Festival dates changed for 2004

The Nautical Festival Committee has changed the dates for the 2004 event in Rogers City. Dates published in the festival’s 2003 brochure have been changed. Realizing the importance of the planning that?s involved in preparing for the festival, committee members wanted to schedule the dates and get the word out as soon as possible.

Family reunions and other events in Rogers City are a big part of the nearly week?s worth of activities. Entertainment attractions also need to be signed and that cannot occur until the festival dates are finalized.

THE 2004 FESTIVAL will run August 3 through August 8. Executive director Kammie Dennis said adjustments need to be made every five years are so. The festival grand parade is traditionally the first Sunday in August, but to book Schmidt Amusements, the parade had to be rescheduled to the second Sunday.

?It?s when August 1 falls on a Sunday when we start having problems,? Dennis said. Dennis said the committee has a good working relationship with Schmidt Amusements and would prefer not hiring another company. Last year?s festival was well attended with a slight profit made.

After the purchase of a $3,300 furnace and air conditioner for the Rogers City Chamber of Commerce, where the festival committee has its office, Dennis said they had a profit of $300. All indicators point to another successful festival in 2004, with Schmidt Amusements returning, and the 104 spaces for the juried arts and crafts show already sold out

THE ONLY OTHER behind the scenes change was o

n the committee as Terry Flewelling ends his reign as chairman after five years. ?It?s time to get some new blood in there,? Flewelling said. ?I want to enjoy the festival and relax with my friends.?

Although Flewelling will be stepping down as chairman he said he would continue to volunteer his time. Former chairman Bob Urlaub succeeds Flewelling in the post. Urlaub was the first chairman of the Nautical Festival committee in 1972. He served in 1973 and again for two years in the early 1980s. The Nautical Festival, with the tent on the beach, started the year after the 10-day Centennial celebration in 1971.

Different civic organizations elect members who make up the committee. Urlaub is a Lions Club member, while newly-elected vice chair John Houk represents the Kiwanis Club. Decisions for the other committee members are pending. Janis Little is the secretary/treasurer.