If you haven’t made your way to Charlevoix for the Venetian Festival, there’s still time to enjoy some of the favorite events.
It’s the 87th year and it brings out thousands of people who say it gets better every year.
Free concerts, carnival rides, food, shopping and of course, the famous boat parade.
9&10’s Whitney Amann found out why it’s a festival you don’t want to miss.
“We have eight days of fantastic entertainment starting last Saturday and running through this Saturday,” said Dan Barron, president of the festival.
Summers in Northern Michigan are filled with festivals, but every one has something unique about it.
“It’s just beautifully choreographed with lights, orchestrated, we have bands on some of the boats, all the bells and whistles you could think of,” said Barron.
The boat parade is the longest running tradition of the 87 year Venetian Festival and it has brought some people all the way from Ontario.
“We have an awesome time, we’ve came here in 2011 and we are here in 17 defending our title, we have been three year’s winners and we’re defending our title for the 4th,” said Mark Mageran, from Ontario.
The parade is Saturday night after an all-day street festival, ending with a firework show.
“I think it’s wonderful that all the people get together like this and everybody has a good time, it doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from and I’ve met some really great people during this time,” said Judi Lozo, who has been attending the parade for over 30 years.
For extra safety this year, there will be a detour off of US-31 so make sure you plan a few extra minutes of travel time.
“The businesses can come out into the sidewalks, we have entertainment on the streets and it truly helps take Venetian to a whole new level,” said Barron.
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