Twelve tall ships will arrive in Bay City this week -- bringing thousands of tourists, maritime music, historical vessels, and a big economic impact for the region along with them.
The
Tall Ship Celebration -- started in 2001 -- is returning to Bay City from July 15-18, and is expected to draw more than 100,000 people to the region during the three-day event. This year, the event will feature a few new and returning vessels, the
International Maritime Music Festival, and an interactive green village that will showcase the region's alternative energy efforts.
The event is expected to bring a big economic boost to the region, says Shirley Roberts, event coordinator for the Tall Ships Celebration. The last event, held in 2006, had a regional economic impact in excess of $10.2 million.
"The Tall Ship Celebration also is a reminder of the role that Bay City played in the maritime history of the Great Lakes and the United States," she says.
Included in this year's fleet will be the HMS Bounty -- which along with Marlon Brando -- played a starring role in MGM's 1962 classic,
Mutiny on the Bounty, as well as in other films, including
Pirates of the Caribbean -- Dead Man's Chest.Madelaine of Traverse City -- a reconstruction of a 19th century Great Lakes schooner and an official tall ship of Michigan, also will sail into town. And so will the Roseway -- a National Historic Landmark --that starred in the 1977 film,
Captains Courageous. Nine of the ships will be dockside for boarding and touring, and three will offer sail-away excursions during the event.
Festival-goers also will be able to hear maritime music from nine different musical groups hailing from Norway, Poland, and the Great Lakes Bay region.
Daily admission is $6 at the main gate. To board and tour visiting ships, $15 passports are available. Visit the
website for more information.
Writer: Jenny CromieSource: Tall Ships Celebration, Shirley Roberts
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