Chidren and parents enjoy the wheelbarrow race Wednesday, July 4, at Windermere Point. The Mackinac Island Fire Department, Mackinac Island Recreation Department, Windermere Hotel, and volunteers helped host the event. Even with summer temperatures reaching to 85 degrees, children participating in the games at Windermere Point couldn’t help but enjoy the fun Wednesday, July 4. The Mackinac Island Fire Department, the Mackinac Island Recreation Department, Windermere Hotel, and volunteers cohosted the event.

The games began at 1 p.m. and lasted until everyone was tired. The day started with a potato sack race, followed by a three legged race, wheelbarrow race, balloon toss, tug-o-war, spoon race, and watermelon roll. Many events were organized into age groups, and winners of the races received a medal. All participants received a prize, donated from local businesses.

Firefighters also let children operate a fire hose, and those who wanted to cool down ran through in the falling spray and stomped in the puddles.

At left: Dylan and Kendra Thornton cross the finish line during the three-legged race. Each event was divided into age groups, giving every child a chance to win a gold medal, and all participants received a prize. “We had a great day, and a good turnout,” said Jason St. Onge, assistant fire chief. “It started out a little hot, but the water hose took care of any heat issues. It’s good to see familiar faces every year.”

The hot weather was a blessing, according to the recreation director Mary Patay. The warm weather encouraged a larger turnout. This is her first year helping to coordinate the games for children.

“The weather helped out a lot,” Ms. Patay said, “and all the help with the fire department was great.” Local businesses offered many donations, she said.

Right: Ellie Irish (left) takes a look at her facepaint in the mirror held by Rose Canino. Children waited in line to receive colorful face paintings, many with patriotic themes and colors. A popular game at the end of the day was the grease pole, hosted by Bob Benser, Jr. Children try to scamper up a large wood trunk to retrieve a $5 bill pinned up above. Every time one bill was snatched, Mr. Benser would move the bill up higher, much to the protest of those who hadn’t grabbed their own cash reward yet. Mr. Benser funds all the reward money, and provides the equipment for the game.

“For whatever reason, I used to think that the part they enjoyed was climbing the pole,” Mr. Benser said. “I found out that it’s the five dollars they really like.”

Far right: Hugo Pulte of Mackinac Island and Ethan Hauser of East Lansing took first place in one of the threelegged races Wednesday, July 4. After completing the race, the two tried to turn around and race back, tripping and tangling each other until one was dragging the other. “This competition was very successful, and it was a fun competition,” Ethan said at a post-race interview. “We did a good job, it was nice, and that’s all I’ve got to say. Thank you very much.”