2025 MANISTEE NATIONAL FOREST FESTIVAL
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MANISTEE NATIONAL FOREST FESTIVAL returns with fireworks, parade, and family fun
By DaviD yarnell
For the News AdvocAte
The Manistee National Forest Festival will once again delight residents and visitors alike from July 2-6.
As always, highlights are fireworks and the Independence Day Parade. Perennial favorites will be back — carnival rides, Whispering Pines Petting Zoo, events sponsored by the Manistee County Library, sunset cruises and a fireworks cruise by Manistee Harbor Tours, a concert by the Scottville Clown Band and the Saturday night Beach Bash among many other events.
The Forest Festival, which has been a summer staple for 80-plus years, is the signature project of the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce.
“We hold it over Independence Day weekend, so it’s a celebration of our country and also a celebration of Manistee County,” said Blade Gates, marketing and communications specialist for the chamber. “The Manistee National Forest Festival has always been a great tribute to all the things people love about Manistee County — our community, our forests, Lake Michigan and the history that’s associated with our community.”
Fireworks will be shot over Lake Michigan at dusk, approximately 10:30 p.m., on July 3. The best viewing spots are at First Street and Fifth Avenue beaches. Also on that evening Manistee Harbor Tours will offer a two-hour sunset fireworks cruise launching from the dock at 428 River St.
The Independence Day Parade will begin at 10 a.m. on July 4, running down River and First streets westward from Division Street to the Armory Youth Project.
Rides by Anderson Midway Carnival, at First Street Beach, will start at 4 p.m. Wednesday and run basically from 1 p.m. until dark through Sunday — consult the schedule for exact start and end times.
To get the most out of the festival, Gates recommends keeping track of what’s going on by consulting the schedule at manisteenationalforestfestival. com and regularly checking the festival’s Facebook and Instagram postings.
“If you really want to make the most of it, just get out and explore Manistee County,” Gates said. “There are so many things to see — downtown Manistee and the surrounding communities. It’s not just things happening in the city, it’s across the county.”
The Scottville Clown Band is a crowd favorite during the Manistee National Forest Festival.
According to Gates, there are a number of new things to explore at the festival, including the return of Twiggy the World Famous Water Skiing Squirrel.
Animal lovers will also like the Whispering Pines Petting Zoo, which has been a Forest Festival staple for many years. It’s at First Street Beach from 10 a.m. to dusk Thursday through Sunday.
The Scottville Clown Band concert is also at First Street Beach, on Sunday at 3 p.m. as is the Beach Bash, on Saturday from 7-11 p.m., featuring the band Working on Famous
The festival would not be possible, according to Gates, without the sponsors, partners and volunteers. As an example, he said the fireworks show may not be possible without the support of the Little River Casino Resort and the Clown Band performance without sponsors Wyatt Ford and Wyatt Chevrolet.
“They have been amazing partners for a number of years,” he said. “Partnering with our local businesses and organizations is such a critical key for us to be able to take the festival and elevate it and make it something greater.”
Most festival events are organized and coordinated by local organizations and volunteers.
“Some of the best things happen when you’re able to make the festival a collaborative event,” Gates said. “This is a celebration of our community, so we absolutely need to support and encourage our local organizations and community members to get involved in their own way — to create something of their own. It’s awesome to see how everyone steps up and gets involved.”
Gates said the Manistee County Library is an example of an organization stepping up to hold events. Those events include a kids program, Sandcastle Story Time and two programs for adults: Campfire Stories and Birds of America Page Turning/ Tea Party. All three events are on Thursday.
Sandcastle Stories will be at Fifth Avenue Beach from 11 a.m. until noon, Birds of America at the library, at 95 Maple St., from 3-4 p.m., and Campfire Stories at the new story park located behind the library at 7 p.m.
The page-turning program features a close-up look at the library’s rare pre-Civil War original Audubon book “The Birds of America” while the campfire event features stories from Manistee’s past, such as the Orchard Beach trolley disaster and the visit to the Forest Festival by the tallest man in the world — Robert Wadlow — who died days later of a foot infection.
Music Sparks Meaning is another organization that created an event for the festival — the kickoff bash for its Roots on the River concert series. Music will start at Veterans Memorial Park as soon as the parade concludes and continues until 9 p.m. There will also be food trucks, lawn games and locally brewed adult beverages.
The always-popular arts and crafts show will be held at the Armory Youth Project building, located just up First Street from Douglas Park First Street Beach from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. In addition to handcrafted goods, there will also be food trucks and live music.
Adults and children alike explored the Whispering Pines Mobile Petting Zoo that was set up at the First Street Beach Douglas Park on July 3, 2024. The zoo kicked off the Manistee Forest Festival.
The Princess of Manistee offers tours cruises out of Manistee on Lake Michigan throughout the summer.
Water-skiing squirrel, RC air show, lumberjack show among new events
By K en Gra BowsK i For the News AdvocAte
The Manistee National Forest Festival offers entertaining events for people of all age levels.
In 2025 there will be some new additions to the lineup, including a water-skiing squirrel, radio-control air show and a lumberjack show.
Twiggy the squirrel Twiggy the World Famous Water Skiing Squirrel will perform a series of acrobatic water ski stunts, putting a smile on everyone’s face.
Owner Chuck Best said they put on a phenomenal show.
“We will be doing several free shows a day from Wednesday to Sunday,” said Best. “It’s a kid-friendly fun event that appeals to all ages.”
Best said Twiggy performs in a small pool and is pulled on water skis by a small remotecontrol boat. The rodent will perform 60-minute shows each day of the festival — July 2-6 — starting at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. at the Festival Marketplace at Douglas Park/ First Street Beach.
“We have a couple different squirrels who perform so it isn’t just one doing all the tricks,” said Best. “Sometimes they will perform a 360 jump and other times they will jump onto the boat or go swimming, as the tricks they do are different for every show.”
Best said the show isn’t just for entertainment purposes; it also comes with a message.
“It’s a show to promote water safety and (we) have been doing it for 40 years now,” said Best. “We have performed all over the country and been in movies, television shows, commercials and all kinds of things.”
Learn more about Twiggy by searching Club Twiggy on YouTube.
Air show
The Benzie Area RC Club Air Show will be at the Forest Festival for the first time this year. The show is set to start at noon on July 6 inside the softball field at Douglas Park/ First Street Beach.
The club provides “radio control model aircraft flying enjoyment for the members of the club and their guests.”
“We fly radio control model airplanes, and we will have between six and eight people flying more than one plane at the show,” said the group’s field manager Fred Stafford. “The planes generally have about a four-foot wing span that we will put through a series of maneuvers.”
Stafford said one of the things they do in the show is tie a paper streamer to the tail of the planes that are about six to eight feet in length.
“There will be three or four planes up there at the same time doing a mock combat
fight,” said Stafford. “It is really fun to watch when we do that.”
The club, located in Benzie County, has over 50 members and has been in existence for about 40 years.
“We put an air show on at the Thompsonville Airport every August which is a big show that draws in about 600 spectators,” said Stafford. “We travel around a little bit at request, but our RC Air Show in August is the big one and we draw in pilots from around the state to join us.”
Stafford said the group is excited about making its first appearance at the Manistee National Forest Festival.
“Our show lasts about an hour or two depending upon the interest of the crowd and if there are spectators there interested, we will run them a little longer,” he said. “When we have (the planes) on the ground the spectators can walk right up to them to get a closer look, and we will be right there to answer any questions they may have about the planes.”
According to Stafford, the only thing that would prevent the group from putting on a show during the Forest Festival would be if it were raining or high winds.
“If winds are under 15 miles per hour, we will be OK to put on the show,” said Stafford.
Timber show
Another new event this year is the Great Lakes Timber Show. Free, 30-minute shows will be held at noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on July 4 and 5 on the softball field at Douglas Park/First Street Beach.
Bruce Belanger puts on the Great Lakes Timber Show. He said their performances are both entertaining and historical in nature.
“We are from the Escanaba area in the Upper Peninsula, as the timber industry was so big in Michigan, including Manistee, years ago,” said Belanger. “It’s a great opportunity for kids to see how they did some of the things working in that industry years ago.”
Belanger said it is a fastpaced show.
“There will a variety of sawing exhibitions, axe throwing, wood chopping and log rolling to name just a few of activities,” said Belanger. “What is really fun to watch is during the show we give any children who want the chance to try log rolling to come on up.”
He said both the spectators and the parents enjoy watching as the kids struggle to stay aboard the rolling log.
“It’s a lot of fun for the whole family, and there will be two of us there doing the show, so we invite everyone to come out watch it,” said Belanger. Shows include chainsaw carving, axe throwing and more.
Twiggy the World Famous Water Skiing Squirrel performs in a small pool and is pulled on water skis by a small remote-control boat. (Photo Courtesy of Twiggy’s Inc)
An explosion wows the crowd as part of a bombing run demonstration at the Benzie Area Radio Control Club fall air show in Thompsonville on Aug. 26, 2023.
Laughs and Lures, of Escanaba, will present the Great Lakes Timber Show during the 2025 Manistee National Forest Festival. (Photo Courtesy of Bruce Belanger)
Pilots at the Benzie Area Radio Control Club fall air show in Thompsonville on Aug. 26, 2023, fuel up a turbine engine jet.
Twiggy the World Famous Water Skiing Squirrel will perform several shows a day, from July 2-6, during the Manistee National Forest Festival.
Forest Festival returns with crafts, races, pancake breakfast
By K en Gra BowsK i For the News AdvocAte
The Manistee National Forest Festival was first held in 1936. While there have been many changes over the years, some long-running events have become crowd favorites in recent years.
This year’s Forest Festival is slated for July 2-6, with events taking place throughout Manistee.
Here’s a closer look at some of the events that have become festival tradition.
Arts and craft show
Organizers of the Manistee Arts and Craft Show are hoping the 2025 Manistee National Forest Festival event will bring even more success than last year.
The nonprofit Armory Youth Project hosted the arts and craft show for the first time in 2024.
Dianna Wall, Armory Youth Project fund development coordinator, said they were pleased with the inaugural show last year and are seeing an even stronger interest from crafters and artists to be a part of this year’s event.
“We have tweaked the layout a little this year to add more booths and we are moving the music to the sidewalk area along with the kettle corn and hot dog booths,” said Wall. “Last year we had 70 booths for the show and this year our hopes are to have about 85, but we do we have room for over 90.”
The nonprofit Manistee World of Arts & Crafts had hosted the craft show at Red Szymarek Park for 50 years before the group announced in 2023 it was disbanding.
Wall said this year’s craft show will feature a wide variety of items and will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 4 and 5.
“It’s going to be all types of crafts like candles, crochet, jewelry, painting, leather works, metal works, pottery, clay, yard art, sewing and weaving, and much more,” said Wall. “So we have a pretty good variety coming this year and and there is about 65 who have already registered by early June.”
Now that they have a year in at the new location, Wall said the artists and the public know what to expect.
“What helped was people needed to see our vision for the show last year and to see how well it worked out at that location,” said Wall. “It’s the first stop before you hit the other festivities at the beach, so it’s perfect if you are going on down to the other events.”
The craft show also will include live music and other forms of entertainment.
“Something else we are excited about is from 1-3 p.m. on July 5 on the stage of the Armory Youth Project, the Little Big Shots Talent Show will be taking place,” said Wall.
The talent show is becoming tradition in its own right, with
the 7th annual event planned for this year.
Children ages 4-16 will regale the audience with a variety of acts, from singing and dancing to comedy and reciting poetry.
The Armory is located at 555 First St. in Manistee.
Pancake breakfast
Another Forest Festival tradition is the pancake breakfast, which will be held from 8 a.m to 1 p.m on July 6 in the cafeteria at the Manistee Middle High School, located at 525 12th St. in Manistee.
Manistee Area Public
Schools has been hosting the breakfast for the last several years. For new MAPS food service director Haleigh Savage, it will be her first opportunity to coordinate it.
“We’re trying to keep the standards up and it is going to be similar to the last couple of years,” said Savage. “We will be offering pancakes and sausage, with coffee and juice all for $10 per person.”
This year, MAPS school officials have decided to that the proceeds from the breakfast will go to the fine arts department.
“This will include the band, theater program and anything
Festival goers peruse offerings at the Manistee Arts and Craft Show on July 6, 2024 during the Manistee National Forest Festival.
arts related for kids at Manistee Area Public Schools,” said Savage. “It’s still on Sunday morning and we plan to keep it open until 1 p.m., so the church crowd can come on over to get some breakfast.”
Savage said she will have a couple of her staff members assisting with the breakfast, but they will rely heavily on volunteer support.
“We get a lot of volunteers from teachers, administration and some from the community,” she said. “We are expecting between 200 and 300 people, so the help is needed.”
5K and fun run
On the morning of July 5, the area around the Manistee Middle High School will be filled with several hundred people participating in the annual Manistee National Forest Festival one mile fun run/5K event.
“Registration ends by 7:45 a.m. and the 1K fun run will start at 8:15 a.m. and the 5K takes place at 8:30 a.m.,” said 5K committee member Eric Thuemmel. “The proceeds will go to benefit the Manistee community track.”
Thuemmel said the race is popular and has been a tradition for many local runners and visitors to the community during the festival.
“We usually get between 250 and 300 runners each year,” said Thuemmel. “We have had as many as 400 and in a low as 220.”
Those interested in participating can register early at michianatiming. com/registration/. Early registration is $30 by June 28 for the 5K and $20 for the 1K fun run. After that, registration is $35 for the 5K and $25 for the fun run. All participants receive a T-shirt.
There will be 16 categories for both the men and women to compete in for the 5K. Overall trophies will be awarded to the overall men and women winners as well as the male and female age 40 and up winners.
Runners take off for the annual Firecracker 5K at Manistee High School during the 2018 race.
Volunteers served up the traditional pancake breakfast in 2011 during the Manistee National Forest Festival.
Gel ball tag, axe throwing events encourage public participation
By K en Gra BowsK i For the News AdvocAte
The 2025 Manistee National Forest Festival not only has fun events to watch, but also several others where people can actually participate.
The Madkat Taggers will be presenting gel ball tag. Owners Daniel Madrigal and Robert Katrinic say it is a fun activity that is similar to paintball or Airsoft games.
“Gel ball is played with these little plastic beads we soak in water and they only get to a certain size. We have these battery-powered blasters that shoot them out, so it is almost like paint ball,” said Madrigal. “The beads are non-hurting and don’t leave any staining to the clothes.”
Madrigal said everyone receives a green or a black mask for safety and to put them in a group for competition. He said children age 5 or older can play; a close gel ball shot can hurt a little.
“We leave it up to the parents to decide if their child is old enough. It’s a fun little tagging game where there are masks on to protect the face, and we really try to get the whole family to do it,” said Madrigal. “It’s a fun way to take out your frustrations on your husband or not to spank the kids, but tag them instead.”
Madrigal said there is a $5 per person cost to participate. Gel ball can be found within the Festival Marketplace at Douglas Park/First Street Beach from 11 a.m. to dusk from July 2-6. He encourages people to get groups together to participate.
“If they come in groups we will put them in together against each other,” said Madrigal. “If we get two people coming in we will put one on each side, and it’s just the random luck of the draw, but it’s really good wholesome fun.”
Madrigal said the area will be open if there is light rain, but will close in the event of heavy rain.
He said if someone pays and plays once and then brings back eight new players, they can go another round for free.
“We have a storehouse of gel ball blasters and a 33foot wide by 66-foot wide arena that has nets so we can fit lots (of people) in there at one time,” he said. “There have been times when we have had about 20 players in there going 10 on 10.” For more information about gel ball tag, visit
Madkat Taggers on Facebook.
Tapped Axes of Ludington offers another hands-on event, with axe and knife throwing. Owners Amanda and Justin Sheaks say it is a very safe event held in a controlled environment trailer that is 8-foot by 20foot with a throwing area that is 8-foot by 16-foot.
“We actually have a mobile trailer we will bring for the Forest Festival, and it has two targets in there. It is fully enclosed, so safety will not be an issue,” said Amanda Sheaks. “People can come in and play games or just do five throws if they want to and they must be wearing closed-toe shoes to participate.”
Those participating will be using Ewing axes, closer to a tomahawk style, that is 17 inches long and weighs three pounds. The knives are 11-inch daggers with a 4-inch handle, so they can’t go through the fences or ricochet to hit someone.
Children must be 10 years or older to participate. Axe throwing will be open from noon-5 p.m. on July 2-4 and 6, and from 3-8 p.m. on July 5 within the Festival Marketplace at Douglas Park/First Street Beach
“Everyone who participates must sign a waiver first, but it is real simple and doesn’t take long to read,” said Sheaks. “Parents and guardians
must sign the waiver for any minors before they can participate.”
Sheaks said this is a unique event.
“I know they have this
type of thing in Muskegon, Grand Rapids, Traverse City and Big Rapids,” she said.
“It is just something fun to bring to the Ludington and Manistee area.”
Madkat Taggers Gel Ball will return to the Manistee National Forest Festival in 2025.
Madkat Taggers gel ball tag is similar to paintball or Airsoft. It returns for the second year during the Manistee National Forest Festival.
Continued
Fireworks will be held over Lake Michigan on July 3, with viewing from First Street or Fifth Avenue beaches in Manistee.
A flag-raising ceremony is held annually on July 4 prior to the Manistee National Forest Festival parade.
fireworks company and working with the community entities the city police and fire departments.
“We can’t make it work without all of these entities,” he said. “Making sure it works for these stakeholders is highly dependent on determining the fireworks date.”
Several neighboring communities — like Ludington, Frankfort and Wellston — are planning fireworks shows for July 4.
“Not being in direct competition happens to be an additional bonus for us,” Gates said in an email.
This year isn’t the first time that fireworks were not held on July 4; in 2024 the show was held on July 5 and in 2023 it was on July 2.
“The fireworks show is the most iconic part of the Manistee National Forest Festival, which in turn is the signature event of Manistee County,” said Gates. “This fireworks show is entirely made possible thanks to Little River Casino Resort.”
Independence Day parade
At 9:45 a.m. on July 4, another long-standing tradition will take place by the flag pole on the corner of River and Division streets. Local veterans from the United Veterans Council of Manistee County will raise the flag prior to the start of the Forest Festival parade.
This year the parade will start at 10 a.m. on July 4 at the corner of Division and River streets and run down River Street to the Armory Youth Project, located at 555 First St.
“The parade is really shaping up well and looking strong right now,” said Gates said in early June. “We are still taking entrants until June 20, so we still don’t know the total number that are going to be in the parade as of (early June).”
A new aspect to this year’s parade is a theme.
“One thing we are doing is a big theme that is driving a lot of our work as it is going back to Manistee’s roots,” said Gates. “So we are thinking about our forests and the history that helped shaped Manistee into what it is today.”
Gates said chamber staff is encouraging parade entrants to help tell that story, like by putting together a fun float based on the
theme.
“We are really trying to encourage our entrants to do it this year, and I am really excited to see what people come up with,” he said.
Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce president and chief executive officer Carmen Kott said the theme provides an added reason to celebrate. She expects the 2025 festival to be even bigger and better than ever.
“This year, the Manistee National Forest Festival returns to its roots,” said Kott. “This is our annual celebration in Manistee County for our independence and the growth happening here. We are thankful for the community support and excited to come together this July.”
Plenty of music is expected to be part of the parade. The Manistee Middle High School bands and the Scottville Clown Band will be marching and several of the entrants plan to have musical groups performing on their floats.
Gates said hopefully the weather will cooperate, because the parade is always the highlight for people of all ages.
“I think people of our community will show up regardless of the weather,” said Gates. “We are all hoping it will be good weather, and we can’t wait.”
Barabara Heidel has been named the 2025 Manistee National Forest Festival grand marshal. She is a long-time United States Forest Service employee who has been active in many area forestry programs over the years.
“She recently retired from the forest service after a career spanning 36 years being involved in the Cadillac/Manistee Ranger station,” said Gates. “We accepted community input as well on selecting the grand marshal. The chamber found that Barbara really fit the bill.”
Gates said it fits perfectly with the theme this year of returning to the roots. The forests have for so long been a sense of pride and identity for the Manistee area.
“We saw Barb’s dedication to both the land and our local traditions as perfect reflection of that spirit,” he said. “We are really proud to have that represented this year in the parade as she is such a great person who has such incredible stories to tell.”
The Scottville Clown Band returned to the 2024 Manistee National Forest Festival Parade on July 4.
The Little River Casino Resort celebrated its 25th anniversary with a float in the 2024 Manistee National Forest Festival Parade on July 4.
Heidel named Forest Festival grand marshal
The Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce announced Barbara Heidel will be the 2025 grand marshal for the Manistee National Forest Festival.
Heidel is a recent retiree after a 36-year career with the U.S. Forest Service. She worked at the Cadillac/ Manistee Ranger District since 1999.
“At first I was surprised,” said Heidel on receiving the marshal title. “I’m not a person who likes to draw a lot of attention to myself. But being able to advocate for what the forest service does, the hard work that gets done … sometimes it’s a little messy, and sometimes it’s not always popular. But it’s important work, and I’m proud to represent that work.”
“The grand marshal is a local hero that embodies the spirit of Manistee County,” according to a press release from the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce.
After receiving public input, the grand marshal was selected by chamber staff based on their contributions to the quality of life in Manistee County. These include: civic and/or social services; humanitarianism; personal achievements in the areas of the arts, sports, etc., or based on the distinction that they have brought to Manistee County resulting from achievements elsewhere.
“The Manistee National Forest Festival is a tribute to the natural heritage and community spirit that define Manistee County,” said Carmen Kott, president and chief executive officer of the Manistee chamber. “As we return to the festival’s roots, we celebrate the forests that have long been a source of pride and identity for our region. Heidel’s dedication to both the land and local tradition is a perfect reflection of that spirit. We’re proud to have it represented in this year’s parade.”
Heidel grew up in Detroit. However, she knew from a young age that she wanted to live in a more rural area, thanks to parents who always brought her “up north” to camp, fish, hike and ski.
She went on to receive a forestry degree at Michigan State University and worked at Pike-San Isabel National Forest, Southpark
Ranger District in Colorado before returning to Michigan to be near family.
In a full circle moment, Heidel’s first exposure to Manistee was during the 1994 Manistee National Forest Festival, when she had the opportunity to share a trolley bus with Smokey the Bear. She fell in love with the community ever since.
From the beginning, the Cadillac/ Manistee Ranger District’s mission included providing commodities like timber, recreation experiences, preserving wildlife habitat and clean watersheds, but has since evolved to add fire suppression/ prevention, treating non-native invasives and trash pick-up.
“We have a small wilderness area which is very unique for the Lower Peninsula,” said Heidel. “We work really hard to keep that natural … people don’t always see us doing (that work).”
Beyond the forest, Heidel is the president of the Arc of Manistee County. The Arc provides services and advocacy for community members with developmental and intellectual disabilities in Manistee County and hosts a variety of local events and gatherings throughout the year. She is also on the board of the Area 24 Special Olympics, which serves Manistee, Mason and Lake counties, where she coaches snowshoeing, swimming and basketball.
“I think I was always meant to work in public service,” said Heidel. “It’s kind of where life took me.”
As grand marshal, Heidel will attend the Independence Day Parade, which begins at 10 a.m. on July 4 at the corner of River and Division streets, continues down River Street through downtown Manistee, and concludes at the Armory Youth Project on First Street.
The Independence Day Parade and Manistee National Forest Festival are hosted by the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce.
The Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit 501C(6) organization with a mission “to build a dynamic and sustainable organization to serve the business, workforce and economic development needs of all in Manistee County.”
Barb Heidel, of the United States Forest Service, prepares to take people on a tour of the national forest during the Manistee National Forest Festival in 2022.
Barb Heidel (far right) discussed various plants and trees July 25, 2024 at the Spirit of the Woods Conservation Club’s annual field camp.
Music lineup includes clown band, beach jam, Roots on the River
By DaviD yarnell
For the News AdvocAte
To borrow a phrase, it seems that a festival without music would be like a day without sunshine.
The Manistee National Forest Festival will include its share of music — starting with the bands in the Independence Day Parade on July 4 at 10 a.m. on River Street.
As soon as the parade concludes, the organization Music Sparks Meaning will kick off its summer Roots on the River concert series with music all day at Veterans Memorial Park on Memorial Drive.
This is the second year Music Sparks Meaning will kick off the Roots on the River series during the Forest Festival.
“We have four and a half acts scheduled for the day,” said Noah Cameron, of Music Sparks Meaning. “There are four official acts, but we’ll start things out casually with several musicians just kind of hanging out and jamming.”
Cameron said last year’s attendance was good, but he’s thinking it will be better this year since the event will start when the parade ends.
“It’s family friendly and free, so hopefully a lot of people will stop by,” he said. “There will be local brews, lawn games and music all day so people can kind of come and go and hang out. We had a great time last year and we’re looking for an even better time this year.”
The Roots on the River series will continue on at Veterans Memorial Park at 7 p.m. on Thursdays, July 10 through Aug. 8.
Not exactly a concert, but some of the most interesting music you’ll ever hear is during self-guided tours of the 1888 Guardian Angels Church on July 5 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Inside the church, the 110-year-old pipe organ will be playing, and outside there will be music on the historic
carillon bells. The church is located at 371 Fifth St. The Manistee Beach Jam will feature the band Working on Famous at 7 p.m. on July 5.
The band is a Manistee-based group that plays primarily rock ‘n roll music along with some country — covering musicians from John Mellencamp to Lady Gaga, Styx, Avril Lavigne, Robert Palmer, Guns N’ Roses, Joan Jett and many others.
“We are a high-energy, lots of fun band, that’s what we do,” said Jonathon Blake, the group’s drummer. “It’s nothing for us to go from Poison to Metallica to Shania Twain, all in the same set. It’s just kind of a mixture of everything to try to make everybody have fun.”
Blake said the group has been together for about two and a half years, but several members have been playing together much longer. Besides Blake, the band features vocalist Amiejo “AJ” Walker, Josh Schafer on lead guitar, Todd Whittenberg on bass guitar, and Shawn O’Neil on rhythm guitar.
“Todd and I have been together for about 26 years and Josh has been with us for about 15 years,” he said. “After that many years together, we have a formula figured out on how to keep crowds happy.”
He added that the group loves what they do.
“Playing music together is an absolute blast. That’s why we do it. We always say that the money we make is to pay for moving the equipment around and the playing part is the actual reward.”
Then as has been the custom for many years, the Forest Festival will conclude with a concert by the Scottville Clown Band on Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Lions Pavilion.
“The Scottville Clown Band is known for their colorful attire and crazy antics,” reads its website. “The band members come from all over Michigan and over 14 other states, from California, Tennessee, Florida and even New York.”
Members of the Scottville Clown Band get the audience involved in their concert during the 2022 Manistee National Forest Festival.
The Roots on the River summer concert series kicked off July 4, 2024 during the Manistee National Forest Festival.
The Beach Jam was held on June 30, 2023 at First Street Beach as part of the Manistee National Forest Festival.
The 2023 Beach Jam Forest brought families to First Street Beach in Manistee to hear The Downtowners during the Manistee National Forest Festival.
2025 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
The Manistee National Forest Festival is slated from July 2-6. The schedule of events — as of June 11 — is as follows. Updates can be found online at manisteeforestfestival.com/
Wednesday, July 2
• 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., A Red, White & Boom Shop Scavenger Hunt Pure Manistee Gifts, 333 River St., Manistee Find Pure Manistee tokens and win prizes. Limit one per person.
• 11 a.m. to noon, Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel Douglas Park, Manistee
Come meet the little legend and watch Twiggy catch some waves.
• 11 a.m. to dusk, Madkat Taggers: Gel Ball Tag Douglas Park, Manistee Family-friendly gel-ball tag game; $5 per game per person.
• Noon to 5 p.m., Axe Throwing with Tapped Axes Douglas Park, Manistee
• 2-3 p.m.,
Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel Douglas Park, Manistee
Come meet the little legend and watch Twiggy catch some waves.
• 4 p.m. to dusk, Anderson Midway Carnival Douglas Park, Manistee Rides, games, food, and family fun. Purchase tickets online.
• 5-6 p.m., Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel Douglas Park, Manistee Come meet the little legend and watch Twiggy catch some waves.
• 8-10 p.m., Manistee Harbor Tours: Sunset Cruise 428 River St. (on the Riverwalk) Purchase tickets online.
Thursday, July 3
• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Manistee National Forest Open House Chittenden Nursery, 1170 Nursery Road in Wellston Learn about wildlife, forestry, archaeology and more. Tour the historic nursery. Activities for kids. Meet Smokey Bear.
• 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., A Red, White &; Boom Shop Scavenger Hunt Pure Manistee Gifts, 333 River St. in Manistee Find Pure Manistee tokens and win prizes. Limit one per person.
• 10 a.m. to dusk, Whispering Pines Petting Zoo Douglas Park, Manistee Free family-friendly petting zoo
• 11 a.m. to noon, Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel Douglas Park, Manistee Come meet the little legend and watch Twiggy catch some waves.
• 11 a.m. to noon, Sandcastle Story Time Fifth Avenue Beach, 108 Lakeshore Drive, Manistee Beachside stories and playtime with library toys. No RSVP needed.
• 11 a.m. to dusk, Madkat Taggers: Gel Ball Tag Douglas Park, Manistee Family-friendly gel-ball tag game; $5 per game per person.
• Noon to 5 p.m., Axe Throwing with Tapped Axes Douglas Park, Manistee
• 2-3 p.m., Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel Douglas Park, Manistee Come meet the little legend and watch Twiggy catch some waves.
The Scottville Clown Band has been performing since 1903.
2025 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
• 3-4 p.m., “Birds of America” Page Turning & Tea Party Manistee County Library, 95 Maple St., Manistee
Explore a historic folio of “The Birds of America” with a talk and refreshments. Adults only, free admission.
• 4 p.m. to dusk, Anderson Midway Carnival Douglas Park, Manistee Rides, games, food, and family fun. Purchase tickets online.
• 5-6 p.m., Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel Douglas Park, Manistee Come meet the little legend and watch Twiggy catch some waves.
• 6-7 p.m., Fused Glass Wave Workshop
The Purple Paintbrush, 338 River St., Manistee Create a fused glass wave sun catcher. Reservations required.
• 7-7:45 p.m., Campfire Stories Story Park, Manistee County Library, 95 Maple St., Manistee Thrilling local tales. Bring chair/ blanket. Library closed during event. Adults only
• 8-10 p.m., Manistee Harbor Tours: Fireworks Cruise 428 River St. (on the Riverwalk) Purchase tickets online.
• Dusk (about 10:30 p.m.), Fireworks over Lake Michigan First Street Beach, Manistee Classic fireworks show. Rain date: July 5
Friday, July 4
• 8-9:30 a.m., 5-Minute Face Paint
The Piping Plover, 385 River St., Manistee Free face paint for kids before the parade.
• 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Floats & Popcorn
The Vogue Theatre, 383 River St., Manistee Root beer and orange floats plus popcorn served for donation.
• 9:45 a.m., Flag Raising Ceremony by United Veterans Council Corner of River and Division streets, Manistee
• 10 a.m., Independence Day Parade River Street — from Division Street to Armory Youth Project on First Street
• 10 a.m. to dusk, Whispering Pines Petting Zoo Douglas Park, Manistee Free family-friendly petting zoo
• 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., A Red, White & Boom Shop Scavenger Hunt Pure Manistee Gifts, 333 River St., Manistee Find Pure Manistee tokens and win prizes. Limit one per person.
• 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Roots on the River Kickoff Bash Veterans Memorial Park, Manistee Live music, food trucks, lawn games, local brews.
• 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Manistee Arts & Crafts Show Armory Youth Project, Manistee Handcrafted art, jewelry and gifts with live music and food vendors.
The Whispering Pines Mobile Petting Zoo has been a part of the Manistee National Forest Festival for decades.
• 11 a.m. to noon, Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel Douglas Park, Manistee
Come meet the little legend and watch Twiggy catch some waves.
• 11 a.m. to dusk, Madkat Taggers: Gel Ball Tag Douglas Park, Manistee Family-friendly gel-ball tag game; $5 per game per person.
• Noon, Great Lakes Timber Show
Douglas Park Softball Field, Manistee Free 30-minute shows — chainsaw carving, axe throwing and more.
• Noon to 5 p.m., Axe Throwing with Tapped Axes Douglas Park, Manistee
• 1 p.m. to dusk, Anderson Midway Carnival Douglas Park, Manistee Rides, games, food and family fun. Purchase tickets online.
• 2-3 p.m., Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel Douglas Park, Manistee Come meet the little legend and watch Twiggy catch some waves.
• 3 p.m.,
Great Lakes Timber Show
Douglas Park Softball Field, Manistee Free 30-minute shows chainsaw carving, axe throwing and more.
• 5-6 p.m., Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel Douglas Park, Manistee Come meet the little legend and watch Twiggy catch some waves.
• 5-7 p.m., Riverside Toys: Free Game Play Riverside Toys, 389 River St., Manistee Free board game play with adult supervision.
• 6 p.m., Great Lakes Timber Show
Douglas Park Softball Field, Manistee Free 30-minute shows chainsaw carving, axe throwing and more.
• 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Guardian Angels Church historic tour & Catholic Mass 371 5th St., Manistee Self-guided tours 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., pipe organ music, calliope outside. Catholic Mass at 6 p.m.
• 10 a.m. to dusk, Whispering Pines Petting Zoo Douglas Park, Manistee Free family-friendly petting zoo
• 11 a.m. to noon, Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel Douglas Park, Manistee Come meet the little legend and watch Twiggy catch some waves.
• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Bluey Visits the Bookstore Hoot & Honey Bookstore, 358 River St., Manistee
• 11 a.m. to dusk, Madkat Taggers: Gel Ball Tag Douglas Park, Manistee Family-friendly gel-ball tag game; $5 per game per person.
• 6-9 p.m., Manistee Beach Signs Sip & Paint Party The Purple Paintbrush, 338 River St., Manistee Guided painting with customizable beach signs. Reservations required.
• 7 p.m., Little River Band of Ottawa Indians 29th Annual Jiingtamok (Powwow) 2596 Loon Drive, Manistee
• 7-11 p.m., Manistee Beach Jam, featuring Working on Famous First Street Beach, Manistee Bring your own beverages concert event
• 8-10 p.m., Manistee Harbor Tours: Fourth of July Cruise 428 River St. (on the Riverwalk) Purchase tickets online.
Saturday, July 5
• 8-9:30 a.m., Manistee Firecracker 5K Run/Walk Manistee Middle High School, 525 12th St. Fun run at 8:15 a.m., 5K at 8:30 a.m. Registration required.
• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Forest Festival Family Day The Tabernacle Manistee Campus, 77 Hancock St. Family food, prizes and fun.
• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Yard Sale Fundraiser for 2026 Costa Rica Youth Trip Faith Covenant Church, 475 8th St.
• 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Manistee Arts & Crafts Show Armory Youth Project, Manistee Handcrafted art, jewelry, and gifts with live music and food vendors.
• 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., A Red, White & Boom Shop Scavenger Hunt Pure Manistee Gifts, 333 River St., Manistee Find Pure Manistee tokens and win prizes. Limit one per person.
• Noon, Great Lakes Timber Show Douglas Park Softball Field, Manistee Free 30-minute shows chainsaw carving, axe throwing and more.
• Noon to 3 p.m., Henna Tattoos & Face Painting The Purple Paintbrush, 338 River St. Kids face painting and henna tattoos, $5-$15, first come first served.
• Noon to 6 p.m., 19th Annual Fourth of July Cigar Event Surroundings, 423 River St.
• Noon to dusk, Anderson Midway Carnival Douglas Park, Manistee Rides, games, food, and family fun. Purchase tickets online.
• 1 p.m., Little River Band of Ottawa Indians 29th Annual Jiingtamok (Powwow) 2596 Loon Drive, Manistee
• 1-3 p.m., Little Big Shots Talent Show Armory Youth Project, 555 First St. Youth talent performances ages 4-16.
• 1-5 p.m., Manistee American Legion Post 10: Third Annual Barbecue 10 Mason St. Free meal with donations accepted. Live music, cornhole, silent auction, tap beer available.
• 2-3 p.m., Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel Douglas Park, Manistee Come meet the little legend and watch Twiggy catch some waves.
• 3 p.m., Great Lakes Timber Show Douglas Park Softball Field, Manistee Free 30-minute shows chainsaw carving, axe throwing and more.
• 3-8 p.m., Axe Throwing with Tapped Axes Douglas Park, Manistee
• 5-6 p.m., Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel Douglas Park, Manistee Come meet the little legend and watch Twiggy catch some waves.
• 5-7 p.m.,
Riverside Toys: Free Slot Car Racing
Riverside Toys, 389 River St.
• 6 p.m., Great Lakes Timber Show
Douglas Park Softball Field, Manistee Free 30-minute shows chainsaw carving, axe throwing and more.
• 7 p.m., Little River Band of Ottawa Indians 29th Annual Jiingtamok (Powwow) 2596 Loon Drive, Manistee
• 7-11 p.m.,
Manistee Beach Jam, featuring Working on Famous First Street Beach
• 8-10 p.m.,
Manistee Harbor Tours: Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise 428 River St. (on the Riverwalk) Purchase tickets online.
Sunday, July 6
• 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.,
Manistee Area Public Schools
Traditional Pancake Breakfast
Manistee Middle High School, 525 12th St.
All-you-can-eat pancakes and sausage for $10. Proceeds benefit MAPS Fine Arts Boosters.
• 10 a.m. to noon, Riverside Toys: Free Slot Car Racing
Riverside Toys, 389 River St.
• 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., A Red, White & Boom Shop Scavenger Hunt Pure Manistee Gifts, 333 River St.
Find Pure Manistee tokens and win prizes. Limit one per person.
• 10 a.m. to dusk, Whispering Pines Petting Zoo Douglas Park, Manistee Free family-friendly petting zoo
• 11 a.m. to noon, Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel Douglas Park, Manistee Come meet the little legend and watch Twiggy catch some waves.
• 11 a.m. to dusk, Madkat Taggers: Gel Ball Tag Douglas Park, Manistee Family-friendly gel-ball tag game; $5 per game per person.
• Noon, Benzie Area RC Club Air Show Douglas Park Softball Field Radio-controlled model aircraft show, free admission.
• Noon, Little River Band of Ottawa Indians 29th Annual Jiingtamok (Powwow)
2596 Loon Drive, Manistee
• Noon to 5 p.m., Axe Throwing with Tapped Axes Douglas Park, Manistee
• Noon to 5 p.m., Anderson Midway Carnival Douglas Park, Manistee Rides, games, food, and family fun. Purchase tickets online.
• 1 p.m. and 3:15 p.m., Manistee Saints v. Fulton: Baseball Home Game Kliber Field at Rietz Park, Manistee
• 2-3 p.m., Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel Douglas Park, Manistee Come meet the little legend and watch Twiggy catch some waves.
• 3-5 p.m., Scottville Clown Band Concert Lions Pavilion, Douglas Park/First Street Beach Free and fun for all ages.
• 5-6 p.m., Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel Douglas Park, Manistee Come meet the little legend and watch Twiggy catch some waves.
• 8-10 p.m., Manistee Harbor Tours: Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise 428 River St. (on the Riverwalk) Purchase tickets online.
The Manistee National Forest Festival Independence Day Parade takes place annually on July 4.
The Beach Jam brings music to First Street Beach in Manistee during the Manistee National Forest Festival.
The Tabernacle church organized a Family Day event during the Manistee National Forest Festival on July 6, 2024. This