Every city has something they can brag about. Pasadena has the Rose Bowl, New Orleans has Mardi Gras and Port Huron, Michigan has the Port Huron to Mackinaw Sailboat Race. Where else can you view up close over 200 sailboats on Thursday and Friday nights?
The Black River is jammed with parked sailboats and other boats cruising up and down.
Then on Saturday morning those sailboats glide pass to the sound of bagpipes from the Black River to their starting point on Lake Huron. If you are lucky enough, as we were, to go to Fort Gratiot Park you can actually see the Spinnaker Start.
Port Huron is a hopping town on Thursday and Friday. It is bustling with visitors and sailors from all over the country. On every corner there is something to do. There was an art show, carnival, live mannequins, and a kid zone. Friday night was a laser light show and Saturday a lighted boat parade.
The city is doing a great job to expanding on this event as well. They had three stages with bands playing at each of them. We were lucky enough to catch the Navy Band. The lead singer can belt out a Janis Joplin with the best of them. The other group we had the opportunity to see was BeBe and the Blue Maters. If you like Blues and are around the Port Huron area, they are the group you need to see.
It is too late for you to see the Port Huron to Mackinaw Sailboat Race this year, but be sure to put it on your calendars for next! It takes place every July.
That looks like so much fun! I’ve never seen a sailboat race in person!
How fun! Maybe something we should consider this summer.
Wow this looks like an awesome vacation, or a weekend getaway. This happens every Thur and Fri of the summer?
I have never been to Mackinaw Island and it looks so beautiful. We lived in Michigan (near Detroit) right after we were married but never got to visit Mackinaw.
Wow, cool! :)
I’m a Michigander and i just had to stop by and read this. You did a great job covering the race! I live in southern Michigan, but I just love it “up north”. =)
I saw “Port Huron” come through on twitter and had to come over and read. There are not too many people that even know where it is LOL. My grandparents have lived there forever however where they live has been renamed Fort Gratiot.
I remember the boats though, my father was such a huge sailboat fan no wonder he never wanted to leave Port Huron. Thanks for the reminder and good memories.
That’s so funny that your grandparents live there! I grew up in Marysville and Port Huron. Always loved the sailboats and water too. What a small world!