Twilight Carriage Ride Takes Off

The Barrs’ carriage, with J.R. and Penny Barr in the driver’s seat, was an impressive hack at the first Twilight Carriage Ride.

What prettier time could there be to take a carriage ride then when the sun is setting at dusk? Carriage drivers took advantage of the early evening beauty Tuesday, August 23, during the Mackinac Horsemen’s Association’s (MHA) first Twilight Carriage Ride.

According to Candi Dunnigan, president of the MHA, such events were a popular activity during the Victorian era, when it was fashionable to take early evening carriage rides in groups. The MHA did not previously offer any activities for carriages, and the twilight ride seemed like the perfect event to fill the gap. It began behind Fort Mackinac and made a procession along the East Bluff, past Arch Rock, and over to the Annex. Light refreshments were also provided in the form of cheese and crackers, strawberries, water, and champagne, and carrots for horses.

“We can’t do anything without a party,” explained MHA secretary Trish Martin.

“It’s just a pretty ride for about a half hour,” said Mrs. Dunnigan. “It’s very much like the adult Labor Day formal ride, just to get together and go out for a ride.”