Preparations Underway for 50th Mackinac Bridge Walk Sept. 3
By Paul Gingras

In 1958, sixty-five people strode high above the Straits of Mackinac during the first Mackinac Bridge Walk. This year, an estimated 50,000 participants will stroll south along the five-mile span from St. Ignace to Mackinaw City for the 50th annual event, where they will look down to see 50 swimmers on a four-hour journey across the water.

On Labor Day, Monday, September 3, Governor Jennifer Granholm will lead the bridge walk.

"We are keeping it wide open," said Bob Sweeney, executive secretary of the Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA), noting that participants can begin their journey anytime between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m.

The two eastern lanes of the bridge will be closed to traffic, allowing walkers to enjoy the stroll. As crowds diminish, probably after 10:30, a third lane will be opened to vehicles, helping accommodate the heavy holiday traffic, Mr. Sweeney said.

Last year, about 42,000 people walked the bridge. For the past six years, the event has hosted between 40,000 and 50,000 walkers.

"It think it is going to be a good crowd, and I am hoping for good weather," Mr. Sweeney said.

For the past six years, sunshine and reasonable wind levels have brought a glimmer to the waters of the Straits and agreeable walking conditions for participants, he noted.

It will be a day to appreciate those who worked on the Mighty Mac, to soak up the beauty of the Straits, and to exercise.

In addition to the walkers and swimmers, a group of joggers selected by Governor Jennifer Granholm's Council on Physical Fitness will begin at 6:30 a.m., prior to the bridge walk.

On average, walkers take 90 minutes to complete the trek, but some take less than an hour, and others take up to two hours, Mr. Sweeney said.

Wheelchairs and strollers are allowed, but nothing can be "towed behind," notably wagons, which present a safety concern, he added. Participants who arrive with wagons for towing children can exchange them for strollers provided by the MBA. After the walk, the wagons will be returned, he said.

Pets are prohibited, with the exception of seeing eye dogs. Banners and flags are also prohibited, owing to the possibility that wind could make them a hazard, Mr. Sweeney said.

Portable toilets will be located at both ends of the bridge. There will be no facilities on the span, he said.

Designated parking areas will be available at Bridge View Park in St. Ignace and on Department of Natural Resources property, just north of Graham Avenue in St. Ignace.

Participants can also park in St. Ignace and Mackinaw City, Mr. Sweeney said.

For $2, from 5 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the Bridge Authority will shuttle participants both ways across the bridge. Buses will stop at Conkling Park in Mackinaw City and at MBA's administration building at the foot of the bridge in St. Ignace.

Upon completing the trek, each walker will receive a certificate. This year, the award commemorates the 50th anniversary of the bridge.

Businesses throughout St. Ignace and Mackinaw City will post numbers in their windows that match numbers on certificates. Walkers with matching numbers will be eligible for prizes and discounts.

The Bridge Authority takes security at the event very seriously, Mr. Sweeney said. Two hundred members of the Michigan National Guard will be stationed along the bridge. Law enforcement agencies on patrol will include Michigan State Police, St. Ignace Police, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Police, police from Mackinac, Emmet, and Cheboygan counties, and Mackinaw City Police.

The Federal Aviation Administration will issue a notice forbidding all aircraft from flying within 3,000 feet of the bridge.

Early Boats

Arnold Transit Company and Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry will provide early boat departures to and from Mackinac Island for the Bridge Walk.

Shepler's will leave Mackinaw City for the Island at 5:30 a.m. Ferries will travel from the Island to St. Ignace at 6 a.m. and 7 a.m.

Arnold Transit will offer departures from the Island to St. Ignace at 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. A boat will leave St. Ignace for the Island at 6:30 a.m