The 2008 Saugatuck Venetian Festival kicks off on Friday the 25th and runs through Sunday the 27th. (Visit the official Festival web site to view more photos and information)
A weekend of fun and festivities is in store for the visitors to enjoy. The weatherman is calling for pleasant weather, lets hope he's right.
A boat isn't required as many of the activities are downtown, but if you have a boat bring it along and enjoy the beautiful Kalamazoo River that leads to Lake Michigan only minutes away.
Party in town or party in The Cove.
Fireworks, fun, food and music await you.
2008 Schedule of Events
Friday, July 25th 2008 Coghlin Park
(Located at corner of Culver & Griffith)
7PM - 12:00PM Kickoff Celebration
Under the tent...Live entertainment by "the Shirey Brothers"
Beer, Wine, Food, Fun, and Free Admission
Saturday, July 26th 2008
10:00 AM Art Fair in Downtown Saugatuck
11:00 AM Chicken BBQ at Wilkins Hardware
12:00 PM Dinghy Poker Run Starts at Coghlin Park
3:00 - 5:00 PM Kids Fun Area in Cooks Park
Moon Walk, Face Painting, Snow Cones, Craft Tent, and more fun for the kids.
6:00 - 9:00 PM Live Music Concert
Gazebo at Wicks Park
9:00 PM Venetian Boat Parade This Year's Theme "Movies"
10:00 PM Venetian Festival Fireworks
Over Lake Kalamazoo
Sunday, July 27th 2008
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Awards Brunch at Coral Gables
Tickets Available at the Door
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Classic Old Boat Show at
Dinghy Dock area in Coghlin Park
Duane, I think it's great fun you get another set of fireworks here towards the end of the month. How cool is that??
Gary, so true, we had a gathering for the 4th and now get to see them from a friends boat again this weekend, love it!
Thanks for stopping by,
Duane
This sounds like it would be a lot of fun! I hope you get to enjoy some of the festivities!
Rich, wish you were closer, it is a great time. We are hitting the fireworks for sure.
Duane - It sound like a blast. But I have a question and hope you can explain or send send some pic's. What is a Dinghy Poker Run? Please expain to this dumb Texan. I think a Dinghy is a boat but when I hear Poker I'm not so sure. I need an explanation please.
Carl
Duane: What a great 3-day weekend, huh?! You have a great time and take lots of pictures and bring them back and share with us!
Duane, This sounds wonderful! I'd be starting right at 10am and end up staying till the fireworks. Have a great time if you get to go!
Saugatuck is truly a unique destination! Great bed & breakfasts, tasty restaurants, and many pleasant memories. I'm more familiar with the art & film festivals there, but the Venetian Festival looks like a great time! Saugatuck sure knows how to pull in the people - Looking forward to your photos.
Duane: Sounds like a blast! I heard that Saugatuck is a great party town...This must be a part of the reason!
Carl, you are correct a Dingy is a boat, (see photo) what I understand is each contestant goes to a designated site, picks up a random card, then goes to the next site, at the end, the one with the best hand wins.
They do the same with snow mobiles and motorcycles around the US I heard.
Sounds like fun.
Debe, should be a great time. Not sure how much we are going to get to enjoy, but we are hitting the fireworks for sure.
Carole, gonna be a busy town, but a lot of fun. Were off to breakfast and may wander through town afterwards.
Lynn, thank you, they do know how to bring people in. Sounds like you have enjoyed our great city before.
Kim, it can be a bit of a party time, that's the cool thing. Pretty neat blend of activities to be had for all ages. Thanks for stopping by, Duane
I missed it. How were the fireworks? I also missed the Coast Gaurd fest..
Robert, the fireworks were better then the 4th of July. There were a lot of people in town that weekend and the weather cooperated. Hopefully next year for ya. Are you going to make a road trip out here some time? Coffee's on me.
From the looks of these photos...looks like a fun times was had by all.
Jim, it was great watching people. Thanks for stopping by.
Duane