As I traveled around the area the past week, I noted visitors
found many of the places I mentioned in my “What’s
there to do?” column last week.
Because the 4th fell mid-week, celebrations throughout the
Thumb were spread over a 10-day period including two weekends.
There were barbecues and lots of activities leading up to the
big events. As I traveled through Caseville, I thought the
town was as active as during any event time except Cheeseburger
in Paradise which is coming up soon. I noticed all the cottages
along M-25 were occupied with cars parked in every inch of
space. Caseville held its big fireworks display on Tuesday,
the 3rd, at the County Beach.
On
Wednesday, the 4th, Port Austin became the place to be. It’s annual parade is always held on the 4th, no matter
what day of the week it falls on. Parade organizers had expected
from 8,000 to 10,000 spectators which is a smaller number because
of the event happening mid-week. The morning of the 4th, folks
make an early trip to Lake Street to set up a chair or two
in preparation of the 1 p.m. parade. After picking out their
spots, they head for the coffee shops for a sweet roll or try
to get a seat at the restaurants for breakfast. The town’s
shops were all open and bustling with shoppers and lookers
right up to parade time.
When
I went up to take my spot at the parade, crowds lined both
sides of the street for as far as I could see. I thought
there were just as many spectators as any other weekend
parade date, maybe because it was the lone parade in
the area. Port
Austin’s fireworks were expected to be viewed by
a smaller number too because of it being a weekday. The
crowd
that arrived
in town, however, was huge and everyone enjoyed perhaps
the best display they had ever seen.
This
weekend the little town of Port Hope takes the spotlight
from Friday right through Sunday. A flea market, antique
tractor and engine show plus the big softball tourney
are just the
beginning. Another parade and tractor pull will be
highlights during the day and in case you missed Caseville’s or
Port Austin’s or just needed one more thrill,
another great fireworks display will take place Saturday
evening.
Yes, it has been a bit hotter than usual, but the activities
from viewing parades and fireworks to playing Putt-Putt, Kooky
or Mountain Golf, were enjoyed by all. The laughter of youngsters
and cheering of adults could be heard everywhere in the Thumb,
especially along the shoreline.
As I see it, summer in Huron County is the best!