Closing this summer's festivities on Labor Day weekend, more than 85 art vendors will line up at the St. Ignace Marina for the 33rd annual Arts Dockside festival Saturday, September 4, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, September 5, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is free to the public.

“For a lot of Michigan people, it's the last hurrah for the summer season,” said Janet Peterson, director of the Chamber of Commerce, which is hosting Arts Dockside this year for the first time.

In addition to the wide array of artwork for sale -- including paintings, ceramics, wooden crafts, furniture, and jewelry -- music played over loudspeakers by local broadcaster Gary Engle will enliven the atmosphere this year, as well as carnival-style games for children organized by the St. Ignace Recreation Department.

Carnival-style food at the festival will include elephant ears, kettle corn, hot dogs, brats, sausages, stir fry, and strawberry shortcake.

Photographer David Black of St. Ignace, who owns Mackinac Straits Photo Gallery, has been coming to the event as a vendor for years. His display will include a variety of photographs featuring local wildlife, nature scenes, and astronomy photos, all with handcrafted white pine frames.

“A lot of people make this a tradition and come back every year,” he said. “The atmosphere is great.”

Event organizer Eileen Evers agreed, saying that the waterfront atmosphere is what really makes the show click.

“People can enjoy our waterfront along with a great show,” she said. “They can set up a chair by the water, with the kids splashing.”

Following the festival, the annual Mackinac Bridge Walk will be Monday, September 6. Free to the public, the walk will begin on the north side of the bridge in St. Ignace at 7 a.m. and end in Mackinaw City. Bus transportation from Mackinaw City to St. Ignace is $5 per person.