Set sail for the Great Lakes Boating Festival

GROSSE POINTE SHORES — Summer is just around the corner, and for many Michiganders, that means time spent on the water.

To get people ready to enjoy a fun season of outdoor recreation, the Great Lakes Boating Festival returns to the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club, 788 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Shores, where it will run from noon to 7 p.m. May 20 and noon to 5 p.m. May 21. Admission is free.

This event has been taking place for more than 30 years, but this is the first time it’s being helmed by the Michigan Boating Industries Association.

Amanda Wendecker, vice president of marketing for the MBIA, said it made sense for them to take over when the previous organizer retired. She said they were already coordinating most of the vendors anyway.

“We’re just happy for it to be back,” Wendecker said. “It’s going to be the same successful show it’s always been.”

The festival couldn’t be held last year because the GPYC marina was undergoing renovations. This year, attendees will get to see the redone marina as they browse among some 75 vendors — including at least one canoe company. Boats up to 60 feet in length will be displayed on land and in the water. In addition, there will be an art fair, music by the band Circle City Steel, lawn games, cocktails and food served by Flavors Food Truck. Although there’s no admission cost, attendees will need to bring money or some other form of payment if they want to get food or beverages.

“There’s all kinds of things to see,” Wendecker said. “It’s a great atmosphere.”

She said the event has typically attracted around 4,000 visitors over the weekend.

Parking at the GPYC costs $20 per vehicle, but attendees can park for free and take a complimentary shuttle from nearby Parcells Middle School, 20600 Mack Ave. in Grosse Pointe Woods (at the intersection of Mack and Vernier Road). Wendecker said two shuttles will be running continuously throughout the festival.

Get a sneak peek at the show during the Summer Breeze Kick-off Party May 19. The party is a fundraiser for the Grosse Pointe Youth Nautical Foundation, which awards scholarships to high school graduates who are sailors, supports school sailing programs and provides grants to young sailors who need to travel for national competitive events.

“Come out and see beautiful boats,” Wendecker said. “It’s just going to be a fun, family-friendly event. It’s the unofficial kickoff to summer.”

The event coincides with National Safe Boating Week, which runs May 20 to May 26.

For tickets to the kick-off party or more information about the festival, visit greatlakesboatingfestival.com.