Old Mission Parade 2019
Old Mission Parade 2019 | Jane Boursaw Photo
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The year 2020 is certainly one for the history books, isn’t it? Events around the globe have been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including many right here on the Old Mission Peninsula.

Here’s a roundup of cancellations and closures on the OMP. If you have others not mentioned, feel free to leave a note in the comments section at the bottom of this story.

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Old Mission Parade. This fun event historically takes place on the Sunday before the Fourth of July in the little village of Old Mission. While it has been canceled this year, we hope it will make a comeback in the coming years. See pics of last year’s parade here.

Log Cabin Day. As we reported here, this annual event has been canceled. But the Old Mission Peninsula Historical Society, which hosts the fundraiser event each year, could use our financial support now more than ever. Click over and learn more, and consider becoming a member of this important group.

Legion Hall Pig Roast and Monthly Dinners. This annual event each August, along with the monthly community dinners at the Legion Hall, helps to support the activities and mission of the Old Mission American Legion Post 399. As noted on their Facebook page, the group says, “We are not comfortable with setting up the hall and keeping everyone safe and healthy during our monthly community dinners.” However, if you would like to help them support our veterans and pay ongoing bills, including for the Legion Hall building, send a donation to: American Legion, P.O. Box 39, Old Mission, MI 49673. If you would like a tax write-off form, include a note in your donation.

Michigan Lighthouse Festival. This event, in which our own Mission Point Lighthouse was scheduled to participate, has been canceled and rescheduled for August 6, 2021. However, Mission Point Lighthouse has another historic event this year – it turns 150 years old on Sept. 10, 2020. Lighthouse Manager Ginger Schultz had several things planned throughout the year, including a float in the National Cherry Festival – which, of course, has also been canceled. I will keep you posted on any celebrations taking place this year or next for our lighthouse’s birthday.

Note that visitors continue to flock to Mission Point Lighthouse, and while the tower is closed at this time due to COVID-19 concerns, the gift shop is open with limited hours. There are also a number of upgrades taking place at the lighthouse, including a new kitchen. For more information, contact Ginger at (231) 645-0759.

Dougherty House Tours. At this time, the historic Dougherty Mission House in the village of Old Mission is still closed for tours. However, organizer Connie Sargent said they may open at some point this summer, following Covid-19 guidelines set by the state and local government, and she is looking for volunteer docents to help out. Click here for more information or contact Connie at (231) 223-8866, or email [email protected].

Other OMP cancellations? Leave a note in the comments section below.

A NOTE FROM JANE: I started Old Mission Gazette in 2015 because I felt a calling to provide the Old Mission Peninsula community with local news. After decades of writing for newspapers and magazines like the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Family Circle and Ladies' Home Journal, I really just wanted to write about my own community where I grew up on a cherry farm and raised my own family. So I started my own newspaper. Because the Gazette is mainly reader-supported, I hope you'll consider tossing a few bucks my way if I mention your event, your business, your organization or your news item, or if you simply love reading about what's happening on the OMP. Check out the donation page here. Thank you so much for your support. -jb

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