The show will go on the first weekend in August
By Barb Pert Templeton
When you’re trying to build something, nearly from scratch, it likely seems as if you’re constantly spinning your wheels and putting out fires but nothing’s going to discourage Tammi Graber.
“We are battling snags and issues each and every day but we just keep going and we are going to make this happen this year,” Graber said.
A packed schedule that includes a children’s Super Hero Parade, live music and a beverage tent, fireworks and a parade on Sunday will keep Maritime Days going in Marine City the first weekend in August.
She’s determined to see her hometown, Marine City, hosts its annual Maritime Days Festival the first weekend in August. When Graber, who currently resides in Chesterfield Township, found out much of the committee that had hosted previous festivals had stepped aside, she picked up the gauntlet and ran with it.
Tammi Graber is president of this year’s Maritime Days Festival in Marine City.
The first meeting seeking new committee members and volunteers was hosted in March and things have really shaped up since then. In fact, the next general planning and membership meeting open to the public is set for Thursday, July 20 at 7:30 p.m. at Gar’s Lounge in the city.
“We’re going to go over our schedule and timeline and we’ll also welcome all volunteers who want to help out that weekend,” Garber said.
The festival already boasts quite a list of hearty volunteers and amazing support from area businesses serving as sponsors. Graber said she’s simply been blown over by the strong backing from 40 local small businesses plus 20 bronzes, five silver and three gold sponsorships spoken for already.
This flyer is promoting the annual Kids’ Fishing Contest during Maritime Days in Marine City.
Keeping festival favorites like fireworks, plenty of children’s activities and the big parade on Sunday afternoon on the schedule was important and all remain intact for 2023.
“There hasn’t been a parade in like four years, so we’re excited about that and we’re doing our best to get clowns and pipers lined up too,” Graber said.
A “Light up the River Boat Parade” on Friday night, the first annual brunch and cocktail competition on Sunday morning at Nautical Park and a “Big Air Freestyling Show” by Kaboom Enterprises on Saturday at 3 p.m. are sure to be crowd pleasers.
Kids will love all the games and activities from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday including bouncy houses and reptile shows at Drake Park.
“This city is behind us and so are many others, a Facebook post about the festival got 7,500 views so we know people are really excited about this year,” Graber said.
To find out more about Maritime Days 2023 visit the Facebook Page Marine City Maritime Days.
Gar’s Lounge is located at 142 S. Water Street in Marine City.
