Cheboygan Main Street: A reason for every season
I was going to write an article about sleepy Northern Michigan waking up with the coming of spring. After all, the snowbirds are migrating back home. Soon the people with cottages will be here to open for another summer of fun.
The Raptors are kettling near the Straits of Mackinaw on their way to the northern breeding grounds. The campers will be here for sure to enjoy all that Northern Michigan has to offer. The downtown Cheboygan businesses are dusting off and getting ready for another summer season. Temperatures are getting more to our liking after another Michigan winter. Things are looking up.
The reality is that Northern Michigan really does not go into hibernation. There is something going on all the time. Of course, we have the seasons to support hunting, fishing, boating, snowmobiling, skiing, camping. … And the list goes on.
Check your local papers and you’ll find all sorts of year-round activities. Sturgeon for Tomorrow draws volunteers from all over to help support keeping the numbers up for this fantastic, pre-historic fish. The Cheboygan Opera House has a full schedule that will appeal to anyone’s interest. The Northland Players are gearing up and rehearsing for another outstanding presentation. All the local bars and restaurants are showcasing musical talent, often featuring local artists. Let’s not forget the Thursday night music series at Washington Park. During the Winter we have a World Class Cross Country Skiing event at Black Mountain.
I spoke with a couple that had retired near Cheboygan recently. The woman was having trouble adjusting to Northern Michigan Winters and was seriously thinking about moving back downstate. Then I shared with her some of the items I’ve listed and added a few more, like our local Audubon Society and some of the very active civic organizations around town. That was the ticket. Once she met a few people and saw what passion there is for this area, she was hooked. It’s not surprising. There are so many talented, compassionate people in the area it’s easy to quickly feel a part of this community. Northern Michigan has something for everyone, no matter the season or field of interest.
Need something to do? It’s out there. You just need to look. Lots of volunteer opportunities and a chance to meet great people and learn new things.
No sleepy little towns around here; but get plenty of rest. You’re going to need it just to keep up.
— Vince Lumetta is a retired automotive engineering supervisor. He lives with his charming wife Linda in Beaugrand Township. When not volunteering, he restores old cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Cheboygan Main Street: A reason for every season
