COLUMNIST PETER JAKEY–Festival nonsense
Here are some random thoughts on the 2006 Nautical Festival, in no random order.
?The parade is always a can?t miss event, and one of the highlights this year was the weather. With a nice cloud cover, parade-goers did not wilt in the sun along the last 300 yards of unshaded stretch of Third Street where I viewed the parade.
?My favorite float was the truck with the dragging muffler, which won the award for most humorous. Interestingly enough, the 2006 parade had its share of vehicles, including Herbie the Lovebug and several race cars — probably a few too many for my taste. It was good to see local teen racer Hannah Bellmore in the parade. She has been doing really well at the Onaway Speedway, and was most deserving of the appearance.
?It was good to see Gwen Brietzke and her family passing out water and making a spirited appearance to the community.
?At the head of the parade were some of Rogers City?s most honored citizens: the grand marshal and Miss Rogers City. You could not wipe the smiles from the faces of grand marshals Tony and Mary Przybyla or Miss Rogers City Brittney Hoffman. They looked to be having a great time.
?I appreciate Huron wrestling coach Pat Lamb telling his athletes to not ?throw candy at Mr. Jakey.? Cody Wenzel looked to be twirling a piece of candy in his fingers. I know he must have been thinking about firing that little sugar bomb right between my eyes. The wrestlers looked like a firing squad, so thank you, Mr. Lamb.
?Roscoe the Clown and his ?Free Shakes? routine had a woman in stitches in front of Dockside Printing. He must have had done his ?free shakes? things at least eight times near the woman and she laughed every single time. Must have been her first parade.
?My Advance co-worker Mandy Polaski said the martial arts display was excellent, but after their presentation in front of A-P Super Service, they walked the rest of the parade route, but made no further demonstrations. Maybe the group decided to keep walking because they held up a section of the parade. Someone made a comment afterward that it seemed like two parades.
?The family entertainment at this year?s festival was once again excellent. Last Wednesday?s magician, Thomas Plunkard, should be immediately signed up for next year. He is the magician with a million expressions. I still can?t figure out how
?The fireworks were excellent, but next year I need more of an opportunity to see the entire show from my favorite spot, and not while rushing to get to the lakeshore as the fireworks started a little after 9:45 p.m. I saw half of the show while walking from Second Street to Little League Park. I checked the brochure later and it did say 10 p.m. They ended at 10:03 p.m. It was plenty dark at 9:45 p.m., but if the schedule says 10 p.m., that is when they should be shot off, because I was not the only one scrambling.
In closing, there are a lot of activities, parties, parades, and fun to be had in the Nautical City, but the best part of the annual event to me is seeing families getting together for one special weekend during the summer. That is what this event is all about.