2024 Manistee Forest Festival

2024 MANISTEE NATIONAL FOREST FESTIVAL

One of the most popular events during the Manistee National Forest Festival is the Scottville Clown Band concert. (File photo)

Forest Festival serves as homecoming, celebration rolled into one

By K en Gra BowsK i For the News AdvocAte

When it comes right down to it, the Manistee National Forest Festival is really several celebrations all rolled into one.

The festival is a celebration of the rich heritage and history Manistee has with the forests and lumber industry that played a major role in creating this community. The second celebration commemorates Independence Day on July 4 and the creation of the United States in 1776.

However, it also is homecoming for the many who return to Manistee this time of year to enjoy family gatherings and class reunions in a town where they grew up years ago. It’s a time to gather in a place many vacationed in for years or retired here and now call it home.

“The Manistee National Forest Festival is our local reunion, an annual commemoration of our independence and growth,” said Stacie Bytwork, Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce president and chief executive officer.

Bytwork said the Forest Festival, slated for July 3-7 this year, is always a “special time in an outstanding community” that rolls out the red carpet inviting everyone to enjoy it. The festival also plays a key role in the local economy.

“The festival’s impact on

our business community truly reflects the many economic strides happening in our county,” said Bytwork.

“We appreciate everyone’s continued support and can’t wait to come together and celebrate this place we call home.”

Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce marketing and communications specialist Blade Gates said the organization is constantly adding events and activities to the schedule and there is an easy way to follow those additions.

“There are dozens of other events being put on by businesses and organizations across Manistee County during the festival,” said Gates. “Our digital brochure will have a detailed schedule on all of the happenings every day, but those looking for the most up-to-date festival itinerary should go to our event schedule page on our website: ManisteeForestFestival.com or at the Manistee National Forest Festival Facebook page.”

However, this year there will be a little icing added to the celebration cake because many of the festival’s events take place at First Street/ Beach Douglas Park, which recently earned statewide recognition. It was voted the best beach in Michigan in USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

The Forest Festival will offer five busy days of fun and several events every day in the First Street Beach/Douglas Park area in

Manistee, starting on July 3.

The Festival Marketplace will have over 30 vendors selling a variety of items from 9 a.m. to dusk each day. The Anderson Midway Carnival will also be located near the beach in the large parking lot. It will host rides, games and food to enjoy.

Chainsaw wood carving shows will be held at noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. throughout the festival at First Street Beach/Douglas Park. The public is invited to watch artists use chainsaws to create their unique carvings.

The First Street/Douglas Beach location will also be home to the Whispering Pines Mobile Petting Zoo for five days of the festival. Located right between the two softball diamonds, the zoo will be bringing animals to pet and feed, a camel, tortoises and more.

Whispering Pines Mobile Petting Zoo owner Kirk Elya said they look forward to spending time in Manistee every year over the Fourth of July. He the large crowds they draw in love what they have to offer.

“Both the kids and the adults really love and enjoy it,” said Elya. “It brings so much pleasure to me in the 30 years I have been doing this to see that taking place.”

Some of the main events will take place on July 4. Starting things off is the Independence Day Flag Raising Ceremony at

Continued on Page 15

The crowd got its fill at the iconic Manistee National Forest Festival Independence Day parade on July 4, 2023. (File photo)

Local youths feed animals at the Whispering Pines Petting Zoo during the 2021 Manistee National Forest Festival. (File Photo)

The Little Bird Hoop Dancers performed during the Little Big Shots Talent Show during the Manistee National Forest Festival on July 1, 2023. (File Photo)

activities and

Forest Festival to offer fun to kids of all ages

By K en Gra BowsK i For the News AdvocAte

The Manistee National Forest Festival, which runs July 3-7, has always been about events featuring family fun. The 2024 edition is shaping up to follow the same pattern.

When you talk about family fun one of the first things coming to mind is the Forest Festival Family Day celebration sponsored by The Tabernacle church in Manistee.

This popular annual free event takes place from 10 a.m2 p.m. on July 6, but there is one important change this year.

“In the past we have held it at the Armory Youth Project, but this year it will be at The Tabernacle at 77 Hancock St. (across from the Manistee Fire Department),” said Tabernacle’s Manistee Campus administrator Amber Miller. “We have a lot going on this year, which we are really excited about.”

The reason for the change in location is the Armory Youth Project will be hosting the Manistee Arts and Craft Show instead.

Family Fun Day organizers are looking forward to the new location and plan on having a bounce house, cotton candy, dunk tank as well as vendors.

“We are planning on having 20 vendors who will be doing fun activities with the kids,” said Miller. “Kids can even take a fun train ride or get their face painted.”

They also will be serving up a free hot dog lunch for those who would like to get something to eat during the event.

“We are very excited as there

are a lot of great activities we would love people to come and enjoy,” said Miller. They also will be holding a raffle with prizes throughout the day.

TALENT SHOW

Another returning Forest Festival activity that will be at a different location this year is the Manistee County Blue Tigers Little Big Shots Talent Show. It will take place from 1-3 p.m. at the Lions Pavilion at First Street Beach.

Blue Tigers member Shirley Madden said after one year at the Ramsdell Theatre, the group decided to return to the show’s original location.

“It is for kids from age 4-16 years of age and I think everyone loved being in the outdoors at First Street Beach,” said Madden. “We get a pretty good turnout and each year it seems like there are even more taking part in it.”

Madden said the children have a wide variety of talents like singing, dancing, gymnastics, drama, playing musical instruments and they have even had a stand-up comic. There usually are about 15-20 performers in the show.

“All of the different acts that come to be part of the show is what is so fascinating about it,” said Madden. “I am a firm believer that children need to share their talent and it’s not about being in competition with each other, but just about allowing children to be creative.”

Madden said the public is encouraged to attend and see how many talented young people there are in this area.

PETTING ZOO

Another popular Forest Festival event returning this

year is the Whispering Pines Mobile Petting Zoo. It will be located in its usual location at First Street Beach Douglas Park between the two softball diamonds from 10 a.m. to dusk July 3-7.

Kirk Elya, owner of the Whispering Pines Mobile Zoo, said coming to Manistee every year during the Forest Festival is “a real pleasure.”

“We really enjoy coming there every year as we have the petting zoo with normal animals for that and we will also be bringing things like the camel, prairie dog, little and big tortoises, and alligator,” said Elya.

He said it is fun to watch the reaction of the kids and their parents as well when they get to interact with the animals.

“Both the kids and the adults really love and enjoy it,” said Elya. “It brings so much pleasure to me in the 30 years I have been doing this to see that taking place.”

Elya said he has been coming to Manistee to be a part of the Forest Festival for many of those 30 years he has been in business. He said the space where the petting zoo is located at First Street Beach/ Douglas Park is second to none.

“It’s been a great thing for me that makes people happy, and I have really enjoyed it,” said Elya. “I got my own little area there and I love it.”

CARNIVAL

No Manistee National Forest Festival event would be complete without a carnival filled with rides, games and food.

This year from noon to dusk on July 3-7 the Anderson Midway Carnival will be located in its usual location

Family Day hosted by The Tabernacle Church had games, prizes, food, bubble blowing, a dunk tank, first responders, drag race cars and a list of other activities and sights for families at Manistee National Forest Festival at the Armory Youth Project on July 1, 2023. (File photo)

in the big parking lot at First Street Beach/Douglas Park. There will be age appropriate rides available and other traditional ones like the Ferris Wheel and the Merry Go Round.

Tickets for rides are $1.50 each, $20 for 15 and $50 for 50, or $25 for a day-use armband.

The carnival also offers corn dogs, hot dogs, Polish sausage, cotton candy, caramel apples, fresh squeezed lemonade, elephant ears, pizza, fresh cut french fries and chicken strips, and more.

Family Day hosted by The Tabernacle Church had games, prizes, food, bubble blowing, a dunk tank, first responders, drag race cars and a list of other

sights for families at Manistee National Forest Festival at the Armory Youth Project on July 1, 2023. (File photo)

Attendees of the Manistee National Forest Festival take a ride on the carousel June 29, 2023 at the Anderson Midway Carnival at First Street Beach. (File photo)

Forest Festival Kickoff Party slated at senior center

By K en Gra BowsK i For the News AdvocAte

A crowd of around 250 adults are expected to fill the Wagoner Community Center between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on July 3 for its annual Forest Festival Kickoff Party.

The event consists of four hours of food, music and dancing that puts all those attending in the right frame of mind to enjoy the Manistee National Forest Festival in the following days. The Wagoner Community Center, located at 260 St. Mary Parkway in Manistee, has ample parking and easy access to the building.

Tickets are on sale for $15 per person at the Wagoner Community Center until they sell out. The Forest Festival Kickoff Party is open to any adult, even if they are not a Manistee County resident.

Mia Platz, senior center executive assistant to the director, said they have some familiar names handling the food and entertainment for the party.

“Jerry Zupin Catering will be catering the food and it will include the standard things like baked chicken, bratwurst, Polish sausage, potato salad and all the good stuff,” said Platz. “The food

will be served up buffet style.”

Platz said a familiar name in Manistee and the polka dancing world will once again provide the music for dancing this year.

“Butch Baker and the Just 4 Fun Band will be providing the music,” said Platz. “It’s an opportunity for people to have something good to eat, listen to the music and get up and dance.”

The Just 4 Fun Band has been performing for many years in this area and play all the favorite toe-tapping polka numbers that people enjoy.

The party gives people the opportunity to see old friends and making new ones as well. Platz said everyone attending is guaranteed to have a good time.

Ticket sales for the event began on June 3, and Platz urged people not to wait to get them. They will most likely sell out before the event, and having a head count helps determine how much food will be needed.

During the party there also will be a 50/50 raffle and door prizes.

“We are looking for another great party and it should be a fun day for everyone who attends, so we encourage everyone to get their tickets as soon as possible,” said Platz.

Virgil “Butch” Baker (pictured left) and his Just 4 Fun Band have been performing in the Manistee area for decades. (File photo)

The Wagoner Community Center was packed in 2022 for the annual Manistee National Forest Festival kick off celebration. (File photo)

Armory Youth Project to host festival arts and crafts show

By K en Gra BowsK i For the News AdvocAte

The Manistee Arts & Crafts Show is a revamp of an old event coming to the 2024 Manistee National Forest Festival.

The new craft show will be taking place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 6 and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 7 at the Armory Youth Project, located at 555 First St. It will feature artists and craftspeople selling a wide variety of their creations.

For many decades, the Manistee World of Arts and Crafts art fair was held during the Forest Festival at Red Szymarek Park, but organizers opted to end the show’s 50-year run after last year’s event.

The Armory Youth Project and Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts joined forces to start this new arts and crafts show as a fundraiser for both nonprofit organizations.

The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts is a performing and visual arts organization that preserves the historic Ramsdell Theatre. Its vision is to be a vibrant regional center for cultural arts, education and community engagement.

The Armory Youth Project opened in 2017 and offers free out of school programming for youth in grades 6-12.

Janice Davidson, Armory Youth Project executive director, and fund development coordinator Diana Wall said they felt it

was a natural step for the nonprofit to take over the reins of the arts and crafts show.

“Both Janice and I have extensive experience in running events and we were looking for other funding opportunities for the Armory Youth Project,” said Wall. “This show just seemed like good fit for us.”

It will be a juried show, and vendors will be able to set up their tents for their exhibits outside on the area surrounding the Armory building. The large parking lot will provide plenty of space for the public to gain easy access to the show.

“We have an extensive grassy area with trees and are only two blocks from Lake Michigan where lots of the Forest Festival activities will be taking place,” said Wall. “So we will be everyone’s first stop on the way to the beach area.”

Wall said even though it is a juried show, it will have an additional twist to the items being sold.

“It is going to be juried, but we are opening it up to students who have art they would like to sell,” said Wall. “We have a wide medium from pottery, painting jewelry, crocheting and much more lined up already.”

Davidson said they have plenty of room for exhibits at their location and are hoping to fill it up.

“We have room for over 100 exhibits and right now we are up around 65 and still have room available,” she

said in early June.

The event organizers also are looking for volunteers to assist with the show; anyone interested should call the Armory Youth Project at 231-299-1205 or visit armoryyouthproject.com.

Because they are trying to encourage student artists to take part in the show they will not be charged an entry fee, but they still must fill out an entry form to have booth space.

“Some of the vendors have mentioned they are excited about the kids being part of the show; (it) encourages them by saying how someday they can make a living with their artwork as well,” said Wall.

Both Wall and Davidson said so far they are getting a

mixture of new vendors and some who took part in the Manistee World of Arts and Crafts show at Red Szymarek Park for many years.

They also plan to have music and food to add to the atmosphere of the event.

“The Sugar Island Kettle Corn and almonds people will be back and they have been there for many years. ... There will be others too, like West Shore Bank is bringing its ice cream cart,” said Wall. “The Armory is also going to be selling hot dogs and chips, there will be something for everyone.”

As a fun event for the younger kids to take part in, the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with the Manistee County Library for a story time

event.

“We will have things for the whole family to look at,” said Davidson. “We aren’t going to have any vendors inside, but at some point each day we will plan a tour inside the Armory building so anyone interested in learning what the Armory Project is about can do so.”

Davidson said the Armory Youth Project will also have a booth set up to explain to the public what they do with out-of-school programming. Their summer hours will be 10 a.m.to 4 p.m. in the upcoming months.

“Anyone that comes up will be able to talk to staff, but we will do the tours as well,” she said. “We feel it is going to be two days of fun for the public.”

The Manistee World of Arts and Crafts show returned in 2022 after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The show’s 50-year run ended in 2023. (File photo)

The Armory Youth Project is located at at 555 First St. in Manistee. (File photo)

Elks Lodge’s parade entry is large American flag

By Bella Gasaway News AdvocAte stAFF writer

The Elks Lodge of Manistee will participate in the Independence Day Parade on July 4. The parade is part of the 2024 Manistee National Forest Festival taking place from July 3-7.

The Elks Lodge is a nonprofit organization that focuses on serving youth and veterans in the community. The lodge raises funds through various charitable events that occur throughout the year.

Lodge No. 250, the Manistee branch, has been serving the community since 1895. Exalted Ruler Shawn Waruszewski says the lodge has been participating in the Independence Day parade on and off for over 50 years, and this year is no exception.

“Americanism is a real important thing to the Elks,” said Waruszewski. “Through that, and being charitable, it’s (an organization) that’s good for everybody.”

Waruszewski confirmed that the organization will be walking in the parade this year. Between 12 and 16 members of the lodge will be

carrying an American flag as their parade entry.

“The biggest (flag) that we could use is almost the width of the entire street… with the stars and stripes going longways,” said Waruszewski.

The parade begins at 10 a.m. on July 4. It will start on the corner of River and Division streets and will head west to the Armory Youth Project parking lot on First Street.

In addition to its participation in the parade, the lodge will also hold a variety of special events over the holiday weekend for members and the public to enjoy, including drinks available to the public at the lodge’s bar.

“The public will be welcome to the lodge for libations over the Fourth of July weekend,” said Waruszewski.

The Elks Lodge Independence Day events information will be shared on its Facebook page. More information about the parade, including other events scheduled for July 3-7, can be found at manisteeforestfestival.com.

About a dozen members of the Elks Lodge carry an American flag in the Independence Day parade in 2019. (File photo)

On July 4, 2023, the Elks Lodge walked in the Independence Day parade, as seen in this file photo. (File photo)

Manistee National Forest Festival! AT THE 2024

Manistee’s history to be displayed during Forest Festival

By K en Gra BowsK i For the News AdvocAte

When people think of the Manistee National Forest Festival, the first things coming to mind are parades, fireworks, carnivals and other fun events.

What many tend to overlook is the reason the festival first originated nearly 90 years ago: To celebrate Manistee’s rich history with the forest and lumber industry. It’s why the festival holds several events every year to focus on the history of Manistee.

One popular event focusing on that area is the Manistee County Transportation DialA-Ride Trolley rides. The rides are not only an opportunity to take a step into Manistee’s past by taking a trolley for a one-hour ride, but they are given a historical narrative of the community by Dial-A-Ride employees as they visit those locations.

“We have a tour leaving every hour so people can pick it up right at the Dial-Ride offices (180 Memorial Drive) and it will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.” said Dial-A-Ride operations director Dan Harrison. “It’s about a 45-to-50-minute tour through Manistee.”

Harrison said they go through the Northside area and talk about Manistee’s Great Fire in the 1870s, the beaches, historic Victorian homes, buildings and they even go all the way out to the Orchard Beach State Park on Lakeshore Road.

“There is a lot of good information about Manistee you can get from the tour, and we invite everyone to check it out,” said Harrison.

The cost is $6 for adults, $3 for kids under 17 years old and $3 for seniors and disabled citizens.

When talking about local history, the best source is at the Manistee County Historical Museum, which will be featuring a special exhibit during the Forest Festival.

Museum executive director Mark Fedder said the exhibit will be called “Early Remarkable Manistee Women.”

The exhibit will be open during regular hours at the museum during the Forest Festival — from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children.

“We are just going to highlight about 30 or so early women who did something we are still remembering today with the way they lived their lives,” said Fedder. “Some of them have been highlighted before at the museum and

others have not.”

Fedder said the exhibit will feature the women in displays, bullet pointing who they were, what made them remarkable and what accomplishments they achieved in their lives. He said what adds to the story is the women come from all walks of life and aren’t just tied to the lumber barons of that time.

“There also will be some items on display that pertain to some of these women as well,” said Fedder. “It’s a small exhibit, but will showcase these women and what they did. It was a man’s world back then, but these women did some really remarkable things.”

He said some of these women still stand out in 2024 for what they did in Manistee’s early years.

“There are some from other parts of the county who will be highlighted among the women and not every one of them will have a particular artifact or object tied to them,” said Fedder. “For a third of them there will be a dress, or like with Jennie Smith, who was an early photographer, there will be some of her photographs.” Fedder said the exhibit is an interesting way to note who those women were and what they accomplished.

“It was a fun exhibit to put together, and I think people are going to like it,” said Fedder.

Manistee is fortunate to have many historic buildings located within the city limits, and history lovers will have an opportunity to tour some of them from 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on July 5 and 6. Some may have regular admission fees and others may accept a free will offering.

Those open are as follows:

• Old Kirke Museum, former Danish Church, located at 304 Walnut St.;

• City of Manistee Fire Hall, located at281 First St.;

• Guardian Angels Church, located at 375 Fifth St.;

• Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, located at 101 Maple St.;

• First Congregational Church, located at 412 Fourth St.; and

• Church of the Holy Trinity, located at 410 Second St.

The Old Kirke Museum will feature the art of Earl Madsen over the summer months and during the Forest Festival, and the city of Manistee Fire Hall has some historic firefighting artifacts on display.

Over the years Dial-A-Ride has expanded on many of its services and even offers trolley rides in the summer. (File photo)

Roots on the River concert series to return with July 4 kickoff

By Bella Gasaway News AdvocAte stAFF writer

Roots on the River will be returning to Manistee in July.

Roots on the River is a free summer concert series featuring regional musicians from across the state. Concerts are held on the banks of the Manistee River on Thursday evenings in July and August.

The series’ opening concert will take place at the Manistee Jaycees Bandshell, located in the Veterans Memorial Park on Memorial Drive, as part of the Manistee National Forest Festival. Kickoff for the event begins at noon on July 4, after the Independence Day parade downtown.

A total of five bands will perform on July 4, including Cold Leather Seats, a folk-rock and Americana group from Grand Haven.

Originally organized by the Manistee Jaycees, Roots on the River is now under the directorship of Music Sparks Meaning, a local organization that aims to “connect people through the power of music.”

To mark the start of the concert series, Noah Cameron, president of Music Sparks Meaning, said that free food, games and other activities will be offered during the concert for the public to enjoy.

“On the Fourth (of July), there’s kind of a special event we’re doing with 10 food trucks, lawn games. We (will also) have a beer tent,” said Cameron.

Cameron and the board of directors at Music Sparks Meaning are hoping to feature local craft beer at the tent, including specialty kegs

Concert dates & lineup

The annual Roots on the River summer concert series will kick o on July 4, with new live performances every Thursday night at 7 p.m. at the Manistee Jaycees Bandshell. In the event of inclement weather, concerts will be held at the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts. The lineup is as follows:

July

JULY 4: Cold Leather Seats

JULY 11: Seth Bernard

JULY 18: Nick Veine

JULY 25: Sari Brown

August

AUG. 1: Cole Hansen

AUG. 8: Ben Traverse Band

from Third Life Brewing Co. and North Channel Brewing Co., two breweries based in Manistee that sponsor Music Sparks Meaning.

According to an annual report by Music Sparks Meaning, the Manistee Jaycees were considering a discontinuation of the concert series this year due to financial and membership reasons. To keep tradition alive, the Jaycees handed responsibility of Roots on the River to Music Sparks Meaning, and they have been planning the concert series ever since.

“This is something we love doing. All three of the board members (at Music Sparks Meaning) grew up attending and were shaped in some way by this series specifically… we definitely wanted to make sure we could do what we can to continue it,” said Cameron.

To ensure the concert series will return to Manistee in future years, the organization is obtaining a raffle license to raise donations that will benefit future summer concerts and additional music programs. Raffles are planned to be offered at the July 4 concert.

“We’re waiting on our raffle license to get back, but we should be doing raffles, if not silent auctions, as well as collecting donations,” explained Cameron. “That all benefits our fall and winter program, as well as these summer concerts.”

Starting July 11, Roots on the River concerts will start at 7 p.m. and will run each Thursday until Aug. 8.

Simply put by Cameron: “It’s going to be a great time.”

Roots on the River is a weekly summer concert series in Manistee, as seen here in this file photo. (File photo)

Parade and fireworks to highlight Independence Day events

By K en Gra BowsK i For the News AdvocAte

The Manistee National Forest Festival is always a popular event with the public, but sometimes people overlook the fact it is also a celebration of Independence Day in America.

It’s something not lost of the organizers of the Forest Festival; they plan several events to remind people of the important role July 4 plays in the nation’s history. Three such events are a flag raising ceremony and the Independence Day Parade on July 4 and the fireworks that all keep alive the patriotic spirit.

Every year at 9:45 a.m. on the Fourth of July, prior to the start of the Independence Day Parade, veterans from various branches of the military service gather around the flagpole at the corner of Division and River streets for the raising of the American flag. It’s a brief, but moving ceremony, to honor a history that dates back to 1776.

After the ceremony, the Independence Day Parade takes center stage, starting at 10 a.m. Thousands of people line River Street for the big event that always features marching bands, floats and all kinds of unique and interesting entries to make it special.

As of June 11, city of Manistee police Chief Josh Glass said the parade will travel its usual route down River Street, from Division to Spruce street. However, due to construction on the U.S. 31 Bridge that has been ongoing since July 2023, law enforcement is working with other city services and the

Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce for a contingency plan in the event that the bridge has not reopened to traffic by July 4.

If the contingency plan must be put in place, updates and details on the route will be posted on the city’s and the chamber’s Facebook pages as well as in the News Advocate and online at manisteenews.com.

Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce marketing and communications specialist Blade Gates said the 2024 parade is shaping up to be the best ever. During an interview with the News Advocate in early June, Gates said they still were taking entries and the full lineup wasn’t ready just yet.

“The Independence Day Parade lineup is looking great,” he said. “We are on track to have as many, if not more entries than last year.”

Gates said this year’s parade will be a mixture of new and returning entries.

“You can expect a wide variety of local businesses, organizations and nonprofits participating in the parade, with many returning,” said Gates. “Being an election year, you can also expect to see a variety of individuals running across different political positions this year.”

Gates said the best way to follow any last-minute changes concerning any of the Forest Festival events is by going online.

“Our digital brochure will have a detailed schedule on all of the happenings every day, but those looking for the most up-to-date festival itinerary should go to our Event Schedule

Continued on Page 11

A flag-raising ceremony took place on July 4, 2022 ahead of the Independence Day parade on River Street as part of the Manistee National Forest Festival. (File photo)

The Independence Day Parade is a focal point of the Manistee National Forest Festival. (File photo)

Continued from Page 10

page on our website at ManisteeForestFestival.

com,” said Gates. “Or they can check out the Manistee National Forest Festival Facebook page.”

People should note there has been a change to the fireworks display this year. They will be held at dusk on July 5, at First Street Beach Douglas Park.

First Street Beach Douglas Park is the central gathering point for many Forest Festival events. The area was also recently voted the best beach in Michigan in USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

The fireworks can be clearly seen along the shoreline north and south of the launch area and from Lake Michigan on a boat. They also are visible in many areas of the city from the Maple Street Bridge and beyond.

Another added feature is the radio station, Eagle 101.5 FM, will sync the fireworks show to music.

Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Stacie Bytwork said the fireworks are like all the exhibits in the Forest Festival, which are made possible through the generous donations of local sponsors.

For the last several years the Little River Casino Resort has sponsored the fireworks.

“The sponsorship from Little River Casino Resort has been crucial in bringing a spectacular fireworks display over Lake Michigan to celebrate the Manistee National Forest Festival and Independence Day,” said Bytwork. “We are beyond grateful for their ongoing support and partnership to make this festival a success for all year after year.”

The Manistee United Methodist Church’s Lawn Chair Precision Drill Team features about a dozen members. The group performed its routine during the 2022 Manistee National Forest Festival parade. (File photo)

Schedule of Events

The Manistee National Forest Festival is slated from July 3-7.

Additional events could be added to the schedule online at manisteeforestfestival.com

The schedule of events — as of June 11 — is as follows:

Wednesday, July 3

• 9 a.m. to dusk

Festival Marketplace First Street Beach

Douglas Park

• 10 a.m. to dusk

Whispering Pines

Mobile Petting Zoo

First Street Beach

Douglas Park

• 10 a.m. to dusk

Madkat Taggers

Gel Ball

First Street Beach

Douglas Park

• Noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Timber Art

Chainsaw Carvings

First Street Beach Douglas Park

• Noon-5 p.m.

Framed Digital Painting Giveaway at ruddiblush 321 River St.

• Noon to dusk

Anderson Midway

Carnival First Street Beach Douglas Park

• 1-6 p.m.

Walk-In Tattoo & Piercing Specials Clean Lines Tattoo Company at 336 River St.

• 2-8 p.m.

Drop-In Pottery

Painting

The Purple Paintbrush at 338 River St.

• 2-8 p.m.

2nd Annual Wine on the River Fricano’s Manistee River at 440 River St.

Thursday, July 4

• 9 a.m. to dusk

Festival Marketplace First Street Beach Douglas Park

• 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Visit the Giant Sequoia Tree at Lake Bluff Farms 2890 Lakeshore Road

• 9:45 a.m.

Independence Day Flag Raising Ceremony Division & River streets

• 10 a.m.

Independence Day Parade Division and River streets

• 10 a.m. to dusk

Whispering Pines

Mobile Petting Zoo

First Street Beach

Douglas Park

• 10 a.m. to dusk

Madkat Taggers

Gel Ball

First Street Beach

Douglas Park

• Noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Timber Art

Chainsaw Carvings

First Street Beach

Douglas Park

• Noon-5 p.m.

Framed Digital Painting Giveaway at ruddiblush

321 River St.

• Noon-9 p.m.

Roots on the River Kickoff Bash at Jaycees Bandshell

Veterans Memorial Park

• Noon to dusk

Anderson Midway

Carnival First Street Beach Douglas Park

• 1-6 p.m.

Walk-In Tattoo & Piercing Specials

Clean Lines Tattoo Company at 336 River St.

• 2-8 p.m.

Drop-In Pottery

Painting

The Purple Paintbrush at 338 River St.

Friday, July 5

• 7-8 a.m.

Free Morning Beach

Meditation by Rhythm and Flow Wellness

First Street Beach between the piers

The Beach Jam is set for July 5 during the Manistee National Forest Festival. (File photo)

• 9 a.m. to dusk

Festival Marketplace

First Street Beach

Douglas Park

• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Cadillac-Manistee

Ranger Station

Open House

1170 Nursery Road in Wellston

• 10 a.m. to dusk

Whispering Pines

Mobile Petting Zoo

First Street Beach

Douglas Park

• 10 a.m. to dusk

Madkat Taggers

Gel Ball

First Street Beach

Douglas Park

• 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tours and Open House at Guardian

Angels Church

371 Fifth St.

• 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Book signings:

Stanley and Buck

Hoot and Honey Bookstore

358 River St.

• 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Drop-In Pottery

Painting

The Purple Paintbrush at 338 River St.

• Noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Timber Art Chainsaw Carvings

First Street Beach

Douglas Park

• Noon-5 p.m.

Framed Digital Painting Giveaway at ruddiblush 321 River St.

• Noon to dusk

Anderson Midway

Carnival

First Street Beach

Douglas Park

• 1-2 p.m.

20 Years of Land Banking in Michigan Celebration Wagoner

Community Center 260 St. Mary’s Parkway

• 1-6 p.m.

Walk-In Tattoo & Piercing Specials

Clean Lines Tattoo Company 336 River St.

• 2-2:45 p.m.

“The Birds of America” Page Turning & Tea Party with Mayor Jermaine Sullivan Manistee County Main Library

95 Maple St.

• 6-9 p.m.

Sip & Paint Party: Painting First Street Beach

The Purple Paintbrush at 338 River St.

• 7-10 p.m.

Beach Jam First Street Beach

• 10:30 p.m. (dusk) Fireworks over Lake Michigan First Street Beach and Fifth Avenue Beach; rain date July 6

Saturday, July 6

• 8 a.m.

Manistee Firecracker 5K Run/Walk and 1K Fun Run starting at Manistee Middle/High School at 525 12th St.

• 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Manistee Arts & Crafts Show Armory Youth Project at 555 First St.

• 9 a.m. to dusk

Festival Marketplace First Street Beach Douglas Park

• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Family Day at The Tabernacle 77 Hancock St.

• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bubble Party with the Manistee County Library

77 Hancock St.

• 10 a.m. to dusk

Whispering Pines

Mobile Petting Zoo First Street Beach Douglas Park

• 10 a.m. to dusk

Madkat Taggers

Gel Ball First Street Beach Douglas Park

• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Book Signing: Kruspe

Hoot and Honey Bookstore 358 River St.

This dromedary camel is the largest animal at the Whispering Pines Mobile Petting Zoo which took part in the 2023 Manistee National Forest Festival. (File photo)

• 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tours and Open House at Guardian Angels Church

371 Fifth St.

• 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Drop-In Pottery

Painting

The Purple Paintbrush at 338 River St.

• Noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Timber Art

Chainsaw Carvings

First Street Beach

Douglas Park

• Noon-3 p.m.

Henna Tattoos

The Purple Paintbrush at 338 River St.

• Noon-5 p.m.

Framed Digital Painting Giveaway

at ruddiblush

321 River St.

• Noon to dusk

Anderson Midway

Carnival

First Street Beach

Douglas Park

• 1-3 p.m.

Little Big Shots

Talent Show

Lions Pavilion

First Street Beach

• 1-3 p.m.

Bluey Party Hoot and Honey Bookstore

358 River St.

• 1-6 p.m.

Walk-In Tattoo & Piercing Specials

Clean Lines Tattoo Company

336 River St.

• 1 p.m. to dusk

28th Annual Little

River Band of Ottawa

Indians Pow Wow

2596 Loon Drive

• 6-9 p.m.

Summer Sun Sets concert series presents i.am.james

First Street Beach gazebo

Sunday, July 7

• 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Manistee Area Public

Schools Traditional Pancake Breakfast

Manistee Middle/High School at 525 12th St.

• 9 a.m. to dusk

Festival Marketplace

First Street Beach

Douglas Park

• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Manistee Arts & Crafts Show

Armory Youth Project at 555 First St.

• Noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Timber Art Chainsaw Carvings

First Street Beach

Douglas Park

Noon to dusk

Anderson Midway Carnival

First Street Beach Douglas Park

• 1-3 p.m.

Scottville Clown Band Concert

Lions Pavilion at First Street Beach

• 1-3 p.m.

USA Made

Trunk Show

The Piping Plover

385 River St.

• 1-5 p.m.

Manistee Saints

Baseball Rietz Park at 1010 Forest Ave.

• 1-5 p.m.

28th Annual Little River Band of Ottawa

Indians Pow Wow 2596 Loon Drive

• 1-6 p.m.

Walk-In Tattoo & Piercing Specials

Clean Lines Tattoo Company

336 River St.

The Downtowners will play the Beach Jam during the Manistee National Forest Festival. (File photo)

The Anderson Midway Carnival is popular place during the Manistee National Forest Festival. (File photo)

9:45 a.m. at the corner of Division and River streets.

Local veterans gather for the ceremony to pay tribute. Following is the Independence Parade at 10 a.m., which is expected to include many floats, bands and other entries.

Those who like music are going to love the Roots on the River Kickoff Bash hosted by the nonprofit group Music Sparks Meaning. The event runs from noon until 9 p.m. on July 4 at the Jaycees Bandshell at the Veterans Memorial Park on Memorial Drive. It will feature several bands performing along with a beer tent, lawn games, food trucks and raffles.

Fun continues on July 5 with the Beach Jam from 7-10 p.m. at First Street Beach/Douglas Park featuring a Manistee band, The Downtowners. The concert will allow people to

sit in a lawn chair and sink their toes in the sand while they enjoy any beverages they want to bring to the event.

People can then spin that chair around toward Lake Michigan at dusk to enjoy a fireworks display. In the event of inclement weather, the fireworks show will be moved to July 6.

Competitive runners who enjoy the fireworks will get an early wake-up call the next morning — July 6 — when the Manistee Firecracker 5 K Run/Walk and 1K Fun Run registration opens at 8 a.m. Funds raised from the event will go to the Manistee Area Community Track.

The Forest Festival has had an arts and crafts show on its schedule for decades, but this year there will be a new event. The Manistee Arts and Crafts Show replaces the Manistee World of Arts and Crafts. It will take place at the Armory Youth Project, located at 555 First St. from

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 6 and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 7.

Armory Youth Project fund development coordinator Diana Wall said the organization is excited to host the new event.

It will be a juried show, and vendors will be able to set up their tents for their exhibits outside around the Armory building. The large parking lot will also offer plenty of space for the public to gain easy access to the show.

“We have an extensive grassy area with trees and are only two blocks from Lake Michigan where lots of the Forest Festival activities will be taking place,” said Wall. “So we can be everyone’s first stop on the way to the beach area.”

People who have enjoyed The Tabernacle’s Family Day should note it will be at a new location this year at 77 Hancock St. — across from Manistee Fire Department — from 10 a.m.

to 2 p.m. on July 6. This free event will feature games, prizes, bounce houses and much more.

“We are planning on having 20 vendors who will be doing fun activities with the kids,” said Miller. “Kids can even take a fun train ride, get their face painted and we will have a free hot dog lunch.”

The Blue Tiger’s Little Big Shots Talent Show will take place from 1-3 p.m. on July 6 at the Lions Pavilion at First Street Beach/Douglas Park.

Children ages 4-16 will display their talents in singing, dancing, gymnastics, musical instruments and more.

“All of the different acts that come to be part of the show is what is so fascinating about it,” said Shirley Madden of the Blue Tigers. “I am a firm believer that children need to share their talent and it’s not about being in competition with each other, but just about

allowing children to be creative.”

One popular event that is not returning in 2024 is the Lions Club Fish Boil. After 43 years of serving up hundreds of pounds of fish during each event, the Lions Club members have hung up their aprons.

“It’s getting harder and harder for our organization to put on this fish boil,” said Mick Szymanski, Lions Club president, in a 2023 interview. “We are not getting any younger. Some of us in our early 70s are the kids of the club. Without help, it’s hard to say whether or not we’re going to be able to continue (the fish boil).”

Every year the Manistee National Forest Festival comes to a close with a concert by the Scottville Clown Band. This year it will take place from 1-3 p.m. July 7 at the Lions Pavilion. People are encouraged to bring their own chair and refreshments to enjoy the antics of the Clown Band.

The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians will host its annual Jiingtamok (pow wow) during the Manistee National Forest Festival (File photo)