2006 Calendar Available
By Leslie Rott

With the completion of winter on Mackinac Island comes the debut of a new “Seasons of Mackinac” calendar. This summer’s release, which is the calendar for 2006, has an even mix of photographs taken by Islanders and non-Islanders, showing the Island in all of its glory throughout the seasons.

This year marks the 23rd year that the Mackinac Island Recreational Development, Inc. (M.I.R.D.) has produced the calendar.

“We wanted to come up with a fundraiser that wasn’t taxing to the residents’ pockets,” said M.I.R.D. Vice-president Barb Fisher. The calendars are useful and appeal to both residents and visitors.

Each year, M.I.R.D. receives more than 200 pictures to be entered into its annual photography contest, which go on display for voting at the Winter Festival in February.

Pictures are organized according to season and attendees at the festival are asked to vote for their favorites. Photographers remain anonymous during the voting process, however, M.I.R.D. President Urvana Morse said that despite the anonymity, Islanders have a hometown advantage, since they know the types of pictures people like to see. She added that 90 percent of Winter Festival attendees are locals and 10 percent are visitors.

“People love to share what they love,” Mrs. Morse said. The “Seasons of Mackinac” calendar is successful because it is representative of the Island. Non-residents especially like the pictures of the Island in winter, she said. “It’s like a treasure no one really knows about.”

Although all of the pictures in this year’s calendar are unique, Mrs. Fisher said that one picture is special. The May picture is of Frank Horn and his puppy, Day. Mr. Horn died two years ago and Mrs. Fisher said she has never seen a picture get the response that Mr. Horn’s received. She said it was wonderful to see the Island commemorate Mr. Horn by voting the picture into the calendar.

“Frank always greeted everyone with a smile,” Mrs. Morse added.

The “Seasons of Mackinac” calendar can be purchased at various retail establishments on the Island or they can be ordered directly through M.I.R.D. by telephone at (906) 847-6293 or by mail at P.O. Box 421, Mackinac Island, MI 49757.

Proceeds from the sale of the calendar are used by M.I.R.D. to improve the Island’s recreational facilities and programs and to develop and maintain Great Turtle Park.