Hosted by the Macomb County Chamber, the eighth annual Lake St. Clair Appreciation Day Boating event was held in July. The Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development and several local agencies who have a vested interest in the success and sustainability of Lake St. Clair, including MacRay Harbor and New Baltimore, helped organize the event.

Area leaders from Macomb County came together to collaborate ideas on economic development, educational programs, tourism and preservation. The annual outing focuses attention on the importance of this essential waterway to our region.

Over 100 guests, including federal, state and local representatives, began their day at MacRay Harbor in Harrison Township. They were greeted by the Macomb County Chamber CEO Grace Shore and the Lake St. Clair Appreciation Day Committee Chairs, Steve Remias and Gerard Santoro. After breakfast and a brief overview of the importance of Lake St. Clair, guests were invited to meet with their boat captains to begin boarding the boats. The boat captains who donated their time and resources for this day of sun and water were Kerry Reedy, Chris Kourtakis, Mike Kelley, Bob Bradley, Paul Cavill, Pete Beauregard, Doug Glendening, Brian Elliott and James Soroka with Gary Nowicki (Captain of Captains and Harbor Manager).

The group then proceed by water to the City of New Baltimore, docking at Schmid Harbor. Guests enjoyed an in-depth look at the New Baltimore Waterfront, followed by lunch and walking tours of Downtown New Baltimore development. The afternoon ended with a guided boat tour through Sny and the Twin Sisters and a memorial stop near the South Channel Lighthouse to pay tribute to lifelong guardian of the Lighthouses Chuck Brockman before returning to MacRay’s.

Lunch was donated in part by and compliments of Little Camille’s, Finns, Stahl’s, Green Street, Mustard Seed, Stellas and Bad Brad’s BBQ. Mark Miller and Little Camille’s set up the food service and oversaw the lunch itself. Costco donated all beverages for the entire event.

Sponsors of the event were First State Bank, Flagstar Bank, Freedom Hill, IBEW Local 58-NECA, McLaren Macomb and St. John Providence.