Oh, what a beautiful day! Oh, what a wonderful parade! It was a perfect Mackinac day as brothers Don and Carl Andress led the 61st Lilac Parade down Main Street. Lilac Queen Marie Bunker and her court, with Princess Mabel Styburski, looked beautiful as they paraded through town in the Mackinac Island Carriage Tours wedding carriage. The theme was Broadway musicals, so each float depicted a musical with great imagination and creativity. The bands were wonderful, many of them from Canada, and the clown band from Scottville was absolutely great. Joe Plaza from Mackinac is a member of the band. There were many horse hitches and decorated bicycles. It would not be a parade without Dynamite the Clown, who entertained the crowd. Everyone had a great time.

Family and friends gathered at the Mackinac Island Cemetery Friday, June 18, at 6 p.m. in a beautiful peaceful location for the final resting place of Dr. David Armour. People came from far and near to pay their respects. It was a moving ceremony with beautiful music and much joy. Following the service, everyone walked to Fort Mackinac for refreshments, with a memorial service following the firing of the cannon. Dr. Armour was memorialized as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He loved Mackinac, Fort Mackinac, and the history of the Straits region. May he rest in peace.

We extend deepest sympathy to Doug Rearick on the recent death of his father, Paul Rearick, in Durand. An obituary was published in the June 24 issue of The St. Ignace News.

Happy 21st birthday to Betty Lugis July 3. Have a wonderful day.

We’re having fun watching a family of geese who spend a lot of time on Windermere Point. The little ones are so cute to watch.

Andrew Doud is a partner in the new Doud’s Market that opened in St. Ignace Friday, June 18.

Glen and Jane Young of Petoskey have arrived for the season. It’s nice to see another light in the neighborhood.

A cocktail reception was held Saturday, June 19, at the home of William and Rosalie Roush in Hubbard’s Annex, followed by the G. Mennen Williams dinner at Grand Hotel. It was a perfect Mackinac evening and the event was very well attended.

In the June 23 issue of the Detroit Free Press, there was a front page article about the restoration of the sailing yacht Bernida, by Roman Emory Barnwell. Roman is a real craftsman and did an outstanding job. The Bernida raced in the first Port Huron to Mackinac Race in 1925. Roman hopes to race the yacht in 2011. He deserves so much credit for a job well done.

The Steve Harpers of Detroit enjoyed spending a weekend on Mackinac. They attended the memorial service for Dr. Dave Armour and the G. Mennen Williams dinner at Grand Hotel.

Dean Gillespie, Jr. will celebrate his birthday July 1. Have a great day.

There was another work session for cleaning headstones Sunday, June 27, conducted by Paul Wandrie and members of American Legion Post 299. Any donations toward this project would be greatly appreciated.

Jim Bogan of Missouri is enjoying time on Mackinac at the Bogan Cottage at British Landing.

Happy second birthday to little Marianne Kaminen June 30. I’m sure your big brother, Jack, will help you blow your candles out.

We received a very nice note from our good friend, Joe Porcaro, who is recuperating at his daughter’s home in Maryland after successful surgery. Joe was always so faithful in watering the hanging baskets on Mackinac Island. He would love to hear from his many Island friends at the following address: 10370 Post Oak Court, Marshall, VA 20115.

Happy birthday to little Madison Gamble June 27. Hope you had a fun-filled day.

Mary Jane Neuman of Royal Oak arrived on Mackinac Tuesday, June 22, for her annual vacation at the Windermere Hotel. Happy birthday to Mary Jane June 28. Hope you had a wonderful day.

To celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary June 30, George and Almeda Bodwin will spend the night at the Iroquois Hotel. Happy birthday to George July 4.

The Mackinac Island Medical Center has been very busy with emergencies.

Ed and Megan McNulty of Adrian recently visited Megan’s mother, Marti McIntire, and family.

Rosie Charnes and her son, Bob, are enjoying their home in Harrisonville. It’s so nice to have them back on Mackinac.

Marti McIntire will celebrate her birthday July 2. Have a wonderful day.

Tuesday, June 15, on the Discovery Channel, Mike Rowe of “Dirty Jobs” was in a program called “The Deadliest Catch,” wearing a Mackinac Island Fire Department T-shirt that Jason St. Onge had given him when he visited Mackinac Island. So many people saw the program and commented on seeing the T-shirt from Mackinac. It was great publicity for the Island.

Thursday, June 24, at the gatehouse at Stonecliffe, Clara Chambers entertained her first grade classmates at her sixth birthday party. Everyone had a great time and enjoyed all the games and good food.

Susan Bentley celebrated her birthday June 27. Hope you had a great day.

Pete and Cindy Komblevitz of Grand Rapids visited Mackinac Saturday, June 19.

It was so nice to see Marti Carey of the Cloghaun spending a few days on her favorite Island. Her son and family were also visiting with her new grandson.

Kitty Bourisaw Schadel of Arcadia, New York, is enjoying several weeks at her home on Bourisaw Lane.

Congratulations to Roy Bissell, who passed his certification tests at the water treatment plant.

Kay Hoppenrath, along with her cousin, Jack Welcher, and his friend, Juanita, recently traveled to Ann Arbor for Jack’s granddaughter’s wedding. Everyone had a wonderful time.

Dr. Fran and Lorna Straus have returned to Mackinac and are comfortably settled in their lovely Pontiac Lookout cottage.

Karl and Ilse Schmitt of Detroit were recent houseguests of Brian and Barbara Hellis. They all attended the G. Mennen Williams dinner Saturday, June 19, at Grand Hotel.

Happy birthday to Jody Chambers July 1. I’m sure Clara will help you blow your candles out.

Jay and Janet Stingel are enjoying their beautiful Brigadoon Cottage with its magnificent view of the Straits of Mackinac.

Tuesday, June 15, Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Dankowski came to Mackinac Island with their three granddaughters, April, Makinna, and Alexa. Gerald’s brother was James Dankowski, who was killed in the Vietnam War and is honored at the Mackinac Island Veterans Memorial. Gerald also wanted to see the new exhibit in the Stuart House honoring Mackinac veterans.

Dee and Maude Ramsay came to visit friends Monday, June 21. The Ramsays worked on Mackinac for many years, Maude at Ty’s Restaurant and Dee as dockmaster at the marina. They now live in Cape Coral, Florida. They enjoyed visiting with their many Island friends and marveled at the many changes on Mackinac. A belated happy birthday to Maude June 15.

Have a wonderful Fourth of July weekend!