Local whitefish dishes, an evening of live music, and a blessing honoring local commercial fishermen will be highlights of the St. Ignace Fish Feast Saturday, July 24, at the marina. The gathering features fish delicacies cooked and served dockside as a celebration of St. Ignace's maritime and fishing history. This year, three LaSalle classes will reunite at the Fish Feast, which will continue from 4 p.m. until the downtown fireworks display at dark. Everyone is welcome to attend.

“There's probably not a more beautiful spot to have a fish-related event, with the marina boats in the background, Mackinac Island, the music, outdoors -- just that whole atmosphere is hard to beat,” said organizer Janet Peterson.

The event is $2 for adults and free for those younger than 21. A Native American maritime blessing will be offered in front of the Fisherman's Memorial at 4 p.m., which will pay tribute to fishermen who have lost their lives at sea.

Darryl Brown, a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians who presides over the ceremony, said that the fishing industry has historically been the backbone of the economy in the Straits area, especially among Native Americans.

“It's a good thing for people to be respectful and mindful that people are risking their lives, and that memorial demonstrates it,” he said. “People love to go to the restaurants and eat their fish, but they don't realize that these fisherman go out there in rough conditions at four in the morning so that people can enjoy fish.”

Those aiming to feast on local fish won't be let down: Numerous local restaurants will offer a selection of fish delicacies, including the Galley Restaurant, Mackinac Grille, Village Inn, Horseshoe Bay Restaurants, Pines Trading Post, Fred's Pub, and Bentley's Cafe. Soft drinks, beer, and wine will be available.

The Galley, which will have whitefish, lake trout, and walleye sandwiches for sale, will be attending the event for the second year.

“It's nice to give people the opportunity of trying the local whitefish and lake trout who might not be interesting in coming without the event,” said Craig Brown.

Bentley's Cafe will have a host of desserts, including a wide array of pies, German chocolate cake, and strawberry shortcake topped with whipped cream.

“Last year I made 30 pies and we sold out, so we'll probably do 50 this year,” said Leanne Trudo.

Horseshoe Bay Restaurant at Kewadin Casino in St. Ignace is participating in the Fish Feast for the first time this year and will have shrimp kabobs and its whitefish sandwiches, dubbed “casino catches,” for sale.

After attending the event last year, casino restaurant manager Linda Marshall of St. Ignace had her mind set on participating.

“It's fascinating to walk around [at the feast]. It draws a large participation, and it's a lot of fun,” she said.

Among other menu choices, Fred's Pub will offer perch and whitefish bites, Mackinac Grille will serve a fish sandwich and whitefish basket, Village Inn will offer walleye and whitefish, and the Pines Trading Post will serve its pig roast dinner and pulled pork sandwiches.

The Fish Feast will also feature a variety of games hosted by the St. Ignace Recreation Department, including a dunk tank, baseball toss, bounce house, bowling, dart balloons, and ring toss.

“Fish Feast is exciting because there is something for everyone,” said Scott Marshall, recreation director. “If you walk around, everyone has a smile on their face. The music is nice, the atmosphere is exciting.”

Adding to that festive atmosphere, the LaSalle High School graduating classes from 1970, 1980, and 1990 will have their reunions at the feast. Rosemary Gustin, class of 1980, said that the Fish Feast is an ideal setting for friends and families to get together, adding that her class will be competing against the class of 1990 in a game of softball before the event.

“It's a lot less planning for us,” she said of having the reunion at the Fish Feast. “We don't have to do the footwork, and it helps the community. It's kind of a hometown feeling there, and it offers a lot of things you can't get in any other town.”

Musical entertainment will last throughout the evening, featuring folk music from the popular Pub Runners of Gaylord, St. Ignace disc jockey SoundWave, and new musician “Pirate” Pete Trappen.

Called “trap rock,” Mr. Trappen said his reggae-style music, which he plays with an acoustic guitar and harmonica, is inspired by artist Jimmy Buffet. He used the term “floribbean” to describe the music, which he defines as classic rock with a Caribbean flair. He will play from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

“It's a good family show,” he said, adding that he frequently plays at backyard barbecues.

Featuring a variety of maritime items, a silent auction will also be held on a boat from the Arnold Line, on the north side of the marina dock. Clips from a fishing history video will also be shown on the boat.

Participants will also have the chance to design their own T-shirts using fish dipped in paint at a Japanese Gyotaku booth, and commemorative Fish Feast Tshirts and glasses with be on sale.

The night will end with a fireworks presentation over Moran Bay at dark.

“The capper on it is the fireworks on the marina,” said event planner Eileen Evers of the Chamber of Commerce. “You can see them perfectly from there, and it's a wonderful ending to a wonderful day.”