Patriotic Fourth of July Planned on Mackinac
Stone Skipping, Children’s Games Highlight Holiday
By Karen Gould

America’s first Independence Day celebration took place Monday, July 8, 1776. On July 2, 1776, Continental Congress representatives from each of the 13 colonies met and voted to declare independence from Great Britain. Over the next two days, the representatives met in secrecy to debate the language of the Declaration of Independence, agreeing on the document’s wording July 4. The Pennsylvania Evening Post published the declaration in its entirety on July 6. The document was read out loud at noon on the grounds of the Philadelphia State House on July 8, and the patriotic celebration followed.

Historical events that began 229 years ago as the country sought freedom from England are now celebrated as America’s favorite summer holiday. Celebrating on Mackinac Island is especially meaningful, as Fort Mackinac was built during the American Revolution that followed the declaration of independence.

Following are activities slated for Monday, July 4:

• 10 a.m. The 41st Annual Mackinac Island Stone Skipping Tournament will begin on Windermere Point. The tournament is open to everyone and a $3 entry fee allows the skipper to toss six stones. The event is sponsored by the Mackinac Island Stone Skipping and Gerplunking Club and proceeds go to the Mackinac Island Public Library.

• 11 a.m. As part of the stone skipping activities, Ryba’s Fudge Canoe arrives at Windermere Beach.

• Noon. Stone skipping professionals will compete at Windermere Point, including the 2005 Guinness Book World record holder for stone skipping, Kirk Steiner.

• Noon to 3 p.m. Free activities for children will be held at Windermere Point. Sponsored by the Mackinac Island Volunteer Fire Department, events include a greasy pole slide, sack races, digging for quarters, and a fire hose demonstration.

• 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Mackinac State Historic Parks invites the public to celebrate the Fourth of July in true patriotic fashion on the grounds of the 225-year-old Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island. A ceremony at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. with historic interpreters dressed as 1880s American soldiers will present “A Star Spangled Fourth.” The ceremony will feature patriotic military music, a 38-gun salute (representing the 38 states in the union in the 1880s) and flag-raising ceremony. Victorian costumed ladies will present a program of children’s activities and games throughout the day.

• 6:30 p.m. “An American Picnic” will be served by Grand Hotel on the fort parade ground. Tickets for the dinner are extra and can be purchased at the fort or Grand Hotel.

• Dusk. Free fireworks will be shot from a barge off shore between Windermere Point and Grand Hotel. Good viewing is from the school yard and Fort Mackinac. Island viewers also may spot fireworks displays at Mackinac City and St. Ignace.