Arts & Entertainment

5 Parades Over Mackinac Bridge This Year

From mustangs to antique tractors, here are the cool processions happening over the Mackinac Bridge this summer.

Several parades will take place on the Mackinac Bridge in 2019.
Several parades will take place on the Mackinac Bridge in 2019. (Image via Mackinaw Area Visitors Bureau)

MICHIGAN —Each year, a handful of special parades are held in which the participants travel across the 5-mile Mackinac Bridge. These events are fun not only for the participants, but for visitors in downtown Mackinaw City as well. Please add these dates to your summer travel calendar:

Saturday, July 20 6th Annual Mustang Stampede

Celebrating the classic Ford muscle car which was first introduced in 1964. Dozens of cars will be on display from 10am-4pm in Conkling Heritage Park, followed by the bridge parade at 4:30pm. Dinner follows, with live music and the awards ceremony.

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Saturday, August 3 Mini on the Mack (www.minionthemack.com)

Help break the English-held “World Record for Largest-ever MINI Cooper Parade” during this spectacular bi-annual (the current record of 1450 is held by the Surrey MINI Club Owners in the UK). In 2017, 1328 cars participated in the Straits area event (up from 1319 in 2015) and this year hopes to be the biggest group to date.

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Saturday, August 24 30th Annual Corvette Crossroads

Hundreds of Corvettes are on display at the Mackinaw Crossings Mall parking lot from 10-2, with awards in a variety of categories presented at 3pm. The procession lines up at 6pm, with the crossing of the Mackinac Bridge at 7pm. All Corvettes in town are welcome to cross the Mackinac Bridge (there is a nominal fee for non-show registered ‘Vettes to participate in the parade).

Friday, September 6 12 Annual Antique Tractor Crossing (www.mackinacbridgecrossing.com)

First held in 2008 (with 614 participants), this parade feature all makes, models, shapes and sizes of vintage tractors and farm equipment from around the country (and beyond). The line-up begins in downtown Mackinaw City at 9am, with the procession traveling across the bridge to downtown St. Ignace, ending at the Little Bear Arena. Last year, over 1,300 tractors joined in the parade.

The truck parade Saturday, September 14

Part of the 24th Annual Richard Crane Memorial Truck Show. Come see the semi-trucks parade across the lights at dusk with extraordinary paint/artwork and neon light displays.

For lodging reservations throughout the summer season, visit MackinawCity.com/stay/.

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