46th Annual Rogers City Nautical Festival Kicks Off

The 46th annual Nautical Festival is underway in Rogers City, beginning on Tuesday night at 6pm with the Sailor’s Memorial.

The memorial honors those who have lost their lives on the great lakes, including the S.S. Carl D. Bradley that claimed the lives of 33 of the crew members.

“I think the Sailor’s Memorial is a perfect way to start the festival because those two ships that sank had a huge impact on this town, and I think it’s important to remember that,” said Captain of the Cason J. Calloway, Mike Merrick. “I think it’s great that they start it off with the Sailor’s Memorial.”

After the Sailor’s Memorial, the Rogers City City Band performed in the band shell. There was also a Texas Hold ‘Em tournament in the big tent.

The Nautical Festival is special to the people of Rogers City for several reasons, but the tight community may be the biggest element.

“The first thing that pops into my mind is the people,” said Rogers City resident Clifford Fisher, who sang the National Anthem at the Sailor’s Memorial. “How wonderful they are, they’ve received us with open arms, it’s like I’ve found my hometown.”

Rogers City is a special place for so many people in the community, and the Nautical Festival captures everything that makes Rogers City what it is.

“This really brings out a lot of the great things about Rogers City,” said Merrick. “We have a great marina here, the downtown area, and yeah, Nautical Festival is a perfect thing for our town.”

Festivities will continue throughout the week at the Nautical Festival in Rogers City until this coming Sunday, August 6th.