Manistee National Forest Festival returns

A giant duck leads children, including the Manistee National Forest Festival Princess and Prince, toward downtown during 2019 festivities. Courtesy photo.

From staff reports

MANISTEE ̶ Five full days of fun, including Independence Day celebrations, will take place near the waterfront during the annual Manistee National Forest Festival, June 30-July 4.

The festival, with events held primarily at Douglas Park and First Street Beach, is hosted by the Manistee County Chamber of Commerce.

Advertisement for Stapleton Realty. Income opportunity between the beautiful Platte lakes. 1800 square foot building on a half acre in Benzie County, west of Honor. Previously deli, pizza and convenience store. Could be coffee shop, gallery, bike rental, etcetera. Some equipment included. Take-out liquor license available. Close to the National Lakeshore and M-22. $349,900. Click on this ad to be taken to the website. Listed by Christine Stapleton of Stapleton Realty. Cell phone number 231-499-2698. Photo is of the single-story building with a western facade and covered porch with benches for sitting, a fenced area to one side and a small attractive wooden shed on the other side. In the background are mature trees. In front is a large parking area in front of the building.

Advertisement for Oliver Art Center in Frankfort. All new ceramic classes! Classes registering now. Call 231-352-4151. Hand Building. Wheel Throwing. Open Studio Membership. Ceramics Exploration. Small Class Sizes. Professional Teachers. Extra Studio Days! Lake Michigan Views! Classes run year-round. Register now at oliverart dot org. Click on this ad to be taken to the website. photos are of hands around a clay vessel on a pottery wheel, hands forming a rim on a tall vessel resting on a tabletop, pots of color glazes and hands sculpting a clay bust of a person.

During this year's Manistee Forest Festival, on July 2, the 4th Annual Little Big Shots Talent Show for kids will be hosted by TV's Brandon Phillips and is sponsored by Shirley Madden of the Blue Tigers. Courtesy photo. — During this year’s Manistee Forest Festival, the 4th Annual Little Big Shots Talent Show for kids will be hosted on July 2 by Brandon Phillips and is sponsored by Shirley Madden of the Blue Tigers. Courtesy photo.

The festival tradition stretches back more than 80 years.

“This signature festival draws thousands of people, along with many returning with ties to the area and region, and embodies the idea of ‘Community’ that so many love about Manistee County,” stated Stacie Bytwork, president and CEO of the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce.

**Smokey the Bear and his forest rangers at First Street Beach during the 2016 Manistee National Forest Festival. Courtesy photo.**

Favorite festival activities include Anderson Midway carnival rides, family day, Jaycees beach bash, Whispering Pines Mobile Zoo, a concert by the Scottville Clown Band, an Independence Day flag-raising ceremony and parade, and fireworks over Lake Michigan.

Find the full schedule at: ManisteeForestFestival.com and follow Manistee National Forest Festival on Facebook.