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== Culture == [[File:Fort Mackinac from water.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Ships docked in a harbor|Harbor, as seen from the village]] ===Events=== Mackinac Island is home to many cultural events, including an annual show of [[Visual art of the United States|American art]] from the Masco collection of 19th-century works at the Grand Hotel. Five art galleries operate on the island.<ref>{{cite web |last=Slevin |first=Mary McGuire |title=The Arts |publisher=Mackinacisland.org |url=http://www.mackinacisland.org/arts.html |access-date=March 10, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061209040855/http://www.mackinacisland.org/arts.html <!--Added by H3llBot--> |archive-date=December 9, 2006}}</ref> Since 1949, the island's residents have been celebrating the island's native [[lilac]]s with [[Lilac Festival (Mackinac Island)|an annual spring 10-day festival]]. It culminates in a parade of horse-drawn vehicles, which has been recognized as a local legacy event by the [[Library of Congress]].<ref>{{cite web|title=History |publisher=Mackinac Island Lilac Festival |url=http://www.mackinacislandlilacfestival.com/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060420072053/http://www.mackinacislandlilacfestival.com/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 20, 2006 |access-date=March 11, 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Tocqueville's Mackinac |work=Tocqueville's America |publisher=University of Virginia |url=http://xroads.virginia.edu/~HYPER/DETOC/TOUR/macktxt.html |access-date=July 20, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303174412/http://xroads.virginia.edu/~HYPER/DETOC/TOUR/macktxt.html |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Summer on the Lakes, in 1843 |publisher=University of Illinois Press |url=http://www.press.uillinois.edu/pre95/0-252-06164-0.html |access-date=July 20, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060905061256/http://www.press.uillinois.edu/pre95/0-252-06164-0.html |archive-date=September 5, 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Preservation of Thoreau Country |publisher=The Thoreau Society |year=2006 |url=http://www.thoreausociety.org/_resources_preservation.htm |access-date=July 20, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070705043507/http://www.thoreausociety.org/_resources_preservation.htm |archive-date=July 5, 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Havranek |first=Carrie |title=Lose Yourself on the Tiny, Exclusive, Still-Affordable Mackinac Island |publisher=Frommer's |date=May 19, 2005 |url=http://www.frommers.com/articles/2834.html |access-date=July 20, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Michigan Salutes Mackinac Island |work=Documents News from Around the State |publisher=Michigan State University |date=June 1995 |url=http://www.lib.msu.edu/harris23/red_tape/stat9502.htm#3 |access-date=July 20, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070813155633/http://www.lib.msu.edu/harris23/red_tape/stat9502.htm#3 |archive-date=August 13, 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref>{{citekill|date=May 2023}} The July 20, 2019, running of the [[Port Huron to Mackinac Boat Race]] was the 95th such annual event, with 202 sailboats registered in the 204-nautical mile-race from [[Port Huron]] to the island.<ref>[https://blackburnnews.com/sarnia/sarnia-news/2019/07/19/95th-running-race-mackinac/ "95th running of the race to Mackinac"], Blackburn News</ref> The race was reported to have continued over the years in spite of wars and economic depressions.<ref>[https://www.thetimesherald.com/story/news/2019/07/11/not-even-world-war-has-stopped-port-huron-mackinac-island-sailboat-race/1683376001/ "Not even a World War has stopped the Port Huron-to-Mackinac Island Sailboat Race"], ''The Times Herald''</ref><ref>[http://www.mackinacblog.com/?p=88 "2019 Bell’s Beer Bayview Mackinac Race – July 20 – 23, 2019"], Mackinac blog</ref> A similar sailboat race from [[Chicago]] to the island, most recently held on July 22 to 25, 2023, was the 114th event in the [[Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac]], with 266 sailboats competing.<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20190720155801/https://www.cycracetomackinac.com/111th-cycrtm-a-tricky-tactical-race/ "111th CYCRTM: A Tricky, Tactical Race"]}}, CYC Race to Mackinac</ref> The island is a destination for many regionally and nationally proclaimed conferences, including the Mackinac Policy Conference.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.freep.com/story/news/2017/05/31/mackinac-policy-conference-2017-five-things/350441001/|title=Mackinac Policy Conference 2017: Five things to watch|work=Detroit Free Press|access-date=2017-07-07|language=en}}</ref> Another special event that Mackinac island is known for is the Mackinac Island Fudge Festival which takes place in August. Phil Porter wrote a book called "Fudge: Mackinac's Sweet Souvenir" which explains how fudge became such a popular treat in Mackinac. After the fur trade, this island became a summer vacationing spot. The visitors began to associate sweets with the island. It originally started when Native Americans began collecting maple sugar but in the 1800s the Murdick family created the first real candy store. The world faced sugar rations in the first half of the 20th century due to the Great Depression and wars that were taking place. The fudge shops in the island had very little business, but the Murdick family did not give up hope! They would use fans to send the scent of their fudge out into the community to draw in customers. In later years, major interstates were created and made Mackinac Island well known to many. Mackinac Island’s visitors became known as "fudgies" because their main reason to travel to the island was for their famous fudge. Although fudge was not invented on the island, it is a very popular treat that people would travel from all over to devour.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mackinacisland.org/blog/how-mackinac-island-became-fudge-capital-of-the-world/|title=How Mackinac Island Became Fudge Capital Of The World|date=June 4, 2018|website=mackinacisland.org|access-date=April 25, 2020}}</ref> [[Epona]], the [[Gallo-Roman religion|Gallo-Roman]] Horse Goddess, is celebrated each June on Mackinac Island with stable tours, a blessing of the animals and the Epona and Barkus Parade. Mackinac Island does not permit personal automobiles; the primary source of transportation remains the horse, so celebrating Epona has special significance on this island.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mackinacislandlilacfestival.org |title=Mackinac Island Lilac Festival |work=mackinacislandlilacfestival.org |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202155236/http://www.mackinacislandlilacfestival.org/ |archive-date=February 2, 2015 }}</ref> The "Feast of Epona" involves the blessing of horses and other animals by a local churchman.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mackinacislandnews.com/news/2008-06-21/front_page/019.html |title=Animals Are Blessed During Feast of Epona |author=Caitlyn Kienitz |date=2008-06-21 |access-date=2015-06-29 |website=Town Crier (www.mackinacislandnews.com) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304095011/http://www.mackinacislandnews.com/news/2008-06-21/front_page/019.html |archive-date=2016-03-04 |url-status=dead }}</ref> === Scout Service Camp === Every summer, Mackinac Island accommodates several Michigan [[Boy Scouts of America|Boy Scouts]] and [[Girl Scouts USA|Girl Scouts]] and their leaders over alternate weeks. These scouts serve the state park as the [[Scouting in Michigan#Mackinac Island Honor Guard Program|Mackinac Island Governor's Honor Guard]]. The program began in 1929, when the State Park Commission invited eight [[Eagle Scout (Boy Scouts of America)|Eagle Scouts]], including [[Gerald Ford]], later President of the United States, to the island.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mackinacparks.com/girl-scouts-and-the-mackinac-island-scout-service-camp/|title=Girl Scouts and the Mackinac Island Scout Service Camp|website=Mackinac State Historic Parks|date=March 22, 2021|access-date=June 19, 2021}}</ref> [[File:Mack isl view.JPG|thumb|right|alt=A downhill view of houses. A harbor is visible at left.|A view of the island from atop Fort Mackinac]] In 1974, the program was expanded by Governor William Milliken to include Girl Scouts. The program is popular, selective, and a long-standing tradition. Scouts raise and lower twenty-seven flags on the island, serve as guides, and complete volunteer service projects during their stay. These Scouts live in the Scout Barracks behind Fort Mackinac.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mackinac Island Honor Scouts |publisher=Girl Scouts – Michigan Trails |url=http://www.gsmt.org/programs-mihs.shtml |access-date=March 11, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060624032832/http://www.gsmt.org/programs-mihs.shtml |archive-date=June 24, 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Wilson |first=Suzanne |title=A 75-Year Tradition of Summer Service |work=Scouting Magazine |date=May–June 2005 |url=http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0505/a-year.html |access-date=March 11, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Mackinac Island Scout Service Camp |publisher=upscouting.org |url=http://www.upscouting.org/missc/media/2008MISSCFacts.pdf |access-date=March 11, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080529014639/http://www.upscouting.org/missc/media/2008MISSCFacts.pdf |archive-date=May 29, 2008}}</ref> === Sailing === Mackinac Island is the destination for two sailing races. The island has a sailing club, the Mackinac Island Yacht Club. It serves as the finish line for both the [[Port Huron to Mackinac Race]] and the [[Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac]]. <!-- This was already referred to - repetitive -->The races are run a week apart, in July. They are both among the longest freshwater sailing races in the world<ref>{{cite news |last=Ely |first=Sean |title=World's Longest Freshwater Sailing Race Bound for Island Harbor |url=http://www.mackinacislandnews.com/news/2007-07-14/front_page/001.html |access-date=July 23, 2012 |newspaper=Mackinac Island Town Crier |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160321061840/http://www.mackinacislandnews.com/news/2007-07-14/front_page/001.html |archive-date=March 21, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and attract over 500 boats and 3,500 sailors combined.<ref>{{cite news |title=350 boats start Chicago-Mackinac race on Lake Michigan |url=http://www.freep.com/article/20120722/SPORTS18/207220602/Metro-state-350-boats-start-Chicago-Mackinac-race-on-Lake-Michigan |access-date=July 23, 2012 |newspaper=Detroit Free Press}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |title=Bayview Yacht Club Retains Jonathan Witz & Associates to Manage Sponsorship, Marketing & Public Relations for Bell's Beer Bayview Mackinac Race |url=http://www.bycmack.com/raceupdates.cfm?NewsID=181 |access-date=July 23, 2012 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304074805/http://www.bycmack.com/raceupdates.cfm?NewsID=181 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Both races are historical events, having been run every year since the 1920s.<ref>{{cite web |title=FAQ Race to Mackinac |url=http://www.cycracetomackinac.com/faq/ |access-date=July 23, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |title=Bayview Yacht Club Retains Jonathan Witz & Associates to Manage Sponsorship, Marketing & Public Relations for Bell's Beer Bayview Mackinac Race |url=http://www.bycmack.com/raceupdates.cfm?NewsID=180 |access-date=July 23, 2012 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304073007/http://www.bycmack.com/raceupdates.cfm?NewsID=180 |url-status=dead }}</ref> === Film and television === The swimming pool at the Grand Hotel is named for [[Esther Williams]], who starred in the 1947 film ''[[This Time for Keeps]].'' This featured many scenes filmed on Mackinac Island.<ref>{{cite web |author=Keith Stokes |url=http://www.mightymac.org/island.htm |title=Mackinac Island Michigan photographs |publisher=Mightymac.org |access-date=May 31, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.grandhotel.com/activities/esther-williams-pool|title=esther williams pool - America's True Grand Hotel|date=July 31, 2020 }}</ref> The majority of the 1980 film ''[[Somewhere in Time (film)|Somewhere in Time]]'' was filmed at [[Mission Point (Mackinac Island)|Mission Point]] on Mackinac Island.<ref name="MP historical museum">Mission Point historical museum {{cite web|url=http://www.missionpoint.com/resort_activities/tower_museum/ |title=Observation Tower and Exhibits |access-date=2014-06-11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140620131654/http://www.missionpoint.com/resort_activities/tower_museum/ |archive-date=June 20, 2014 }} Retrieved June 11, 2014</ref> Several landmarks are visible in the film, including the Grand Hotel and the lighthouse on nearby Round Island. The film's director said he needed to "find a place that looked like it hadn't changed in eighty years."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.findtravelguide.com/america/mackinac-island |title=Mackinac Island |date=September 18, 2009 |publisher=Find Travel Guide |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120430033541/http://www.findtravelguide.com/america/mackinac-island |archive-date=April 30, 2012 }}</ref> Mackinac Island was featured on two episodes of the mid-2000s TV series ''[[Dirty Jobs]].'' Host [[Mike Rowe]] interviewed a [[Mackinac Bridge]] maintenance worker, and a horse manure and garbage removal/composting collector.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.michigan.gov/filmoffice/0,1607,7-248-46449-174459--,00.html |title="Dirty Jobs" airs Mackinac Island episode August 28. |publisher=Michigan Film Office |access-date=June 8, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071220083421/http://www.michigan.gov/filmoffice/0%2C1607%2C7-248-46449-174459--%2C00.html |archive-date=December 20, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.mackinacislandnews.com/news/2007/0602/Front_Page/002.html |title=Island Work Featured on 'Dirty Jobs': Discovery Channel Show Gets the Dirt on Toughest Island Jobs |last=Gould |first=Karen |date=June 7, 2007 |publisher=Mackinac Island Town Crier |access-date=June 8, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080818054144/http://www.mackinacislandnews.com/news/2007/0602/Front_Page/002.html |archive-date=August 18, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In the Netflix show [[Emily in Paris]] season 2, episode 6, Emily says that she went on a [[Vespa]] fudge tour with her mom around Mackinac Island when she was younger; however in real life Vespas aren't allowed on Mackinac Island.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-01-15 |title=These Emily in Paris Secrets Will Have You Saying "Mon Dieu" |url=https://www.eonline.com/news/1316029/these-emily-in-paris-secrets-will-have-you-saying-mon-dieu |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=E! Online}}</ref>
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