When thinking of "Coast Guard City USA," one might assume the moniker finds itself near an ocean.
And near the ocean are many. Other cities have been recognized by the military branch for their welcoming of service members and their families. Places like San Diego or Key West; popular port cities with nice sea breezes, big beaches and warm weather – all things the USCG might look for in its capital towns.
But the original Coast Guard City USA, a label first decreed by Congress in 1998 and signed by the president, isn't near an ocean at all. The nation's first Coast Guard-friendly city finds itself in a small town, on a lake.
In Michigan.
Grand Haven, a small city on the coast of Lake Michigan between Holland and Muskegon, is home to a U.S. Great
Lakes Coast Guard station located at the foot of the Grand River.
The base, to the surprise of many Michiganders, is home to the nation's largest Coast Guard festival, a massive 10-day event honoring past service members.
After more than 100 years, Grand Haven's historic Coast Guard Festival brings new attractions for the public to enjoy on one of the Mitten's finest lakeshores. Eventgoers enjoy a range of experiences around the town – including live music, a fireworks show and tours of current and retired USCG vessels, one of which has unexpected origins.
A chip off the old block
What originally began in 1924 as a personnel-only picnic, where the local Coast Guard station held a slew of rowing competitions for its service members, the festival has since grown to a draw of more than 350,000 people – including some of the Coast Guard's highest dignitaries from Washington, D.C.
The newest addition is brought to festivalgoers thanks to Rosie the Riveter and a Minnesota Trucking magnate: the restored U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Sundew, an ice-breaking buoy tender built during World War II, will make the journey across Lake Michigan from its current home in Wisconsin for visitors to tour.
First commissioned to Lake Superior in 1944, the ship was restored by current owner Jeff Foster, a former trucking executive. Foster, who took the keys to the ship in 2009, bought it at auction after some time as a floating museum following its retirement.
Foster suggested to Northern News Now that he thinks the vessel's long life could be attributed to the craftsmanship of the women who worked in the Minnesota shipyards during World War II.
“My wife likes to say the Sundew is in such good shape because Rosie the Riveter worked on her,” he said.
How to visit:
The 10-day festival begins Thursday, July 23, with regular events scheduled until its finale on Aug. 1.
Festivalgoers can expect a full lineup of family-friendly events including a 5k and 10k run, parades, fireworks, live music and more in honor of Coast Guard members and their service.
Live music stages include tributes to 60s, 70s and 80s rock bands, country artists and a final performance Aug. 1 from pianomen tribute Elton & Billy, accompanied by the festival's fireworks show. For tickets and more information, click here.
Information for fireworks, live music, Coast Guard events and more can also be found on its website. Click here for the schedule.
Information for parking, lodging and festival directions can also be found on the website.
Harrison Stidolph is an intern with the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at HStidolph@freepress.com. Instagram: harrison_stidolph
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 'Coast Guard City USA' hosts annual festival in this Michigan city
