HOUGHTON LAKE – Marshal Doug Mueller kicked off 2021 Houghton Lake Village Days as the official village marshal. The weekend started off with our annual gathering around the flag for the Pledge of Allegiance and Star Spangled Banner. Narube /corp Veteran Marc Milburn assisted with the ceremony.
Festivities kicked off with Three P’s Carriage Rides that included stories and funny bits along the way. There were also costumed characters throughout almost all of the buildings offering bits of history and stories of the past, as well as candle making, crossbow shooting, axe throwing and living historians replicating encampments from the late 1800’s Pioneer living.
“Grandma’s Trunk” offered a chance to dress up in old-time wardrobe and get your picture, as well as some cute kid’s games for the kids to pass some time. Carolyn McCleary and her daughter were both on hand for their annual bake sale, which was a great success, as they sold out all of their goodies and were able to donate the funds to the village.
- Russ Franzen joined the group to share songs of the Great Lakes. Bryan Jeske shared some newer tunes.
- Bob Barnum shared his keyboard talents.
- Magic show with Charmin’ J aka/ popular Northern Michigan Magician Jania Taylor. We were very pleased to have not one, but four blacksmiths doing demonstrations in the blacksmith shop this year.
- Billy Chandanais from Bill’s Tree Service and Removal demonstrating log cutting and tree climbing in all his climbing gear.
- Houghton Lake native Tim Consani shared his gospel music during the Sunday morning breakfast.
“It was wonderful to see so many young families out with their kids this year enjoying the village, as well as a lot of the old timers,” said Ronda Brown-Spears. “And now we prepare for Village Days 2022 and our 50th year anniversary.
“We plan to go all out (next year) and bring in a lot of new additions to our event, as well as bring back some of the old traditions. We’re excited for what the future holds for our beautiful village and playhouse.”
Visit Houghton Lake Historical Village Days on Facebook, and watch for upcoming information in Up North Voice.
