St. Ignace is host to several events that revolve around its internationally known gateway, the Mackinac Bridge. This summer two of the many Northern Michigan events invite people to parade on the bridge itself, as the centerpiece of entertainment on the weekend of August 4–5, and on Labor Day weekend.
Mini’s on the Mack, August 4–5, World Record Attempt
For the third time, U.S. owners of MINI Coopers will attempt to break a Guinness World Record for the largest ever MINI Cooper Parade. (Three’s a charm?) They tallied well over 1,300 in 2015 and have faith that this will be the year they steal the record from England. The current record is 1,450 MINIs held by the London and Surrey MINI Club Owners in the United Kingdom.
Even if you don’t own a MINI, the spectacle of the parade and St. Ignace entertainment surrounding the event make this weekend a must-do for auto fans and car-curious folks.
Check out the official event website 2017 MINI on the Mack, for complete details and the schedule which includes:
Friday, August 4
10 a.m.–10 p.m. Registration and pre-ordered T-shirt pick up at Little Bear East Arena, 275 Marquette St., St. Ignace.
Saturday, August 5
7 a.m. REGISTRATION OPENS & packets available for pick-up all day
9:30 a.m. Please have your cars parked and ready to go at Little Bear East Arena, St. Ignace
10 a.m. MINI ON THE MACK RALLY! End back at Little Bear East Arena (TWO bridge crossings! Included in your registration fee)
12–3 p.m. Lunch, Music, Announcements, Giveaways & FUN with fellow MINIACS!
4 p.m.–2 a.m. Shuttle Available (no charge)
7–10 p.m. Saturday Night Live! In the St. Ignace area on Saturday there will be music and fun and the evening will end with Fireworks Over The Bay at 10 p.m. (or dusk)
Mighty Mackinac Bridge Walk Labor Day 2017
One high point of your 2017 Labor Day weekend in St. Ignace might be the Saturday fireworks? Or perhaps the all-day crafts show on Saturday at the City Marina parking lot is your thing? But for most people, the annual Mighty Mackinac Bridge Walk on Monday morning Labor Day Weekend, September 4, 2017, is the pinnacle. For some, it’s a lifetime bucket list item and others make it an annual trek.
It’s roughly a 2-hour walk across the 5-mile Mackinac Bridge. At midpoint, walkers are nearly 200 feet above the water. For security this year, the bridge will be closed to all vehicles (except official vehicles) during the walk, so this year’s photos will have the added benefit of less traffic in the shots.
To join in the fun, meet in St. Ignace that morning, park your vehicle and walk the bridge. The walk begins after the Governor’s party starts at 7 a.m. You need to start your walk before 10 a.m. Once across, you can take a $5 bus ride back over the bridge to your car.
Participants in the walk who intend to drive across the bridge for the start should do so prior to 6:30 a.m. Otherwise, participants should plan to use the official walk shuttle buses to reach St. Ignace during the walk hours. For more information or other options, check out the Bridge Authority.