HARBOR BEACH MARITIME FESTIVAL
BIGGER AND BETTER!
by Janis Stein

Small towns and cities celebrating summer festivals is as American as apple pie, and Harbor Beach celebrates like no other, hosting its fifth annual Maritime Festival Wednesday through Sunday, July 13 - July 17, 2005. With tons of activities planned for the five-day event, rest assured there is something for everyone.

The "Head to Toe Talent Show", sponsored by The Friends of the Library, kicks off Wednesday evening at 7 PM. Those with talent (And even those without!) are welcome to audition for the show at the Harbor Beach Community House on Tuesday, June 28, at 6 PM. Please call Freda Hentschl at 989-479-6353 for more details or to schedule an audition time. Acts are bound to include song, dance and anything in between, and top performances will be awarded.

Be sure to hit the beach at 6 PM, Thursday evening, July 14, to witness the War at the Shore. This "Battle of the Bands" will continue until 11 PM. Judging will be based on overall performance, with music ranging from Rock to Heavy Metal.

Ray C's will be on site Friday, Saturday and Sunday offering demo rides on Kawasaki and SeaDoo skis for those ready to get their feet wet; Ray C's will also be featuring their Maritime Festival Inventory Blow-Out Sale. SeaDoo is scheduled to be on hand Friday and Saturday as well, offering demo rides for those interested in trying their luck at jet skiing.

Those with the itch to ride may want to participate in the Invitational slated to begin Friday evening. This event welcomes beginners and seasoned riders alike to demonstrate their riding abilities as they skim over the waters of Lake Huron.

New to the festival this year and prior to the Invitational, H&R Block will demonstrate their talents reach far beyond tax preparation as a handful of H&R Block teams from across the state as well as possible teams from Indiana and Ohio hit the water in a hot jet ski racing competition. Will the local H&R Block team led by Marilyn Townley prove they have the home advantage? Make your way to the pier Friday afternoon to share the fun and see the action!

Aqua Marine will also be at the festival Friday, Saturday and Sunday offering XBoard demo rides for those who dare. According to their website (www.xboard.com), all you need to do is "imagine a surf board with a jet engine and you get the idea behind XBoard."

The pet parade will take place on Friday and is sure to bring a smile to the faces of owners and spectators alike. Slated for Friday night is the annual car cruise, and if that doesn't get your heart pumping, be sure to kick up your heels at the Country & Western dance at the North Park Pavilion.

While strolling around, be sure to treat yourself to the many concessions throughout the festival. The Zion concession stand will feature breakfast sandwiches along with many more options, and be sure to quench your thirst with refreshments served by the American Legion. On Saturday, don't miss the chicken barbecue sponsored by the FFA; this meal will keep fans coming back year after year!

Top the night off Friday evening by listening and dancing to the beat of Groove Circle (www.groovecircle.org). Playing together for three years, Groove Circle is simply Rock & Roll at its finest!

Start Saturday morning right with a hearty breakfast at North Park before participating in the 5K Walk/Run, sponsored by the Harbor Beach Community Hospital beginning at 9 AM. Kids of all ages will enjoy the face painting, and they are sure to have a ball playing the many children's games scheduled for Saturday and Sunday afternoon. The Moon Walk is always a popular attraction, sponsored by Let's Go Fishing, as is the Trout Pond.

The Thumb Watercross Challenge promises spectators thrills and chills both Saturday and Sunday. Join the many spectators on the pier to get the best of views of the hottest jet ski racing in the country.

Looking for a change of pace? Be sure to check out the car show on Saturday or take in "The Lore of the Light" - a historical view of the Harbor Beach lighthouse, beginning at 2 PM. Those looking for a little more excitement are guaranteed to find it at the Texas Hold 'em Poker Tournament beginning at 7 PM Saturday night.

One of the greatest highlights of the entire festival is the Budweiser/Novi Can-Am Cup Race scheduled for Saturday evening. Bring American flags and wear patriotic shirts because this event will broadcast live on the internet. The Can-Am festivities will begin with the 3D SeaDoo challenge. Twelve of the fastest riders selected from the Invitational will be separated into three teams. One rider will ride standing up, one sitting down, one cart style and the fourth will have their choice. With many great local contenders in the Invitational mix, this event will surely be a favorite.

As the Can-Am activities continue, Canadians and Americans will then go ski to ski in a fight to the finish, representing themselves and their respective countries. While a trophy is always nice, bragging rights are even better. Just ask last year's American winners!

Back by popular demand Saturday night is Country Rock music by Thom Ellis. His tunes will have visitors tapping their toes and even the old-timers will find themselves dancing like teenagers! Ellis's music resumes again after one of the finest fireworks displays in the area lights up the sky.

Join Harbor Beach in celebrating their annual Maritime Festival; between the battles on the lake and the action on shore, this year's festival promises all-around entertainment!