PORT HURON, MI — Even with cloudy skies and light rain, hundreds of spectators lined Huron Avenue on Wednesday, July 9, as the Rotary International Day Parade got underway in downtown Port Huron, officially kicking off Boat Week.
Many families set up their chairs the day before to secure prime viewing spots. For the Schultz family of Port Huron, their location along the route is a cherished tradition.
“We’ve been doing this since I was little… We would come down here every year,” said Faith Schultz, 18.
Her mother, Trisha Schultz, added, “I’ve been coming down to this place since I was a little baby every year no matter what, rain or shine. This is one of our family traditions.” She recalled attending the parade with her own mother, saying, “She’s since passed so we honor her by coming to the parade.”
Marching bands from both of the city’s high schools — Port Huron and Port Huron Northern — performed and drew cheers from the crowd. This year, the bands invited alumni to join in and perform alongside current students.
Sailors visiting for the weekend’s big race also joined in the fun.
Tighe Case, part of a 10-person crew aboard the MC² sailboat from Minneapolis, said, “Definitely one of my favorite events. I love coming down here. It’s such a warm welcome, all the festivities. We really feel like you guys are excited for us to be here.”
Rotary Club President Carter Hitesman, who is serving for the 2025-26 term, said the annual event wouldn’t be possible without community support.
“We’ve been doing this so long and there’s so many community organizations and employers that work with us and are here year after year, which we really appreciate, that people come back,” he said. “It’s great to see so many people with smiles on their faces. It’s a great event for the community.”
Boat Week fun continues Thursday after 4 p.m. with Family Night, followed by Boat Night on Friday and the 101st Bayview Mackinac Race on Saturday morning.
Contact reporters Andy Jeffrey at ajeffrey@gannett.com or Brenden Welper at bwelper@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Rotary International Day Parade brings crowds to Port Huron to kick off Boat Week
Reporting by Andy Jeffrey and Brenden Welper, Port Huron Times Herald / Port Huron Times Herald
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