2008
Great Lakes Calendar of Events
All Great Lakes related events listed at no charge
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2008
Great Lakes Calendar of Events |
January 15-18 - 2008
GLCA Industry Days
The Great Lakes Captains Association will host Industry Days 2008, January 15
through the 18, 2008, at the Holiday Inn, and the Great Lakes Maritime Academy,
Traverse City, MI. For registration and Conference information, please contact
Jack Cork at 906-632-3891. Fax: 906-632-0615, or
captjack@lighthouse.net
January 24 - Door County Maritime Museum Winter Speaker Series
Rochelle Pennington - Endurance - The Shackleton Story.
January 31-February 2 - International Shipmasters’
Association Grand Lodge Convention
This year’s conference is in Perrysburg, Ohio.
www.shipmaster.org for details.
February 2 - Door County Maritime Museum Winter
Speaker Series - Program Cancelled
Richard D. Smith, Curator/Co-Director, Port Washington Light Station Museum,
will join us for our first Saturday of the Winter Speaker Series. Smith’s slide
presentation will view a number of ships that have been lost on the Great Lakes
due to storms, collisions and fog. It will be followed by a short presentation
about the United States Life Saving Service. If time allows under water footage
of the steamer Niagara, car ferry Milwaukee and the schooner Rouse Simmons will
be shown. This footage is gleaned from state and private hands with permission
for museum use. There will be a display of artifacts from various shipwrecks to
accompany this presentation. 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Museum Admission Fee of
$7/Adults and $4/Children Required for Non-Members,
February 9 - Door County Maritime Museum Winter
Speaker Series
Fred Neuschel – Lives and Legends of the Christmas Tree Ships. 11:00 a.m. –
12:30 p.m. Author Fred Neuschel will discuss his book entitled Lives and Legends
of the Christmas Tree Ships. This work brings the maritime heritage of the Great
Lakes to life, using the tragic story of the schooner Rouse Simmons as a
porthole into the robust but often forgotten communities that thrived along Lake
Michigan from the Civil War to World War I. Museum Admission Fee of $7/Adults
and $4/children required, Free to Members Only. See
February 19 - Door County Maritime Museum Winter
Speaker Series
Trygvie Jensen – Wooden Boats and Iron Men. Trygvie Jensen, who grew up on
Washington Island and came from a commercial fishing family will discuss his
work entitled Wooden Boats and Iron Men. The inspiration for this book derived
from the memory and spirit of Trygvie’s Great Grandfathers Oliver Bjarnarson and
Harry Hagen. Both were commercial fishermen at Washington Island, which during
its zenith was the dominant industry in Door County. Trygvie is proud of his
Scandinavian heritage and growing up surrounded by working class people in a
small community. To preserve the history of the people that lived and labored on
the land and lake at Washington Island and Door County has become a life’s
mission for Jensen and is worth all the time and effort to record a rich history
and heritage. 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Free and Open to the Public. See
February 20-21 - Marine Community Day in Cleveland
Sponsored by Great Lakes/Seaway Review and the Maritime Industry at the Crowne
Plaza City Centre Hotel, Cleveland, Ohio. For details visit:
www.greatlakes-seawayreview.com
February 23 - Free program at Vantage Point
The Lake Huron Lore Marine Society will present Fred Miller's program, "Around
the Great Lakes on the Grayfox!" At the Great Lakes Maritime Center/Vantage Point, 51 Water St., Port
Huron, Michigan, 7 pm This program is free and open to the public.
February 23 - Chicago Maritime Festival
Annual event, sponsored by the Chicago Maritime Society and the Chicago
Historical Society and taking place at the Chicago History Museum, features
seminars, workshops, exhibits and live music.
www.chicagomaritimefestival.org
February 28 - Door County Maritime Museum Winter
Speaker Series
Martha and Larry Burris – Great Circle Loop. The circumnavigation of the Eastern
United States by water is known as the “Great Circle Loop.” Great Loop cruisers
usually travel the Loop counterclockwise, taking advantage of the downstream
currents on the Illinois, Mississippi, Tombigbee and Black Warrior Rivers to
Mobile, Al, and the Intercoastal Waterway (ICW) to Florida and the Keys, then up
the ICW on the East Coast of the US to arrive at New York, up the Hudson River,
transit the Erie Canal, Welland Canal, or Trent Severn waterway and cruise the
Great Lakes. To avoid summer hurricanes and winter ice, most Loopers head north
in the spring, spend the summer in the Great Lakes region, and then head south
on the rivers in the fall, arriving in Florida after the beginning of November.
Join us for the final presentation of the Winter Speaker Series and learn more
about this wonderful journey touching many parts of the United States. Larry and
Martha Burris, both licensed Captains, have completed the Great Circle Loop two
times on various boats. In addition to delivering boats, they completed a South
Pacific crossing in 2005 and a trans-Superior crossing in 2007. 7:00 p.m. – 8:30
p.m. Free and Open to the Public. See
March 1 - Toronto Marine Historical Society meeting
Soo River Part 3. A continuation of the program by David Bull who had the
opportunity to sail on and photograph the Soo River fleet from 1978 to 1982.
March 2 - Lee Murdoch Concert
Dodge Park Recreation Center in Sterling Heights, MI, 40620 Utica Rd, near
Detroit -- 586-446-2751. 7-9:00 p.m.
March 6 - Chicago ISMA Industry Day
The annual Industry Day conference sponsored by the International Ship Master's
Association Lodge 3 of Chicago, IL will be held Thursday, March 6, 2008 at the
Horseshoe Casino, Hammond, IN from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Presentations by the Coast
Guard and private organizations will be on passenger boat inspections, TWIC
implementation, commercial license issues, fire fighting, NOAA weather, lake
levels, security and legal issues, confined space requirements, Towboat
Subchapter C and more will be addressed in the day long programs. Registration
at the door is $35.00 including the marvelous Horseshoe Casino buffet lunch.
Advance registration prior to March 5th is $30.00 and can be made by going to
http://www.theshipmaster.com/ and
signing up there.
March 7, 8, 9 Annual Ghost Ships Festival
This annual event brings together top Great Lakes maritime historians, authors
and divers from throughout the country. It’s an opportunity for the public to
learn more about the maritime history of the lakes and see the wrecks that now
lay below the surface. The festival includes films, workshops and seminars
devoted to shipwrecks, diving and maritime history.
www.ghostships.org
March 8 - Lee Murdoch Concert
"Sweet Sweet Music" Series (formerly Genesee Depot Cafe, same folks), 8:00 p.m.,
North Prairie United Methodist Church --a lovely historic stone Church, on Hwy E
just a half block from Rt 50, in North Prairie, a suburb near Milwaukee, WI.
414-363-3164 -- or just come on out
March 15 - Lee Murdoch Concert
House Concert in Warrenville, IL - 7:30 p.m.- (Fox Valley/Western Suburbs)
everyone's invited, but please e-mail or call for reservation Anne/John
Sponzilli, 630-393-1355 or jsponzi@sbcglobal.net
March 15 - "Steamboating: A Great
Lakes Sailor's Story!" with Ryan Barone -
Join Lake Huron Lore Society for this program at the Great Lakes Maritime
Center, Vantage Point, 51 Water St., Port Huron, Michigan. This 7 p.m. program
will also feature Ryan Barone's new book, "Steamboating!" which will be
available for purchase and signing by the author. This program is free and open
to the public.
March 27 - Lee Murdoch Concert
7:30 p.m.,
Gingko
Coffeehouse , 721 N. Snelling Ave, St Paul, MN
March 29 - The Willis B. Boyer Story
Hosted by the Lake Huron Lore Society at the Great Lakes Maritime Center/Vantage
Point, 51 Water Street, Port Huron, Michigan - 7 p.m. - featuring Paul C.
LaMarre - "The Willis B. Boyer Story!" - The history of this museum ship in
Toledo, Ohio. This program is free and open to the public.
March 29 - Lee Murdoch Concert
St Mane Theatre, 8:00 p.m.,
Lanesboro Art Council,
info@lanesboroartcouncil.org 507-467-2787 (Easy access from LaCrosse,
NE Iowa, Galena area)
March 30 - Lee Murdoch Concert
7:30 p.m.. Granite City Folk
Society Concert at Bo Diddley's Deli, 216 6th Ave South, St Cloud, MN
320-255-9811, with Paul Imholte of Duluth, MN
March 31 - Lee Murdoch Concert
7-8:00 p.m. Live From Studio One, KUNI Radio, Cedar Falls, IOWA, and broadcast
all over Iowa Public Radio and Cable tv/radio. (Come to the Studio, on KUNI
Campus, Communications Bldg) or listen on KUNI Radio.org
April 4 - Lee Murdoch Concert
8 pm. Green Wood Coffee House, Ann Arbor MI 734-665-8558
April 5 - Toronto Marine Historical Society meeting
General Ship Knowledge Quiz prepared by Capt. Gerry Ouderkirk.
April 18 - Detroit Historical Society Hosting Fund Raiser for the
Dossin Great Lakes Museum
Join the Detroit Historical Society for a celebration of our region’s storied
maritime history at the 2008 Dossin Great Lakes Museum Gala on Friday, April 18,
2008 from 6 – 10 p.m., hosted with the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority. This
year’s gala features a Treasure Island theme, strolling dinner, the opportunity
to explore the Museum’s new exhibits, complimentary valet parking, music, and a
silent auction. Proceeds from the Gala help the Dossin Great Lakes Museum
continue to provide educational programs and exhibits that celebrate the
exciting maritime history of the region. For tickets or information, call the
Society at (313) 833-0481. “Captain” tickets are $200/person, with “Buccaneer”
level tickets at $150 and “Swashbuckler” level (for Society friends 35 and
under) at $100. Cocktail attire is requested. All tickets will be held at the
door.
April 19 - " Know Your Ships" book signing
at Vantage Point
Publisher Roger LeLievre will be on hand to sell and sign copies of the 2008
Know Your Ships, at the Great Lakes Maritime Center, Vantage Point, Port Huron
from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Meet Roger and other members of the KYS crew.
www.KnowYourShips.com
May 10 - Toronto Marine Historical Society Annual Dinner meeting
After a social time and meal at Capt. John's Restaurant aboard Jadran, enjoy an
illustrated presentation on the C.P.R. passenger steamer Keewatin which
celebrated her 100th anniversary in 2007.
May 17 & 18 - Door County WI Annual Lighthouse
Walk May 23-25 - 40 Mile Point Lighthouse 9th Annual
Memorial Day Weekend Open House May 25 – Lake St. Clair & River Cruise & BoatNerd
Gathering June 1 - August 1 - DeTour Reef light
Preservation Society 2008 Photograph the Light Contest
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, WI. www.dcmm.org
Sponsored by the 40 Mile Point Lighthouse Society. All buildings open to
the public. Includes the 4th Annual Afternoon of Arts & Crafts Show on May 24
and 25, 2008. Free admission and complimentary light refreshments. Located north
of Rogers City, MI.
An all day cruise leaving Hart Plaza in downtown Detroit and traveling up to the
Blue Water Bridges. 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. Tickets are $90.00 per person
and reservations are required.
Click here for details and a reservation form.
The DRLPS is looking for unique pictures of the DeTour Reef Light. This contest
is open to all amateur photographers and pictures become the property of the
DRLPS. Additional information will be available in Spring, 2008. The winner will
be announced at t
June 7 - Annual Port Huron Marine
Memorabilia Flea Mart.
Buy, sell and trade Great Lakes shipping memorabilia.
www.phmuseum.org. The mart
will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and there is no admission charge. The Great
Lakes Nautical Society will have their 4th
annual Port Huron Great Lakes Regatta
displaying over 50 boat models. Informative activities about Great Lakes
heritage will be provided throughout the day. The mart is located at the Seaway
Terminal, 2633 Military St. in Port Huron. Vendors who wish to have a table the show should contact Shelia Lindsey
810.982.0891 ext. 18.
June 7 - BoatNerd Cruise aboard the Huron
Lady II
The annual two-hour BoatNerd Cruise aboard the Huron Lady II will leave the dock
at 5 p.m. Price is only $13.00 if you tell them you are a BoatNerd when you make
a reservation. Make reservations by calling 1-810-984-1500. Parking is available
at several locations near the dock. Additional information is available at
www.HuronLady.com
June 7-9 - 50th anniversary of the
launching of the Edmund Fitzgerald - Event Canceled.
Event at River Rouge, MI honors workers of Great Lakes Engineering Works and the
50th anniversary of the launch of the ill-fated "Fitz".
June 10 - Annual Seniors Cruise on the Duc D'Orleans
II
A 40 minute, cruise on with an opportunity for lunch all at no cost to all. Rain
or shine event leaving from the Duc's Sarnia dock. More information is available
at
http://informationsarnialambton.org/cruise.html
June 14, 21, 28 - DeTour Reef Lighthouse
Tours
This is the 4th year for the Lighthouse Tours. They include boat transportation
on a government inspected charter boat piloted by a U.S. Coast Guard licensed
captain, light refreshments on the Light, and a guided tour. Each tour is
limited to 6 individuals, assuring personal attention by the tour guides. The
tour lasts approximately 2 hours. Advanced reservations and payment will be
required. www.DRLPS.com
June 13-15 - DeTour Reef Light Keeper
Weekend
The Light Keeper program has received overwhelming interest from Lighthouse
aficionados as well as the general public and is in its 4th year. The process of
becoming a Weekend Light Keeper includes a personal phone interview, a letter
explaining why the individual wants to be a keeper and two letters of reference.
Each weekend is limited to 6 keepers. The weekend is from Friday p.m. to Sunday
p.m. www.DRLPS.com
June 15 - The 11th Annual Fathers Day
Cruise on the St. Mary’s River
Sponsored by the DeTour Reef Light Preservation Society. The day long cruise
includes a trip to the DeTour Reef Light with many photo opportunities while
circling around the Light. 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.
www.DRLPS.com
June 20-22 - DeTour Reef Light Keeper
Weekend
The Light Keeper program has received overwhelming interest from Lighthouse
aficionados as well as the general public and is in its 4th year. The process of
becoming a Weekend Light Keeper includes a personal phone interview, a letter
explaining why the individual wants to be a keeper and two letters of reference.
Each weekend is limited to 6 keepers. The weekend is from Friday p.m. to Sunday
p.m. www.DRLPS.com
June 26 - Third Annual Unofficial BoatNerd
Picnic
This is the third year for this event held at Mission Point at the Soo. Snacks
will be offered at noon, grilling begins at 2 pm, and carrot cake and other
delicacies at 4. Potluck. BoatNerd Volunteer and Reporter Appreciate Day,
hotdogs and buns are being provided by BoatNerd.Com. Grills, plates, and utensils will be provided. If you
have questions, suggestions, e-mail Lee Rowe at
boatnerd2@yahoo.com
June 27 - Soo Locks Engineer's Day Boatnerd
Gathering
Annual Soo Locks Open House and Boatnerd Gathering. A busy weekend of
events. See the Boatnerd Gathering page
for details.
June 28 Annual
Boatnerd Freighter Chasing Cruise
Boatnerd Gathering page
for details.
June 28 - Annual
Soo Tug Boat Parade
An early evening event that always draws a large crowd of spectators to the
locks viewing stands.
June 28 - September 20 - St Mary's River
Lighthouse Cruises
Every Saturday departing
8:00 a.m.
Click here for
details
June 27-29 - DeTour Reef Light Keeper
Weekend
The Light Keeper program has received overwhelming interest from Lighthouse
aficionados as well as the general public and is in its 4th year. The process of
becoming a Weekend Light Keeper includes a personal phone interview, a letter
explaining why the individual wants to be a keeper and two letters of reference.
Each weekend is limited to 6 keepers. The weekend is from Friday p.m. to Sunday
p.m. www.DRLPS.com
July 1 to August 9 - 140th Community Anniversary Celebration
Little Britt Inn and Britt town dock, Britt, Ontario. Historical and artistic
presentations July 12 and 19 with July 26 focused on Coast Guard safety,
rescue and new age solar power.
July 2 - August 13 - St Mary's River
Lighthouse Cruises
Every Wednesday.
Click here for details
July 4-6 - DeTour Reef Light Keeper Weekend
The Light Keeper program has received overwhelming interest from Lighthouse
aficionados as well as the general public and is in its 4th year. The process of
becoming a Weekend Light Keeper includes a personal phone interview, a letter
explaining why the individual wants to be a keeper and two letters of reference.
Each weekend is limited to 6 keepers. The weekend is from Friday p.m. to Sunday
p.m. www.DRLPS.com
July 5, 13, 19, 26 - DeTour Reef Lighthouse
Tours
This is the 4th year for the Lighthouse Tours. They include boat transportation
on a government inspected charter boat piloted by a U.S. Coast Guard licensed
captain, light refreshments on the Light, and a guided tour. Each tour is
limited to 6 individuals, assuring personal attention by the tour guides. The
tour lasts approximately 2 hours. Advanced reservations and payment will be
required. www.DRLPS.com
July 11-13 - DeTour Reef Light Keeper
Weekend
The Light Keeper program has received overwhelming interest from Lighthouse
aficionados as well as the general public and is in its 4th year. The process of
becoming a Weekend Light Keeper includes a personal phone interview, a letter
explaining why the individual wants to be a keeper and two letters of reference.
Each weekend is limited to 6 keepers. The weekend is from Friday p.m. to Sunday
p.m. www.DRLPS.com
July 12 - 9th Annual Evening Under the
Stars
Sponsored by the DeTour Reef light preservation Society, the evening includes
cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a beautiful gourmet dinner, a unique dessert, music
and a silent auction. It will be held on the shore of Lake Huron at Bayside
Dining on Drummond Island, MI.
www.DRLPS.com
July 18-20 - DeTour Reef Light Keeper
Weekend
The Light Keeper program has received overwhelming interest from Lighthouse
aficionados as well as the general public and is in its 4th year. The process of
becoming a Weekend Light Keeper includes a personal phone interview, a letter
explaining why the individual wants to be a keeper and two letters of reference.
Each weekend is limited to 6 keepers. The weekend is from Friday p.m. to Sunday
p.m. www.DRLPS.com
July 25-Aug. 3 - Grand Haven Coast Guard
Festival
Annual celebration of the U.S. Coast Guard. Parade of ships, tours of USCG
vessels and more.
www.ghcgfest.org
July 25-27 - DeTour Reef Light Keeper
Weekend
The Light Keeper program has received overwhelming interest from Lighthouse
aficionados as well as the general public and is in its 4th year. The process of
becoming a Weekend Light Keeper includes a personal phone interview, a letter
explaining why the individual wants to be a keeper and two letters of reference.
Each weekend is limited to 6 keepers. The weekend is from Friday p.m. to Sunday
p.m. www.DRLPS.com
August 1-3 - DeTour Reef Light Keeper Weekend
The Light Keeper program has received overwhelming interest from Lighthouse
aficionados as well as the general public and is in its 4th year. The process of
becoming a Weekend Light Keeper includes a personal phone interview, a letter
explaining why the individual wants to be a keeper and two letters of reference.
Each weekend is limited to 6 keepers. The weekend is from Friday p.m. to Sunday
p.m. www.DRLPS.com
August 1-4 - Port Colborne Canal Days
A fun-filled weekend of festivities & events, entertainment, exhibits, and
history all about the Welland Canal and the Great Lakes Navigation from all over
the world, centered around the Marine Heritage Museum. On the Sunday night of
the highlight of the event will be the boat parade of lights and fireworks
extravaganza along the Port Promenade along the West Side of the Canal. For
additional
www.cityofportcolborne.on.ca
Aug 2, 10, 16, 23 - DeTour Reef Lighthouse
Tours
This is the 4th year for the Lighthouse Tours. They include boat transportation
on a government inspected charter boat piloted by a U.S. Coast Guard licensed
captain, light refreshments on the Light, and a guided tour. Each tour is
limited to 6 individuals, assuring personal attention by the tour guides. The
tour lasts approximately 2 hours. Advanced reservations and payment will be
required. www.DRLPS.com
August 8-10 - DeTour Reef Light Keeper
Weekend
The Light Keeper program has received overwhelming interest from Lighthouse
aficionados as well as the general public and is in its 4th year. The process of
becoming a Weekend Light Keeper includes a personal phone interview, a letter
explaining why the individual wants to be a keeper and two letters of reference.
Each weekend is limited to 6 keepers. The weekend is from Friday p.m. to Sunday
p.m. www.DRLPS.com
August 15-17 - DeTour Reef Light Keeper
Weekend
The Light Keeper program has received overwhelming interest from Lighthouse
aficionados as well as the general public and is in its 4th year. The process of
becoming a Weekend Light Keeper includes a personal phone interview, a letter
explaining why the individual wants to be a keeper and two letters of reference.
Each weekend is limited to 6 keepers. The weekend is from Friday p.m. to Sunday
p.m. www.DRLPS.com
August 23-23 - The 4th Annual
Great Lakes Steamship Whistle Blow
Goodells County Park, Goodells Michigan (10 miles inland of Port Huron) will be
the site beginning at Noon Saturday and Sunday. Prior year headliners for the
event were: Passenger ship South American, Boblo Boat Columbia, Amoco Tankers
Illinois and Wisconsin, Lumber Hooker Oconto, Freighter Joseph H. Frantz and
many smaller ship, train and factory whistles. Bring your whistles or come to
listen to those brought by area collectors. Mark your calendar. For further
details contact traction.engineer@gmail.com
or
www.stclaircountyfarmmuseum.com
August 22-24 - DeTour Reef Light Keeper
Weekend
The Light Keeper program has received overwhelming interest from Lighthouse
aficionados as well as the general public and is in its 4th year. The process of
becoming a Weekend Light Keeper includes a personal phone interview, a letter
explaining why the individual wants to be a keeper and two letters of reference.
Each weekend is limited to 6 keepers. The weekend is from Friday p.m. to Sunday
p.m. www.DRLPS.com
August 30 - DeTour Reef light Preservation
Society 10th Anniversary Gala Celebration
Everyone is invited to the celebration of ten years of restoration and
conservation of the DeTour Reef Light. The gala promises to provide some
surprises. www.DRLPS.com
Sept. 1 - Annual Mackinaw Bridge Walk
Organized walk across the bridge. 6:00 - 2:00 p.m. Two way traffic
from 6 - 10 a.m., then one lane closure until 2:00 pm. See the
Mackinaw Bridge website for
additional information.
September 19-21 - Welland Canal Boatnerd Gathering
This popular event has been moved to September in hopes of better weather. See
the Gathering Page for details.
October 9-12 - Great Lakes Lighthouse Festival
13th annual in Alpena. Lighthouse tours, nautical entertainment, guest speakers,
artists, photographers, vendors, silent auction, live auctions, school
workshops, breakfasts, dinners and authors from around the country.
www.lighthousefestival.org