Polished and Poised for Lilac Festival Parade

With a natural white star on her face and four matching white stockings, Minnie, a chestnut hackney, will pull a carriage containing Mackinac Island Mayor Margaret Doud and U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak in the Lilac Festival Grand Parade. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Lilac Festival. Minnie, a Mackinac Island Carriage Tours horse, resides at Chambers Stable on the corner of Market Street and Cadotte Avenue. She will be teamed with her companion, Amber, for the Sunday, June 14, parade that begins at 5 p.m. The nine-year-old mare enjoys being groomed by teamster Dan Mitchell Tuesday, June 2. The brushing keeps her coat in shiny condition in preparation for the parade. During the season, Minnie pulls wedding carriages and provides transportation for other Island guests.