Coast Guard Festival

It started in 1924 as a private picnic with rowing races for the Coast Guardsmen stationed in Grand Haven, opened to the public in 1937, and grew until Congress formally designated this town 'Coast Guard City, USA' in 1998 - the first in the nation. Ten days now draw 350,000 people: the whole town lines the pier for the Parade of Ships, cutters open for tours, and the week's solemn heart is the National Coast Guard Memorial Service honoring those lost living up to the motto Semper Paratus, Always Ready.

Dates

Late July through first weekend of August (10 days)

Town

Grand Haven, Michigan

Venue

Downtown Grand Haven & waterfront, Grand Haven, MI

Price

Free (most events; some ticketed)

Type

Community