While some may be familiar with the risks associated with riding a motorcycle during the busy and lazy days of summer – and the annual Blessing of the Bikes - many forget about another popular summer pastime of the maritime nature, boating.
The concept of blessing a boat is not a new one or even unique to this region, but Muskegon is close and on Sunday you have a chance to get your own boat blessed, watch a parade of boats get blessed from shore, or view it from the surface of a boat as the on-board priest blesses each and every boat that passes by it at the annual Blessing of the Boats.
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Port City Princess is by far one of the best ways to experience the views as more than 70 boats line up to parade down the Muskegon Channel as the priest blesses each and every boat of all shapes, sizes and sails.
Those who board the Port City Princess will be treated to not just a "choir loft" view of the action, but with each $25 paid admission will receive a champagne brunch. Typically the Sunday boat trip costs $35 but for the Blessing of the Boats you can experience a nearly two-hour ride, live guitar music, and a plated brunch with all the proceeds benefiting Muskegon's St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Departure is at 12:30 p.m. sharp from downtown Muskegon's Mart Dock.
You can hold your spot by contacting 231-728-8387 to reserve passage or if you find they are sold out, you can always watch it for free from the beach starting just after 1 p.m. on Sunday with the best viewing spots on the channel near Harbour Towne.
Sure, you could go to the Blessing of the Bikes, but this annual, nautical-themed event is just as special and makes it a good reason to visit Muskegon this weekend.
Admission: $25 for cruise, free to landlubbers. Reservations, 231-728-8387