Patriotic Events Offered To Celebrate 4th of July
By Eric Fish

While the Fourth of July falls on a Wednesday this year, activities are scheduled from July 1 to America's Independence Day. Below is a list of events.

Michigan Beer and Wine

Festival, July 1

This event will take place at Mission Point Resort in conjunction with the Michigan Wine Producers Association and the Brewer's Guild of Michigan at 2 p.m. and boasts Michigan's best wineries and breweries with entertainment, activities, and food. The cost is $5. Food and drink tickets are available for $1 each.

Mackinac Island Fourth

of July Regatta, July 1

In conjunction with the Pink Pony, the annual Fourth of July Regatta will begin at 2 p.m. from the East Break Wall of the Mackinac Island Harbor. A 12:30 skipper's meeting at the Pink Pony will precede the event.

The regatta is dubbed as a "competitive family fun race" and is open to anyone with a sailboat at no charge. The race route is a simple circling of the Island consisting of about 10 miles. Last year's winner was the boat, Outrageous, which completed the course in one hour 18 minutes.

An awards ceremony will follow the event at the Pink Pony. For more information or to register a boat, contact Mackinac Island Yacht Club Chairman David Rowe at 810- 516-5052 or the Mackinac Island Yacht Club.

A Star Spangled Fourth,

July 4

Fort Mackinac will wear patriotic red, white, and blue colors for a special 1880s Independence Day celebration. Fort interpreters will fire a 38- gun salute, and join patriotic music and Victorian games. In addition, a special "Rose Dance" will happen on the fort ground.

Special presentations are scheduled to take place at 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. The events are available to enjoy with regular fort admission.

All American Picnic, July 4

Red and white checkered tablecloths will line the Fort Mackinac parade grounds to create a patchwork quilt welcoming visitors of Grand Hotel's allyou can-eat Independence Day meal. The food items will consist of barbecued ribs, grilled chicken breasts, hamburgers, hot dogs, turkey burgers, corn on the cob, salads, and desserts.

Tickets are available in advance at the Mackinac State Park Visitor Center or by phone at 847-3328. The event is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m.

Mackinac Associates

Red, White, and Blue

Celebration, July 4

Mackinac Associates members can enjoy wine, cheese, and other various appetizers under a tent at Fort Mackinac at 5 p.m.

Other July 4 Activities

At dusk, Windermere Point will provide a vantage point for a fireworks display.

From 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. the Reverend Vincent Carroll of Little Stone Church will recite poems he wrote at Da Nang, Vietnam, and sign his books at The Island Bookstore.