Welcome PRIDE OF MICHIGAN and Sea Cadets to Michigan’s Thumb
Friday, July 6 ? Sunday, July 15, 2012
Experience the Noble Odyssey Foundation and its research and training vessel, ?Pride of Michigan? up close and personal in Michigan?s thumb.? Mark your calendar and plan to join your friends to learn about the Noble Odyssey Foundation?s ?mission of Exploration, Research and Education with projects related to the natural history of the aquatic environment, primarily in the Great Lakes.? In the process, they develop maritime interests and skills of young people, such as Naval Sea Cadets of the Great Lakes Division.? The lighthouse preservation groups of Port Austin, Pte Aux Barques and Harbor Beach will also showcase their wonderful pieces of nautical history with special events, tours and presentations for the public to learn about our local lighthouses.
PORT AUSTIN?.Welcome ?Pride of Michigan? back to the Port Austin harbor with an open house on Saturday, July 6.? The 2011 visit was a huge success.? If you missed it, here?s your chance to meet the crew and cadets and tour the ship.? In addition, the Visitor?s Center located at ????? will be open each day from 7am to 11pm.? Check out the displays and be sure to attend one of the special presentations from 5-7 pm daily July 7-14.
Charter trips around the Port Austin Reef Light will be available by reservation only and a $20 donation from 5-7 pm during this special week.? This is a first come, first serve basis, so call 989-738-6555 to reserve your spot today.
There will be unique ?work party? on Saturday, July 7, from 9am to 3pm.?? If you have ever wanted to be involved and contribute to one of Michigan?s ?castles?, call 989-738-6555 and reserve your spot!? What a view and what a contribution to the Port Austin Reef Light Association.? Thanks for your help!
POINTE AUX BARQUES
The Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse Society welcomes you to the Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse.? This 1857 structure and the Keepers Museum will be open each day from 10am to 7pm. ?There is no admission charge but donations are appreciated. Shipwreck Stories will be presented each day at 1pm in the Restoration Room.? There will be limited hours of operation for the Gift Shop.
HARBOR BEACH
The ?Pride of Michigan? will dock at the Harbor Beach Municipal Marina beginning on Sunday, July 8 to begin a busy week of sea cadet training.? In the spirit of Exploration, Research and Education, the Noble Odyssey Foundation encourages everyone to come and meet the crew and cadets, tour the training and research vessel and learn a little?or a lot?about our nautical history.? Be sure not to miss this wonderful experience in Harbor Beach.
Wednesday, July 10-Saturday, July 14?.Tours of ?Pride of Michigan? will be available at no charge.? Tours will be available each evening from 6:30-8:30 and day time tours will be available based on the training schedules.? Check with the marina office for daily tour availability.
Tour the Harbor Beach Lighthouse by calling 989-479-9707 to reserve your spot for the chartered boat ride and guided tour of the harbor, breakwall and lighthouse.? You may also register at harborbeachlighthouse.org.? The tours are $20 per person and also include a pass to the Grice Museum, which houses many interesting artifacts of local history, including the original Fourth Order Fresnel Lens from the Harbor Beach Lighthouse. ?This tour is weather permitting and additional tour dates will be added to the schedule as needed.
Wednesday, July 10?LIVE Broadcast with Captain Luke Clyburn from the Pride of Michigan at 12:00 noon.? Enjoy viewing the latest Noble Odyssey Foundation documentary films at the Harbor Beach Community Theater from 2-4 pm.? There is no charge, donations are appreciated and concessions will be available in the theater lobby.? At 7:30pm,?? come and hear about the Noble Odyssey Foundation from its founder, Captain Luke Clyburn.? Captain Clyburn, will explain the NOF program, its beginnings, mission and answer questions from the audience during this evening presentation.
Thursday, July 11?.Tours of the ship 6:30pm?.Meet and Greet the Captain, Crew and Cadets with a welcome reception at Waterworks Park?7pm
Friday, July 12?..Tours of the ship?..6:30 pm
Saturday, July 13?.Lighthouse Tours? 10am ? 1 pm?? Tours of the Ship?.6:30pm?.Fireworks at Dusk.