63rd annual Harbor Days kicks off Aug. 1

By: 
Barb Mosher, Contributing Writer

Review file photo

Along with a carnival from Arnold Amusements, a host of concerts, events and activities are scheduled for this year's Harbor Days, Aug. 1-4 in Elk Rapids.

ELK RAPIDS – It was the mid 1950s. Gas sold for 22 cents per gallon, coffee for 85 cents per pound. Elvis Presley released his first RCA single, “Heartbreak Hotel,” Dwight D. Eisenhower defeated Adlai Stevenson, again, in the United States presidential election, and Elk Rapids hosted its first “Harbor Days.”

The festival began as a one-day event to raise money for construction of the village harbor. Today, Harbor Days is a four-day celebration packed from sunup to sundown with activities for all ages. It still serves as an opportunity for local organizations to raise funds for projects that help make Elk Rapids a robust community all year long.

This year’s festival runs Aug. 1-4 and under the guidance of first-year executive director Doreen McGuire. McGuire is no stranger to the celebration. She served on Harbor Days’ 2017 board of directors and oversaw the festival’s information booths.

“I got to see how it moved, how all the pieces fit together,” she said. “But this being my inaugural year (as director), I’m kind of keeping things the way they were while adding a few new things.”

McGuire brings to her position a wealth of experience in event management and fundraising. Her background in small business ownership and merchant association development enables her to successfully coordinate multiple interests into a cohesive endeavor. So, residents and visitors can look forward to the 63rd celebration of not just Elk Rapids’ beautiful harbor, but the community spirit that makes the village thrive.

Read the full story in our regular edition of The Review. To subscribe to the paper for just $34 a year, which includes access to our full online e-edition, please go to the subscription page on this website at: http://www.antrimreview.net/subscribe/

 

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