"Sail into Summer" Ludington's S.S. Badger Maiden Voyage Celebration

In order to properly send-off our Hometown Icon the S.S. Badger on its first sailing of the season, we are inviting all residents and visitors to join us for a send-off celebration on May 22^nd beginning at 7:30am.

Please plan to join with neighbors and friends to celebrate a piece of Ludington's history as it prepares to kick-off the 2009 season in style.

There are several ways you can participate in the celebration.

A procession will begin at the parking lot east of the Ludington Fire Hall and move south down Rath Avenue until we reach Dowland. We will turn east on Dowland to James Street, where we will head south into the Carferry area. If you would like to join in the procession, we ask that you meet in the parking lot east of the Fire Hall by 7:30am to line-up. You will be joined by the S.S. Baby Badger Flotilla and the Lakeshore Parrot Head Pirate Ship. The S.S. Baby Badger Flotilla will be accompanying its namesake on the maiden voyage to debut in Wisconsin.

Once we arrive at the Carferry docking area, there will be a short ceremony. Hot Cocoa and coffee will be available for participants in the celebration.

As the S.S. Badger prepares to pull to of port, we are asking for local Charter Boats, and other local boaters to line the south side of the harbor while the Coast Guard boat leads the S.S. Baby Badger safely out of port, followed by the Sherriff boat. As the badger passes by the other boats, each will sound their horn saluting the S.S. Badger. The Ludington Fire Department will participate with a Water Salute to the ship.

There will be a special ticket price for local residents wishing to ride the S. S. Badger on its maiden voyage. Tickets will be available at the Lake Michigan Carferry ticket office on May 18-22^nd only. You must show your license to receive the discounted rate. The round trip ticket price for local residents is $35.00. You must sail round trip on the first day in order to be eligible for the special rate.

Anyone participating in the procession or at the send-off at the dock will be eligible to register for a drawing for two-round trip tickets on the S.S. Badger, good for any sailing of the 2009 season.

In honor of the First Sailing, an exhibit of Carferry history will be held from May19-30 at The Ludington Area Arts Center.

Let's make this a great celebration of the first voyage of this local legend.

For any comments or question regarding the Sail into Summer Celebration, please contact

Heather Venzke Loney, City of Ludington, 843-6237

Carrie Klemm, Lake Michigan Carferry, 843-7236