Olde Fashioned Christmas - This Weekend!

It's Presque Isle's turn to sparkle this weekend as we invite community members and visitors alike to join in the festivities at the Olde Fashioned Community Christmas.  This ever-expanding event has become an annual tradition and is held every year on the first weekend in December.  With several activities spread throughout the community on Saturday and Sunday, there's something for everyone!

For the official brochure, which includes a full list of events, map of event locations, contact info, and more, click here.

Hope to see you in our warm, welcoming community this weekend!  Until then, enjoy these photos of last year's event. 

1905 Keeper's House, decorated inside and out for the holiday

Free horsedrawn wagon rides at the New Lighthouse

Enjoy coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies at Garrity Hall

Santa's grand arrival

Young children enjoying musical fun at the library

Benefit for Gene Campbell

When- Saturday October 8, 2011 11:30AM to 4 PM

What: Sloppy Joe luncheon with side dishes

Where- New Presque Isle Lighthouse Park

Join Gene’s many friends for a luncheon, 50/50 raffle, Chinese auction and bake sale.  Gene is recovering from a heart attack suffered on September 8th.  Proceeds from the benefit will help pay his hospital bills.

For those of you that do not know Gene…Gene spends countless hours working at the Lighthouse Parks and helping his many friends and neighbors. Please join us for a day at the Lighthouse Parks to benefit this very worthy cause.

Also needed…donations for the Chinese auction, side dishes for the luncheon and baked goods for the bake sale. Chinese auction items may be dropped off at the Township Hall before Oct 8th. Baked goods and side dishes can be dropped off at the New Lighthouse Park before 11 am on October 8th.

Thanks for your help! 

4th of July on the Sunrise Side

This year, come on over to the Sunrise Side and enjoy our fabulous Independence Day festivities!  We are expecting sunny days in the 80s, and Lake Huron is the perfect backdrop for 4th of July fun!

Here in Presque Isle, the Saturday nearest the 4th is always the day for our big events (July 2, this year).  Be sure to visit the New Presque Isle Lighthouse Park for the annual 4th of July picnic, with a fun kiddie parade at 10:30 and picnic fare served from 11 - 3.  Spend some time on Grand Lake, Long Lake, or Lake Huron after that in anticipation of the big fireworks display starting at dusk at Presque Isle Harbor.  Association members can view the fireworks from Crystal Point across the harbor.  This area has several fire pits for hot dogs and s'mores and a large area of shoreline so you can find your own private spot to enjoy the show.  This is one of the biggest parties of the year!

In Alpena, there are several other fun events sure to delight you and your family including art exhibits, contests, concerts, a parade, and of course the Thunder Bay Maritime Festival.  This huge event, which takes place on the 4th of July, features music from folk artists and entertainers, cardboard boat regatta, tall ship tours, food, loads of kids activities, boat building, and much, much more! Check out the 2011 Festival brochure here.

Image from Michigan.org

 For other great activities for you and your family to enjoy from Friday through Monday, check out these ideas from the Alpena Convention and Visitor's Bureau.  Hope to see you here! 


1-2: Northeast Michigan Artist’s Guild Exhibit at Besser Museum for NE MI, 491 Johnson St. Friday & Saturday, 10a.m.-5p.m. An exhibit featuring artistic interpretations from the poem "I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud" (also known as "Daffodils") by William Wordsworth. 989-356-2202.
1-3: Funny Girl - Thunder Bay Theatre presents the classic hit musical! Show times are Friday & Saturday, 7:30p.m. and Sunday, 2p.m. Call 989-354-2267 for reservations. Located at 400 N. 2nd Ave. www.thunderbaytheatre.com
1-3: Summer View ~ at Art in the Loft Gallery 109, inside the Center Building in Downtown Alpena. Open Friday-Sunday, Noon-6pm. Sunday, Noon-4p.m. A unique gallery experience featuring the work of over 30 juried artists. Come view our selection of affordable fine art and unique gifts in all price ranges. 989-356-4877.
1: Mill River Days Cruise In from 6p.m.-8:30p.m. in Downtown Hillman. Bring your classic car to the Cruise In held in the Village parking lot behind the Hi-Way Inn. No entry fee. People's choice trophy. Sponsored by Wheels of Northeastern Michigan Car Club Inc. Questions contact Dennis Walker, 989-742-3651.
3: 18th Annual Hillman Street Drags, Noon-5p.m. on Progress Street in Downtown Hillman. Street legal vehicles race 1/8 mile for fastest time. Vehicle registration $40. Spectator admission $4, children under 12 free. Race held on Progress Street, downtown Hillman. Spectators view race from Elementary School playground area. Food concession on grounds. Questions, contact Dennis Walker, 989-742-3651.
4: Alpena's Sandcastle Contest - Registration begins at 8a.m. and judging will take place at 4p.m. Please call 989-356-6422 for more information.
4: Alpena's Lafarge 4th of July Parade begins at 11a.m. at the Alpena County Fairgrounds, then continues down 11th Ave. to Chisholm St. to 2nd Ave., cross the bridge, turn left on Fletcher. 989-354-4181.
4: Alpena Optimist Rubber Duckie Race - Tickets will be sold during the parade. The rubber ducks will be released from the 9th Street bridge following the parade, then float down the river to The Rotary Island Mill Park. 
4: 11th Annual Thunder Bay Maritime Festival at the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary/Heritage Center. www.thunderbay.noaa.gov 989-356-8805.
4: Alpena City Band Concert at the Bay View Park Band Shell at 5:30p.m.
4: True North Radio Network 2010 Summer Concert Series featuring "7 Bridges" a tribute to The Eagles. Free of charge at the Bay View Park Band Shell from 7p.m.-10p.m.
4: A “Retro” Night of family fun will be held at 7p.m. at New Life Christian Fellowship, 317 S. Ripley Blvd., Alpena. Please join us for a pre-fireworks open air concert featuring Ken Norberg, musician and song-writer, along with his wife Lisa, an accomplished flautist. There is no cost. FREE hotdogs, popcorn and lemonade will be served. Please bring your own lawn chairs.
4: Alpena's 4th of July Fireworks ~ Join us for what is sure to be a thrilling evening for all!! Display will begin at dusk at the Alpena waterfront.

Wooden Boat Show - Saturday, June 18

Image from Flickr user ezz_eddie

Don't miss one of Presque Isle's finest annual events, the Wooden Boat Show! This fun event is held the third Saturday in June every year and features classic wooden boats built between 1920 and 1960 along with an arts and crafts show, boat building demos, food and drink, and other booths. This year, the show will be held on this Saturday, June 18 from 9 AM - 4 PM at the Presque Isle Harbor Marina.

Image from DIY-wood-boat.com

People from all over the country come to enjoy the show, and we're expecting fantastic weather tomorrow! Spectator admission is free with fun for all ages. Hope to see you there!

Memorial Day Weekend Fun!

This weekend kicks off the summer season in northern Michigan, and there are plenty of fun activities in store to celebrate the highly anticipated arrival of summer!  So come up north this weekend and enjoy the celebration!  We're expecting temperatures in the mid-60s with just a few showers on Sunday, so it looks to be a nice weekend to get out there and have fun.  Here are some fun activities you and your family can enjoy together this weekend.

1. Grand Lake Association Pancake Breakfast

Image from Presque Isle Lodge website

Where: Presque Isle Lodge (on Grand Lake Rd in village)
When: 8:00 AM - 10:30 AM

 This event unofficially kicks off summer for the residents and visitors of Presque Isle. Come see your friends and neighbors, or make new ones, and celebrate the end of winter!  The pancakes are amazing and donations benefit the Grand Lake Association.  This event is graciously hosted by the Presque Isle Lodge, a beautiful historic b&b inn long owned and operated by the Spencer family.  Don't miss this beloved annual tradition!




2. Opening of the New and Old Presque Isle Lighthouse Parks
    Open Daily 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

 Come visit the enduring symbols of our community - the two historic lighthouses built in 1840 and 1870.  These towers, which guided countless ships to safety during their long careers, are now open for climbing.  Both lighthouses also have museums and the New Lighthouse has a great gift shop.  Be sure to visit these marvelous structures while you're in the area!  Afterward, treat yourself to some ice cream or a deli sandwich at the Portage Store or sit down for a nice meal at the Portage Restaurant and Pizza Shop, both located conveniently at the Harbor Marina.





3. Opening of the Fireside Inn

Image from Fireside Inn website

Come enjoy breakfast, dinner, or historic lodging at the Fireside Inn, opening this weekend!  No reservations necessary for Fireside's famous build-your-own breakfast, served daily from 8:30 - 10:30 on weekends and 9:00 - 10:30 during the week.  Dinner is served daily from 5:00 - 6:30 PM with a different entree, salad, and dessert each day of the week.  Reservations are appreciated.  Standard rooms, porch rooms w/ private bath, and housekeeping cottages are available at affordable rates.  Be sure to visit this area landmark for good people, good times, a relaxing time on the porch or a game of frisbee golf.  Visit their website for details on special Memorial Day weekend rates, subject to availability.

4. Sixth Annual Friends of the Grand Lake Library Geranium Sale

The Friends of the Grand Lake Library will be at Garraty Hall at the New Lighthouse Park on Saturday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM offering several different colors of geraniums for $4.00 per plant.  Supplies will be limited, so be sure to show up early for the best selection.  Pre-paid orders are being taken until end of the day today, Wednesday.  Order forms are available at the library.  



There are plenty of other  things to see and do this weekend - these are just a few!  Come join our warm and friendly community for the weekend and live like a "Grand Laker!"

Coming this June: Alpena Shipwreck Tours

Image from AlpenaShipwreckTours.com

Starting this June, Alpena Shipwreck Tours will take passengers to view area shipwrecks on their brand new glass-bottom cruise boat, the Lady Michigan.  These 2 1/2 hour cruises will take passengers past shipwrecks and lighthouses and even allow them to "dive the wrecks without getting wet" through the boat's glass bottom.

Cruises begin June 4 - days and times of cruises vary.  Visit the Alpena Shipwreck Tours website for more information.  Tickets are available at 500 Fletcher Street in Alpena. Tickets are a little pricey but kids under 5 are free!

The cruise departs from the river behind the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary Maritime Heritage Center, where you can view shipwreck artifacts, experience fun interactive exhibits, learn about our rich maritime history and keep up with Dr. Robert Ballard and other marine archaeologists as they travel around the world, all for free!

2011 Newsletter

In case you don't receive a newsletter from us in the mail, here's a digital copy of our 2011 edition.  Inside you can find 2010 Sales Data, news about our office, tax news, local news, ecology info, tips for homeowners, and a 2011 Calendar of Events.  Click on each page to view full size.  Call us or leave a comment if you'd like us to mail you the print version!

What's Up "Up North"

The weekend of February 19-20 is Free Fishing Weekend here in Michigan, and as a result, there are not one but TWO ice fishing tournaments to be held on Grand Lake on February 19!

Visit the Reel Fun Ice Fishing Tournament's website for information on their 3rd annual fishing derby.  Prizes include a 2011 Yamaha Grizzly, various portable and insulated shanties, power augers, outerwear, gift certificates, jet sleds, and more!  Only 1000 tickets will be sold for this event held at the south end of the lake, at the DNR launch near the intersection of E Grand Lake Road and Stoneport Road.  Proceeds benefit the future River Center in Alpena. Find out who will be attending, plus photos and videos of previous tournaments on Reel Fun's Facebook page.

We don't have much information on the second tournament as of yet.  This 28th annual tournament, sponsored by the Grand Lake Sportsmen's Club,  is typically held off of Fireside Inn. We will update you with more information as it becomes available. UPDATE:  The tournament will be held at the north end of the lake this year at the Pavilion at the Outlet Dam (on County Rd 638 near US-23).  Final weigh-in and awarding of prizes will be at 6:00 PM. 

Winter is a great time to get out there an enjoy a different side of Presque Isle - a winter wonderland where the sun makes the snow sparkle and good friends warm up with hot cocoa (or an adult beverage) and brave the elements for the sake of enjoying all nature has blessed us with.  So if you haven't been here in awhile, next weekend is the time to do it!  Bring your kids or friends and fish for free on one of our all-sport inland lakes and cozy up by the fire.

It may be chilly, but the sun is shining and it's another gorgeous day in Northern Michigan.  Come join us soon!