Welcome to Up North, Close By

July 2009

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July is steeped in tradition, great value, family fun, and nights filled with celebration throughout the month of July. It means a firework spectacular, time spent on the water, a stroll through our small towns and appreciating local and regional art.

So let loose and release your inner kid, make memorable moments with your family and friends at affordable costs in the Ludington Area this July!

Freedom Festival Celebrates: “America: Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness”

Todd_and_Brad_Reed_Photography_Brad_Reed_Lud_4th_of_July_P_2.jpgFriday, July 3rd, Freedom Festival kicks off with a Children & Pet Parade beginning at 6:00 p.m. The mini-parade for kids and their pets travels east down Loomis street then south down William Street to Waterfront Park in downtown Ludington.

Saturday, July 4th, The Grand Parade will step-off at 1 pm and travel through Downtown Ludington. The parade features a military fly over by A-10 Fighter Jets, between 12:00 p.m. – 12:15 p.m, and the 2009 Grand Marshal, Joyce Usiak. 70-85 Parade Entries are included and the parade is concluded by a performance by the "World Famous" Scottville Clown Band. 

Saturday, July 4th, One of the largest fireworks displays on the Lake Michigan shoreline will begin at dusk. So grab a blanket and head to the beach to catch a glimpse!

Ludington 4th of July Shoreline Cruise

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Back by popular demand! A cruise along the shoreline, an all-American picnic, music and the best view of the fireworks from the deck of the S.S. Badger!

For more information, follow this link!

41st Annual West Shore Art League Fine Art and Craft Fair

artfair.jpgArtisans and crafters will for the 41st time fill the Ludington City Park on Saturday, July 4 and Sunday, July 5. The West Shore Art League Fine Arts & Crafts Fair has been a huge success, with quality work shown by over 200 artists. A Children’s Section helps to make the fair enjoyable for all ages. A variety of entertainment is featured at the Kiwanis Band Shell on both days. The fair is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.

2009 Scottville Summer Fest July 10-12, 2009

IMG_0077.JPG Head east to Scottville for a weekend filled with affordable family fun and great eats! The weekend kicks off with a Sunset Cruise on Friday. Saturday features the Scottville Main Street Car & Motorcycle Show, Swap Meet, and Farms Market. Sunday wraps up the weekend with the annual Chicken BBQ Rubber Ducky Race, and Tractor Pulls at the Western Michigan Old Engine Club Grounds in Riverside Park, Scottville. construction_ducky.jpg

AGA Skate Jam

skate_plaza3.jpgOn Saturday, July 11, be sure to check out theLudington Skate Plaza’s first annual AGA Skate Jam! The tentative schedule for the event includes a FREE clinic for residents and visitors from 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. The clinic will be followed by a skate demo. The day will conclude with the junior and advanced skate competition around 5:00 p.m. 

*All activities is dependent on number of participants

The Ludington Offshore Classic

kid_with_fish.JPGThe Ludington Offshore Classic Sponsored by Great Lakes Ford Lincoln Mercury & Big Jon Sports
July 16-19, 2009 

The Ludington Offshore Classic is the premier Great Lake Sports Fishing Tournament in Michigan. In fact, Ludington is considered one of, if not the best port on the Great Lakes for trout and salmon fishing. To be specific, it is the largest freshwater salmon tournament in the US attracting over 1,000 participants. An estimated $100,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded in 2009.

For more information on the biggest Salmon Sport fishing tournament on the big lake, follow this link!

Downtown Ludington’s Friday Night Live

higher_image_of_downtown_ludington.jpgDowntown Ludington’s Friday Night Live: July 17, July 24, July 31 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Friday night live 2009 is filled with booths, activities and music and affordable fun for the entire family. Whether you enjoy pirates, or wish to honor public safety personnel, climb a rock wall, play on inflatable’s, enjoy live music, sample some wonderful local fare, or just take in a wonderful Friday evening in Downtown Ludington, there is something for you at Friday Night Live. The entertainment and activities will be different each evening. So plan to attend them all!

Western Michigan Fair July 28 - August 1

Ferris_wheel_1.jpg2009 brings so many new and exciting things to the Western Michigan Fair! This year will feature the first annual "Barn Brawl" wrestling invitational, a Stick Horse Rodeo and Chuck Wagon Scramble (Entry Form & Rules). Bingo is coming to the fair this year and Laura the Elephant will be returning! The fair will welcome back the chainsaw carver as well as the pedal pull. Grandstand events will include: drag races, a NEW burn-out contest, figure eights and demo scramble, motocross and of course the big demolition derby Saturday night! Tuesday will offer residents and visitors alike the savings of the summer on Tuesday - Dollar Day. Pay $1 to get into the fairgrounds and $1 for unlimited rides!

Take in the sights!

July also offers visitors ample opportunity to do so much more than take in one of the areas many festivals, block parties, and sandy beaches!

Practice your putting stroke at one of the areas many mini golf courses!

Exercise your imagine and explore the Sandcastle Castles Children Museum.

See what you find and learn at the Ludington State Park. 

Visit the past at Historic White Pine Village.

Packages & Deals

Anytime through the year, Visitors can take advantage of the many packages offered by Ludington Area lodging facilities and other CVB Members. Check out the current packages and member deals in the Packages & Deals section of our website.

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Ludington Area Convention and Visitors Bureau - 5300 W. US 10, Ludington, MI 49431
Phone: 877.420.6618 or Contact Us