2009 Great Lakes Calendar of Events All Great Lakes related events listed at no charge

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January 10 - Famous Wrecks that Never Happened - Manitowoc, Wisc.
Mystery ships, myths and legends of the Great Lake show do we know the truth? Researcher Brendan Baillod will provide insight into the challenges faced by researchers and will help us understand how stories that are mostly fiction are sometimes passed through generations as truth. details

January 14 – 16 - GLCA Industry Days - Traverse City, Mich.
The Great Lakes Captains Association presents Industry Days 2009. Coast Guard representation from D9 and all sector offices, many pertinent topics to be discussed. TWIC, MITSA, Licensing, Maritime Law, Weather and more. details

January 17 - Life Aboard the Challenger: At the Helm and Behind the Lens - Manitowoc, Wisc.
What would it be like to spend most days of the year on water? Captain Rocky Groh has spent most of his sailing career on the S.S. St. Marys Challenger, and he will share his perspective with us. Photographer Chris Winters features the boat in his exhibit at the Museum, and he will share his view of the ship from behind his camera lens. details

January 24 - SOS: Stories of Famous Ships' Distress Signals on the Sea and on the Great Lakes - Manitowoc, Wisc.
Join Executive Director Norma Bishop for a discussion of the history of distress signals and evolving communications technology and some of the mysteries and myths surrounding the stories of sailors and passengers who waited for rescue. details

January 31 - The History of the Logging and Lumber Industry on the Great Lakes - Manitowoc, Wisc.
View slides depicting the hard work of woodsmen, look at their huge saws, and find out how each company personalized its logs. Rick Smith, the Co-Director/Curator of the Port Washington Light Station Museum will guide us through this era in our states history. Local logging historian Bob Walkner will show his collection of log stamp hammers. details

February 3 - Door County Maritime Museum Winter Speaker Series - Sturgeon Bay, Wisc.
7 p.m. Dan Schwarz, owner of Dan's Fish in Door County, will present a program discussing his growing international business.

February 9 - The History of Passenger Travel on the Great Lakes - Westlake, Ohio
Program featuring Christopher Gillchrist at the Westlake Porter Public Library at 7 p.m. details

February 24 - Door County Maritime Museum Winter Speaker Series - Sturgeon Bay, Wisc.
7p.m. Rick Smith presents a program on Great Lakes Shipwrecks. details

February 25 - 26 - Marine Community Day - Cleveland, Ohio
Sponsored by Great Lakes/Seaway Review and the Maritime Industry at the InterContinental Suites Hotel. details

February 27 - Lee Murdock Concert - Saginaw, Mich.
7 - 9 p.m. concert by Lee Murdock at the White Crow Conservatory. details

February 28 - Cruising on the Sister Queens of the Great Lakes - Manitowoc, Wisc.
The S.S. South American and S.S. North American were beautiful cruise ships enjoyed by thousands of vacationers on the Great Lakes throughout the 1900s. Your view of actual cruise brochures, photographs, and video clips will help you travel back to a time when Cities Great and Hamlets Small were ports of call on A Vacation Trip to be Remembered. details

February 28 - Great Lakes Shipwreck Festival - Ann Arbor, Mich.
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Washtenaw Community College. Three seminar rooms & hourly film presentations on Shipwreck history, dive education, exhibit hall, food, and daytime mini-performances by Lee Murdock. Presentations by Valerie VanHeest, Dave Trotter, Mac McAdam, Jim & Pat Stayer, Rudy Whitworth, Marshall Allen and more. details

March 7 - U.S. Navy Seabees: The Construction Battalions with the "Can Do" Attitude - Manitowoc, Wisc.
Learn how this important group of individuals built airfields, roadways, and other construction projects that supported the rest of our armed forces in wartime and peacetime. A movie capturing the accomplishments of the Seabees over the past 60 years will be followed by a chance to meet and talk with Seabee veterans from northeast Wisconsin. details

March 8 - Blessing of the Fleet - Detroit, Mich.
45th consecutive Blessing of the Fleet at the Mariners' Church of Detroit at 11 a.m. details

March 27 - Lee Murdock Concert - South Haven, Mich.
7 - 9 p.m. concert by Lee Murdock at Foundry Hall. details

March 28 - Lee Murdock Concert - Traverse City, Mich.
Two benefit concerts for the Maritime Heritage Alliance at the Grand Traverse Heritage Center: 2 p.m. Family concert, and 7 - 8:15 evening concert. details

March 28 - Carl Blahnik Estate & Private Collection Auction - Manitowoc, Wisc.
Great Lakes Maritime ship/ferry items Dinnerware, books, prints, anchor, fog horn, Christopher Columbus items, USS Smokestack letters; porthole cover; alarm bell; engine room call whistles; Manitowoc ship building, oars, life jackets, master gyro compass & chadburn, ship models and more. details

April 18 - Know Your Ships Book Signing - Port Huron, Mich.
Editor and publisher Roger LeLievre will sign copies of the 50th anniversary edition of "Know Your Ships" from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Great Lakes Maritime Center in Port Huron. Admission is free; books will be available for purchase at the signing. Meet Roger and other members of the KYS crew as the book enters this milestone year. details

April 25 - Mysteries & Histories Beneath the Inland Seas - Holland, Michigan
A full evening of programs on Great Lakes shipwrecks. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for sales of books, DVDs, and artwork by the presenters. Program starts at 7:00. Advance tickets available at the web sitefor $12.50. Tickets at the door tickets are $15.00. details

April 25 - Great Lakes Titanic Dinner Cruise - Detroit, Mich.
Boarding 5 pm. Cruise & Dinner 7-9:30. Music, raffles, vendors & more. Authors Capt. David G. Brown & VC King, Kathleen Marcaccio (Movie Memorabilia) & Bernie Waelens, relative of passenger. Character look a like & period costume contests. Dress up, in period attire, or casual.details

May 15 - 17 - Midwestern Model Ships & Boats Contest and Display - Manitowoc, Wisc.
Join maritime modelers from throughout the nation for fellowship, idea sharing, and a look at some of the most exquisite models anywhere. Whether you're a junior, novice, intermediate, or advanced model builder, you will enjoy this event. Visitors to the Museum on Saturday and Sunday will have the benefit of viewing event models as well as R/C models in the pond outdoors. details

May 16 - Marine Historical Society of Detroit Annual Meeting - St. Clair Inn
Dinner and program. details

May 19-30 - Car Ferry Exhibit - Ludington, Mich.
Exhibition of artifacts from the Golden Age of Lake Michigan Maritime History will be on display at the Ludington Area Center for the Arts from May 19 thru May 30. Presented by the Lake Michigan Carferry Service, the exhibit will include rarely-seen artifacts and memorabilia from the C & O train auto ferries S.S City of Midland, S.S. Spartan and S.S. Badger. Many of the items have been sitting is warehouses or on ships for more than 30 years. details

May 22 - 24 - 40 Mile Point Lighthouse Open House - Rogers City, Mich.
Tours of the lighthouse and the Calcite Pilot House. Complimentary light refreshments, plus the famous Kiwanis Whitefish sandwiches. Free admission.

May 23 - Carferry Reunion - Manistee Mich.
Carferry Reunion, Open-House Speakers, refreshments, live music and Nautical-themed Silent Auction. details

May 24 - Detroit River Cruise and Boatnerd Gathering
An all day cruise leaving from downtown Detroit, and traveling above the Blue Water Bridges, to Fort Gratiot Light and return. This 120 mile cruise following the shipping channel is co-sponsored by the Marine Historical Society of Detroit and BoatNerd.com. The trip includes a continental breakfast and deli lunch on board, and a buffet dinner at the historic St. Clair Inn. This is a great opportunity to see all the sights and ships along the waterway between Detroit and Port Huron. details

May 23 - 24 - Arts and Crafts - Rogers City, Mich.
Two days of juried arts, crafts and music. Participants from Michigan and Canada. The Kiwanis Club of Rogers City's famous Whitefish sandwiches and there will be complimentary light refreshments in the Fog Signal Building. No admission charge. Ample parking. details

May 30 - Badger Boatnerd Gathering - Ludington, Mich. to Manitowoc, Wisc.
details

June 6 - South Manitou Lighthouse Excursion -Leland, Mich.
GLLKA presents a one-day cruise to South Manitou Island lighthouse. See the new 3rd order replica lens. Includes lunch and dinner. details

June 6 - Port Huron Marine Memorabilia Flea Market - Port Huron, Mich.
The annual event to be held 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Seaway Terminal (Bean Dock), 2336 Military Street in Port Huron.  Artifacts, Pictures, Books, Postcards and marine art. Great Lakes Nautical Society's remote-control model boat display. For more information e-mail

June 6 - Annual BoatNerd Cruise aboard the Huron Lady II
The annual BoatNerd trip on the St. Clair River aboard the Huron Lady II following the Port Huron Marine Mart. The boat leaves at 5 p.m. from her dock next to the bridge in Port Huron. BoatNerd price is just $12.00, but reservations are required. Tell them you are a Boatnerd to get the discount fare. Call 810-984-1500 for reservations. Parking and other information is available at www.HuronLady.com

June 13 - 14 - Annual Lighthouse Walk - Door County Wisc.
Annual tour involves five lighthouse sites from Sturgeon Bay north to Fish Creek, Wisc. Separate boat tours take passengers to or past five lighthouses on outlying islands. Sturgeon Bay, Wisc. details

June 16, 27 - Straits Area Eastbound Lighthouse Cruise - Mackinaw City, Mich.
Take a 3-hour narrated Lighthouse Cruise with Shepler’s. You will pass beneath the Mackinac Bridge before heading east into Lake Huron where you will see 7 lighthouses while enjoying an afternoon out on the water. Snacks and beverages sold on the cruise. Boxed lunches available upon request. details

June 18, 24, 30 - Straits Area Westbound Lighthouse Cruise - Mackinaw City, Mich.
Experience a 3-hour narrated Lighthouse Cruise with Shepler’s. Enjoy a spectacular view of the Mackinac Bridge as you head out into Lake Michigan to see 5 remarkable lighthouses. Snacks and beverages sold on the cruise. Boxed lunches available upon request. details

June 19 - Lunch at St. Helena Lighthouse - Mackinaw City, Mich.
Cruise with GLLKA to the beautifully restored St. Helena Island lighthouse. After lunch, spend the afternoon exploring the lighthouse and the island. details

June 19 - August 29 - DeTour Reef Weekend Light Keepers - Drummond Island, Mich.
The process of becoming a Weekend Light Keeper includes a personal phone interview, a letter explaining why the individual wants to be a keeper with two letters of reference. Each weekend is limited to 6 keepers Friday evening through Sunday evening. details

June 20 - International Tug Boat Race - Detroit River
The race begins 1 p.m. below the Ambassador Bridge and runs to the finish line off Windsor's Dieppe Park. Trophies are awarded to the first tug to finish the race as well as to each tug that finishes first in its horsepower class. details

June 20 - August 29 - DeTour Reef Light Tour - Drummond Island, Mich.
Boat transportation, guided tour, and light refreshments on the Light. Each tour is limited to 6 individuals, assuring personal attention by the tour guides. The tour lasts approximately 2 1/2 hours. details

June 21 - St. Marys River Cruise - DeTour Village, Mich.
Day long narrated cruise with a trip to the DeTour Reef Light & many photo opportunities. After circling the Light, the narrated cruise proceeds up river and through the Soo Locks. The cruisers are treated to a brunch, buffet luncheon, and afternoon snack. details

June 25 - 28 - Engineer's Weekend Gathering at the Soo
Details

June 30 – August 26 - Upper St. Marys River Lighthouse Cruise Wednesdays
Soo Locks Boat Tours cruise includes viewing of ruins of the old Round Is. Light, Pt. Iroquois Light, Gros Cap Reef Light, Essar Steel and the Soo Locks. A continental breakfast is served and box lunches are available. Boat leaves Dock #2 at 8 a.m. every Wednesday from June 24 to August 26, and Saturday, July 4, September 5, 12 and 19. Details 906-632-2512

July - DeTour Reef Weekend Light Keepers - Drummond Island, Mich.
The process of becoming a Weekend Light Keeper includes a personal phone interview, a letter explaining why the individual wants to be a keeper with two letters of reference. Each weekend is limited to 6 keepers Friday evening through Sunday evening. details

July - DeTour Reef Light Tour - Drummond Island, Mich.
Boat transportation, guided tour, and light refreshments on the Light. Each tour is limited to 6 individuals, assuring personal attention by the tour guides. The tour lasts approximately 2 1/2 hours. details

July 1, 14, 18, 22, 27, 30 - Straits Area Eastbound Lighthouse Cruise - Mackinaw City, Mich.
Take a 3-hour narrated Lighthouse Cruise with Shepler’s. Pass beneath the Mackinac Bridge before heading east into Lake Huron where you will see 7 lighthouses while enjoying an afternoon out on the water. Snacks and beverages sold on the cruise. Boxed lunches available upon request. details

July 4 - Silent Auction & Lee Murdock Concert - Manistee Mich.
Auction followed by Lee Murdock in concert. details

July 4 - Soo Tug Boat Races
Beginning at noon in Soo Harbor.

July 4 - Upper St. Marys River Lighthouse Cruise
Soo Locks Boat Tours cruise includes viewing of ruins of the old Round Is. Light, Pt. Iroquois Light, Gros Cap Reefs Light, Essar Steel and the Soo Locks. Boat leaves at 8 a.m. Details 906-632-2512

July 5, 9, 11, 15, 20, 23, 25, 29 - Straits Area Westbound Lighthouse Cruise - Mackinaw City, Mich.
Experience a 3-hour narrated Lighthouse Cruise with Shepler’s. Enjoy a spectacular view of the Mackinac Bridge as you head out into Lake Michigan to see 5 remarkable lighthouses. Snacks and beverages sold on the cruise. Boxed lunches available upon request. Details

July 7 - 11 - Great Lakes Maritime Education Workshop - Mackinaw City, Mich.
Spend 5 days living at the St. Helena Island lighthouse, learning about the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes area. Open to both educators and the general public. details

July 7 - Extended Eastbound Lighthouse Cruise - Mackinaw City, Mich.
Take a 4-hour narrated Lighthouse Cruise with Shepler's into Lake Huron where you will see 8 lighthouses, including the elusive Spectacle Reef Light which can only be viewed up-close from a boat. A boxed lunch is included. 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. details

July 10 - Lunch at St. Helena Island Lighthouse - Mackinaw City, Mich.
Cruise with GLLKA to the beautifully restored St. Helena Island lighthouse. After lunch, spend the afternoon exploring the lighthouse and the island. details

July 11 - NRHS Bluewater Chapter Detroit River Cruise
Trip leaves from Bishop Park in Wyandotte, MI for a trip up the Detroit River to the Rouge River, up the Rouge River to the Turning Basin than back out and up the Detroit River and back to Wyandotte. Cost is $40.00 per ticket. details

July 17 - 19 - Coast Guard Days - Port Huron, Mich.
Events honoring the U.S. Coast Guard. details

July 17 – 21 View Chicago to Mackinaw Sailboat Race from St. Helena Island lighthouse -Mackinaw City, Mich.
Stay at the beautifully restored St. Helena Island lighthouse for 5 days and watch the sailboats in the Chicago to Mackinac Island race as they pass the island on the race's final leg. details

July 18  - DeTour Reef Light Evening Under the Stars - Drummond Island, Mich.
The evening includes cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, dessert, music and a silent auction. Held on the shore of Lake Huron at Bayside Dining on Drummond Island. details

July 18  - Sanilac County Historical Museum Maritime day and Shipwreck show - Port Sanilac, Mich.
details

July 25 - 10 Lights of the Keweenaw - Houghton, Mich.
Join us as we cruise around the Keweenaw Peninsula looking at the 10 lighthouses that mark the rugged shoreline. This cruise departs Houghton at 8am and costs $130 a person which includes all meals on board. details (906)482-0884 or email

July 26 - 10 Lights of the Keweenaw
Join us as we sail around the Keweenaw looking at the 10 lights that mark the peninsula. We will be boarding the Keweenaw Star in Houghton at 8 a.m. and making a lap around the Keweenaw. The cost for this cruise is $130 a person and includes all meals. details: (906)482-0884.

July 29 – 31 - St. Helena Island Lighthouse Quilt Camp - Mackinaw City, Mich.
Spend five days at living at the beautifully restored St. Helena Island lighthouse. Enjoy the camaraderie of fellow quilters in a pristine island hideaway.

August - DeTour Reef Weekend Light Keepers - Drummond Island, Mich.
The process of becoming a Weekend Light Keeper includes a personal phone interview, a letter explaining why the individual wants to be a keeper with two letters of reference. Each weekend is limited to 6 keepers Friday evening through Sunday evening. details

August - DeTour Reef Light Tour - Drummond Island, Mich.
Boat transportation, guided tour, and light refreshments on the Light. Each tour is limited to 6 individuals, assuring personal attention by the tour guides. The tour lasts approximately 2 1/2 hours. details

August 3, 8, 13, 17, 20, 29 - Straits Area Westbound Lighthouse Cruise - Mackinaw City, Mich.
Experience a 3-hour narrated Lighthouse Cruise with Shepler’s. Enjoy a spectacular view of the Mackinac Bridge as you head out into Lake Michigan to see 5 remarkable lighthouses. Snacks and beverages sold on the cruise. Boxed lunches available upon request. details

August 4 - Lunch at St. Helena Island lighthouse - Mackinaw City, Mich.
Cruise with GLLKA to the beautifully restored St. Helena Island lighthouse. After lunch, spend the afternoon exploring the lighthouse and the island. details

August 5 - Extended Eastbound Lighthouse Cruise - Mackinaw City, Mich.
Take a 4-hour narrated Lighthouse Cruise with Shepler's into Lake Huron where you will see 8 lighthouses, including the elusive Spectacle Reef Light which can only be viewed up-close from a boat. A boxed lunch is included. 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. details

August 6 - Extended Westbound Lighthouse Cruise - Mackinaw City, Mich.
Enjoy a 4-hour narrated Lighthouse Cruise with Shepler's into Lake Michigan where you will see 6 lighthouses, including Skillagalee Lighthouse which is best seen from a boat. A boxed lunch is included. 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. details

August 8 - Detroit River Cruise Gathering
details

August 11, 15, 19, 26 - Straits Area Eastbound Lighthouse Cruise - Mackinaw City, Mich.
Take a 3-hour narrated Lighthouse Cruise with Shepler’s. You will pass beneath the Mackinac Bridge before heading east into Lake Huron where you will see 7 lighthouses while enjoying an afternoon out on the water. Snacks and beverages sold on the cruise. Boxed lunches available upon request. details

August 14 - 16 - Port Washington Maritime Festival - Port Washington, Wisc.
Annual celebration of Port Washington’s maritime history-food, artisans, musicians, USCG & maritime exhibits & more. Festivities begin with a Tall Ships Parade of Sail. Tall Ship rides & tours continue through the weekend.  details

August 22 - Toledo Marine Mart & Boat Show
The Willis B. Boyer will host a marine memorabilia flea market at the Toledo Antique & Classic Boat Show, from 9 AM to 5 PM, at the Toledo Maritime Center, 1701 Front Street (next to the I-280 bridge).

August 22 - Diamond Belle/Boatnerd trip to Toledo Marine Mart
Click here for details.

August 24 – 25 - Excursion to Beaver Island and Beyond - Mackinaw City, Mich.
Cruise the Straits to view Lansing Shoal and South Fox Island lighthouses. Overnight in Charlevoix. See Little Traverse & Skillagalee lights. Lunch on Beaver Island, climb St. James lighthouse tower, return past Waugoshance and White Shoal lights. details

September 1 - Extended Westbound Lighthouse Cruise - Mackinaw City, Mich.
Enjoy a 4-hour narrated Lighthouse Cruise with Shepler's into Lake Michigan where you will see 6 lighthouses, including Skillagalee Lighthouse which is best seen from a boat. A boxed lunch is included. 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. details

September 3, 9, 14, 16 - Straits Area Eastbound Lighthouse Cruise - Mackinaw City, Mich.
Take a 3-hour narrated Lighthouse Cruise with Shepler’s. You will pass beneath the Mackinac Bridge before heading east into Lake Huron where you will see 7 lighthouses while enjoying an afternoon out on the water. Snacks and beverages sold on the cruise. Boxed lunches available upon request. details

September 5 - Upper St. Marys River Lighthouse Cruise
Soo Locks Boat Tours cruise includes viewing of ruins of the old Round Is. Light, Pt. Iroquois Light, Gros Cap Reefs Light, Essar Steel and the Soo Locks. Tour leaves at 8 a.m. from Dock #2. Details 906-632-2512

September 5, 10, 17 - Straits Area Westbound Lighthouse Cruise - Mackinaw City, Mich.
Experience a 3-hour narrated Lighthouse Cruise with Shepler’s. Enjoy a spectacular view of the Mackinac Bridge as you head out into Lake Michigan to see 5 remarkable lighthouses. Snacks and beverages sold on the cruise. Boxed lunches available upon request. details

September 6 - 9 - The Ultimate Western Great Lakes Lighthouse Adventure - Hancock, Mich.
Cruise to view Huron & Granite Island lights & more Overnight in Marquette. View Grand Island Crisp Point, Ile Parisienne lighthouses and others. Overnight in the Soo. Cruise the St. Mary's River into Lake Huron. View Martin and Spectacle Reef lights. Overnight in St. Ignace. Cruise the Straits past White Shoal and Skilligalee to Charlevoix. Motor coach back to Hancock. details

September 11 - 13 - Michigan Schooner Festival - Traverse City, Mich.
Great weekend of tall ships, food, entertainment, artists and kids activities. details

September 12 - Upper St. Marys River Lighthouse Cruise
Soo Locks Boat Tours 4 ½ hour cruise includes viewing of ruins of the old Round Is. Light, Pt. Iroquois Light, Gros Cap Reefs Light, Essar Steel and the Soo Locks. A continental breakfast is served and box lunches are available upon request, ordered in advance. Boat leaves at 8 AM sharp. from Dock #2. Details and reservations 906-632-2512

September 12 - Wooden Boat Fest - Fair Haven NY
Wooden boat fest - old and new big and small, come one come all to Pleasant Beach Hotel's deep water dock on Little Sodus Bay. Not a judged event link to last year's event details

September 18 - 20 - Welland Canal Gathering - Thorold, Ontario
details

September 19 - Upper St. Marys River Lighthouse Cruise
Soo Locks Boat Tours cruise includes viewing of ruins of the old Round Is. Light, Pt. Iroquois Light, Gros Cap Reefs Light, Essar Steel and the Soo Locks. Boat leaves at 8 a.m. from Dock #2. Details 906-632-2512

October 1 – 3 - Eastern Lake Ontario & Thousand Islands Lighthouse Excursion - Alexandria Bay, NY
Tour Ogdensburg lighthouse, Fort la Presentation & Tibbetts Point lighthouse. Motor coach to Kingston to board cruise boat to East Charity Shoal, Main Duck & Galloo Island lights. Boat cruise to Sunken Rock, Sister's, Crossover islands. End the 3 days with a Gala dinner. details

October 4 - Story Festival - Fair Haven NY
Story fest-Living On The Edge 1 to 5 pm Stories and original art work about life by an inland sea on shore and afloat. Held at Pleasant Beach Hotel Fair Haven books and art for sale

October 10 - Diamond Belle/Boatnerd cruise to Detroit River Light
A Detroit River cruise leaving Wyandotte. MI and traveling down river to see and photograph the Detroit River Light in Lake Erie. Watch for details.

November 21 - Great Lakes AuthoRama - Port Huron, Mi
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Great Lakes Maritime Center in Port Huron. Greet the writers of a variety of Great Lakes-themed books and DVDs and have them autograph their works. Admission is free; items will be available for purchase at the event.