sailing races in the world. Today, sailors from Maine to California make this race an invariable part of their summer. Moreover, each year, the Mac hosts sailors from as far off as Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Australia. Although the Mac remains primarily an amateur event, this race has a proven track record of attracting some of the finest sailing talent in the sport.  America's Favorite Weatherspotter Yeagor 150# Black Russian Terrier #greatlakes #lakemichigan #chicago #illinois #usa #mackinac #mackinacisle #mackinacisland #michigan #usa #sayyestomichigan #sail #chicagoyachtclub #sailboatrace #sailing #sailon #sailingadventure #sailingaway #chicagomac2023 #cycrtm #weatherwatch #watchweather #weatherspotter #weatheringwithyou #cherylscottwx #weatheryoulikeitornot ...

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Chicago Yacht Club – Race to Mackinac Photo Gallery (Click on photos for slideshow view)
 

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Visit Race To Mackinac Website >>>>

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Archive – 2018 Race To Mackinac

Monday Afternoon Live Drone Coverage of the Finish Line of the 2018 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac

Il Mostro First To Finish in the 2018 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac

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2024 Bayview Mackinac Race – July 20 – 23, 2024

Bayview Mackinac Race

The Bayview Mackinac Race – which will begin on Saturday, July 20, 2024 – is recognized as one of the most challenging freshwater boat races in the world. Join the excitement of the Port Huron to Mackinac Race as boat racers sail Michigan’s Great Lakes to reach their final destination, Mackinac Island. It’s all Pure Michigan from start to finish!

Bayview Mackinac Race Quicklinks:

Online Race Tracking – 2024
Bayview Yacht Club – Race to Mackinac Facebook Page
Bayview Yacht Club Website

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In the ten decades that the Bayview Mackinac Race has been sailed, much has happened. Wars, economic depressions, and other significant events have transpired, yet the Race has gone on. In fact, President Franklin D. Roosevelt wired a message to Bayview during World War II when word reached the White House that the Club was considering canceling the race. That message read: “Sail your race.” Even then, it was clear that this race was and is important for sailors and for the State of Michigan. Bayview did sail the Mackinac Race that year, and has done so every single year since the first Bayview Mackinac Race in 1925, making it the longest consecutively run freshwater race in the world. This year’s race starts on July 15, 2023.

In its own way, the Bayview Mackinac race has become a vital part of Great Lakes history, Michigan history, and sailing history.

Celebrate the start of the race in Port Huron. Then follow the course of the Port Huron to Mackinac Race as they head north along the shores of Michigan’s eastern coast. Join the festivities at the finish line on Mackinac Island. Where the hospitality and celebration is always second to none.

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Visit Bayview Yacht Club Website >>>>

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Bayview Mackinac Race On Facebook

Below are the latest postings from the Bayview Mackinac Race Page On Facebook.

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Chippewa Hotel – Bayview Mackinac Race – Photo Gallery (Click on photo for slideshow view)
 
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Posted by Chippewa Hotel Waterfront on Wednesday, July 26, 2017

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