Empire celebrates Anchor Days
From staff reports
Thirty-six years ago this month, Doug Manning and Michelle Stryker discovered an anchor in 18 feet of water while canoeing off the coast of Empire. Ever since then, the village has celebrated Anchor Days on the third Saturday of July. The quirky impetus for the party fits this unique town. After all, Empire is best known for dressing up and honoring the asparagus stalk in May.
Anchor Days this year falls on July 20. A 5K walk/run will begin at 9 a.m. from the picnic area at the public beach. The first 30 finishers will receive a free t-shirt. The parade begins at 2 p.m. and traverses Front Street not once but twice. This year’s entourage will reportedly feature Shriner’s mini cars and the ubiquitous parade floats throwing candy to children in the crowds. Floats, boats, bicycles of all kinds, cars, trucks, tractors, wagons, horses, camels, llamas and goats are all welcome to participate. Jerry Decker’s septic “honey wagon” often throws clean rolls of toilet paper to revelers.
From 2-8 p.m., the Empire Lions Club will serve barbecued chicken at the Town Hall, and at 8 p.m. a street dance will commence on the green space between the Sleeping Bear Surf & Kayak shop and the Post Office. Surf & Kayak owners Frank and Beryl Skrocki have invited the Indianapolis dance band “Streaker”, which will perform until approximately 11 p.m. Bucket donations collected throughout the night will help cover the cost of the music. Meanwhile, load up on food and beverages across the street at Joe’s Friendly Tavern and Deering’s Market.
Brush up on your history of Anchor Days by reading the late Helen Westie’s story in our online archives.
Anchor Day Schedule of Events
Friday, July 19th
What: Anchor Day Movies (Free Popcorn)
Where: Town Hall
Sponsor: Empire Museum
What’s Showing: 7:00 p.m. – Empire Anchor Recovery
7:30 p.m. – Glen Lake’s Rescue (with underwater video)
8:00 p.m. – History of Sleeping Bear Dunes Mobiles
9:00 p.m. – Empire Anchor Recovery
Saturday, July 20th
Time: 9:00 a.m.
What: 5K Walk/Run
Where: Picnic Shelter at beach
Sponsor: Darby Trapp
Free T-shirt to first 30 people who cross finish line
Time: 10:00 a.m. till 8:00 p.m.
What: Anchor Day Movies
Where: Town Hall
Movies will continue to run throughout the day
Time: 1:00 p.m.
What: Front Street Closure
Begin Line up for Parade at Apple Barn
Time: 2:00 p.m.
What: Anchor Day Parade
Route: North on Lake, East on Front, South on Union, & West on Wilce, Parade will go around twice
Time: 2:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m.
What: Lions Club BBQ Chicken Dinner
Where: Town Hall
Time: 6:00 p.m.
What: Street closure on Front Street from Lake to LaRue
Time: 8:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m.
What: Street Dance
Where: Green Space between Surf Shop and Post Office
Sponsor: Frank & Beryl Skrocki and EACC
Live Band called “STREAKER” from Indianapolis. Donation appreciated to support event and cover cost of the band.
