Guests Enjoy Mission Point Opener

Mission Point Resort owner John Shufelt (left), with his wife, Jeanie, and the resort's new general manager, Bryan Dickey, and his wife, Ruth, at the 2008 annual opening party on Mackinac Island Wednesday, April 30.

The entrance doors were held open for guests attending the 2008 annual opening party at Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island Wednesday, April 30. Guests were welcomed with champagne, and greeted by resort owner John Shufelt, his wife, Jeanie, and the resort's new general manager, Bryan Dickey, and his wife, Ruth.

The early spring event offers residents, business owners, and workers the opportunity to relax and visit after the winter, before the tourist season begins on the Island in May.

Views of Lake Huron served as a backdrop for guests, who sampled food and wine from stations set up throughout the resort's lobby area and restaurants. A "mermaid" offered chilled shrimp to guests, chefs prepared personal pasta dishes, Caesar salad was freshly tossed, a variety of deserts were served, including flaming Bananas Foster, and wine stewards were on hand offering advice and samples.

Dressed as a mermaid, model Michelle Jackson of Auburn Hills serves cold shrimp to guests at the annual Mission Point Resort opening party. Mission Point Resort pianist John Kissane performs contemporary pieces on the black grand piano in the Epicurean dining room. Mr. Kissane has been a musician for the resort since 1998.