Truckers and Tractors to Roll Across the Mackinac Bridge in September
If your fandoms run toward the vehicular end of things, there are two upcoming events happening the Mackinac Bridge that you shouldn’t miss:
Annual Mackinac Bridge Antique Tractor Crossing
Sept. 8
The nationally syndicated TV show Small Town Big Deal covered it last year. In 2015, when cable network RFD-TV featured Mackinac Bridge’s annual antique tractor crossing on its program Classic Tractor, about 1,000 tractors made the trek. In 2016, when the nationally syndicated TV show Small Town Big Deal covered the event, a record 1,326 tractors showed up. For 2017, participation is expected to hit its maximum capacity: 1,500 antique tractors.
“It’s our 10th year, and it’s a big one — we expect record numbers,” said event coordinator Rebecca Canze, “and we’ve never had to cap participation before! I’m sure it’s because more people are aware of it due to the TV coverage.”
The event is exactly what its name suggests: A group of tractor enthusiasts from all over Michigan — and several this year from New York and Texas — bring their tractors Up North, and they all caravan across the Mackinac Bridge. Afterward, the tractors are on display at the Little Bear East Arena in St. Ignace, alongside concession stands, an antique snowmobile show, raffles and giveaways, a lumberjack show, and the “Tractor Games” complete with prizes. “The games are hilarious, especially the one where two guys have to wear dresses and race their tractors,” Canze said. “That’s a don’t-miss event.”
All events except the bridge crossing take place in downtown St. Ignace and at the Little Bear East Arena. This show is free and open to the public. For more information visit mackinacbridgecrossing.com or call (989) 729-6567.
22nd Annual Richard Crane Memorial Big Rig Truck Show
Sept. 15–17
Launched by a group of friends as a tribute to the late Richard Crane, the founder of the American Truck Driving School in Texas and a pal of St. Ignace Car Show founder Ed Reavie, St. Ignace’s Big Rig Truck Show honors both Crane and the vehicles that dominate America’s highways: semi-trucks.
“Truckers pride themselves on decorating these trucks with cool paint jobs, neon, underglow lights, chrome, all kinds of embellishments,” said Quincy Ranville, director of the St. Ignace Visitor’s Bureau. “It’s quite a sight to see.”
The most spectacular part of the event (on Friday night) is the Parade of Lights, when more than 150 full-length semis drive across the bridge from St. Ignace to Mackinaw City and back again. It isn’t a simple lineup of trucks — these big rigs are on full display, with lights flashing and spinning, neon glowing bright, and specialty horns honking as they go.
“Bridge View Park in St. Ignace is the best place to watch from the north side,” Ranville said, “and there are lots of good spots to watch the parade from Mackinaw City — you can go to Fort Michilimackinac Park, or even sit at Audie’s (restaurant) and see it.”
All of the semi-trucks are on display Saturday; other events over the weekend include live music, food and craft vendors, a swap meet, and an awards ceremony on Sunday morning to recognize the standout semis.
This year’s special guest will be Alex Debogorski, a 26-year trucking veteran and star of the History Channel show Ice Road Truckers. He’ll offer autographs and photo opportunities.
All events, except the bridge parade, take place in downtown St. Ignace and at the Little Bear East Arena. This show is free and open to the public. For more information visit stignace.org or call (906) 643-6950.