Dear Members and Friends,
In Mackinaw City Labor Day is our favorite day. For exhausted business owners its a sigh of relief when it passes, for the Chamber of Commerce it's a day of celebration watching our city come alive with visitors from around the world. We are proud and honored to be a part of this annual state-wide tradition.
Just a reminder on a few of the really important (and frequently forgotten) rules:
NO WAGONS.
That rule has not changed... it's a safety precaution (your child and gear should be safe and in front of you, not in tow behind). Wagons present a tripping hazard to others.
No one
will be permitted onto the bridge with a wagon.
NO PETS.
Yes, of course service animals are welcome...that is it. No recreational companion cats, dogs, birds, etc.. No one will be permitted on the bridge with a pet.
NOBODY
is crossing center span after 10 am. All participants will be turned back in the direction they started from.
Beginning at 10 a.m., the turnaround point will be moved towards the ends of the bridge, but you may start walking up until 11:30 a.m.
This restriction will ensure that the bridge is able to reopen to traffic at noon.
NO WALKING IN CENTER LANES.
Both center lanes are reserved for emergency vehicles. Walkers
will use the left-hand outside paved lane as they walk onto the bridge, regardless of which end of the bridge they start from. Walkers who turn back at the midpoint will turn right, then return using the opposite side outside paved lane. Walkers who choose to cross the entire bridge will stay in the left-hand outside paved lane all the way across.
Ample parking is available throughout Mackinaw City, but it could be a considerable walk to get to the bridge. Please encourage guests to factor additional time into their morning plan for parking and walking.
All participants must walk to the base of the bridge- the 339 Exit Nicolet/Jamet Street ramp near Audie's Restaurant. The walk will begin and end in this location. No public transportation is available in Mackinaw City. Many hotels may offer transportation accommodations for guests; inquire at the front desk. Ferry lines may offer service to and from boats.
The bridge will close from 6:30 a.m. to noon. The Michigan Fitness Foundation Labor Day Bridge Run will cross first, as in previous years. The walk will begin at 7:00 a.m. lead by the Governor.
St. Ignace will offer busing for participants from Little Bear East Arena to the base of the bridge and back. Certificates will be given from both sides of the bridge.
Please take a moment to review all of the information below, note the ferry service options and watch the informational video by the Mackinac Bridge Authority; it illustrates the details of the new format. If possible, please share this video on your social media and/or website to help educate visitors.
ALSO, please read below to learn how participants can support our local Chamber and be a "Double Crosser" this year- do the whole ten miles!
If you would like to serve as a volunteer, we are recruiting! It takes about 50 people on the Mackinaw City side to make our event a success, please give us a call if you are interested in helping out. Volunteers will be entered in a drawing for a tower tour and anchor pier tour generously donated by the Mackinac Bridge Authority.
Thank you, and happy walking!
Jamie Westfall
Executive Director
Greater Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce
(231)436-5574
jamie@mackinawchamber.com
