(Munising, Michigan) -The second annual Yoopers Ride Free and Pictured Rocks Day was a huge success! Pictured Rocks Cruises of Munising estimated around 700 more participants this year than last, for a total of 1,679 Yoopers taking the cruise. The cruises offered fifteen special trips throughout the day, and accommodated people from 74 Upper Peninsula communities. Every Upper Peninsula resident that was willing to wait was able to take the cruise for free.
While waiting for their cruise departure time, the Alger County Chamber of Commerce held the first “Pictured Rocks Day” and many Upper Peninsula residents enjoyed the beautiful weather in Bayshore Park. Around 60 vendors and many bands provided excellent entertainment in the park, and many area residents participated in the festivities. “This was the first year that the Alger County Chamber did activities at Bayshore Park. We were extremely happy with the success and look forward to this event growing in the coming years,” stated Kathy Reynolds, Director of the Alger County Chamber. It’s estimated that over 5,000 people came to Bayshore Park to participate in the festivities.
“This is an outstanding example of a company giving back to their community by providing a free national park experience for the residents of the Upper Peninsula. I sincerely hope that this becomes an annual event,” said Tim Good, acting superintendent of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Pictured Rocks Cruises, Inc. manager, John Madigan, was very happy with the success of the event. He expressed his appreciation for Alger County Chamber, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, the cruise employees, and all the Upper Peninsula residents that attended the event for helping make Pictured Rocks Day successful. The hope is to offer the free cruises next year on Saturday, June 14th and again celebrate Pictured Rocks Day with activities in the park.
