Anchors Up for Aquafest on St. Clair Shores’ Nautical Mile

St. Clair Shores, MI — Aquafest, which showcases the premiere collection of restaurants, marinas, clothiers and shops along the Nautical Mile, takes place Friday-Sunday, July 15-17, in St. Clair Shores.

Aquafest, sponsored by the Nautical Mile Merchants Association, is a celebration of life along Lake St. Clair, Donna Flaherty, who chairs the merchants’ group and owns the Gifts Afloat shop, told The Macomb Daily.

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“It’s all about living by and enjoying the water,” Flaherty said. “We are delighted that we have so many people helping to make this event successful and enjoyable for families, both in St. Clair Shores and beyond.”

Pony rides, a petting zoo and inflatable rides add to the family appeal of Aquafest. Tecumseh Trolley will offer free rides on Saturday and Sunday, and will also have two vehicles available for Friday’s pub crawl, which includes beverage and appetizer samples at the following venues from 7-11 pm. Friday:

• Brownie’s on the Lake
• Fishbone’s Rhythm Kitchen
• Jefferson Yacht Club
• Pat O’Brien’s Tavern
• Pegasus Taverna
• Steve’s Back Room

Some of the events on tap throughout the weekend:

• The Ultimate Air Dog Show, featuring dogs leaping into pools of water at Blossom Heath Park, 1-3 p.m. Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday.
• Capt. Sam Buchanan of the USS J.W. Westcott, the mail boat serving Great Lakes freighters on the Detroit River, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday at Gifts Afloat.
• Kids Fun Run, 11 a.m. Saturday at Blossom Heath Park.
• Family fishing derby (fishing rods, bait provided; no fishing license required), 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday at Blossom Health Fishing Pier.
• Fine Art in the Park, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday at Blossom Heath Park.
• Watermelon eating contest, 2 p.m. Saturday at Blossom Heath Park.
• Family Fun and Kids Activities, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday at Blossom Heath Park.

For more on the event, go to The Macomb Daily. A full schedule of activities is available here