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When ‘Anything Goes’ dries up

“Over the past 62 years, Glen Arbor’s Fourth of July parade has become well-known for its ‘anything goes’ spirit. This approach is a point of local pride for many, encouraging the patriotic participation that has transformed a small-town procession into a northern Michigan tradition unlike any other,” writes Trace St. Julian in this op-ed for the Sun. “However, in 2023, the Glen Arbor Township Board broke away from the ‘anything goes’ tradition, announcing a ‘no water’ rule that bans long-time parade hallmarks of ‘water guns, blasters, balloons, bottles, or other water items.’ Fast forward to 2025—the water ban is still in effect, and the Township Board appears more determined than ever to enforce it.”

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Keeping tradition: Ricker’s black Cadillac leads Glen Arbor Fourth of July Parade

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Ed Ricker has driven the grand marshal in Glen Arbor’s Fourth of July parade in his iconic 1976 black Cadillac for decades. This year, Glen Arbor Township has bestowed the honor of grand marshal on Ricker, himself. The owner of Glen Lodge, pride of Miami University (Ohio) and longtime fixture at Art’s Tavern, passed away under tragic circumstances last November. Ricker was 95. Former Art’s owner Tim Barr will drive the Cadillac; Ricker’s daughter, Glen Lake Chamber president Darci will ride next to him.

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Glen Arbor Arts Center presents Youth Plein Air month in July

Throughout July, the Glen Arbor Arts Center’s new Youth Plein Air Month will invite children ages 6–12 to step outside, paint in the open air, and capture the signature landscapes and buildings of Leelanau County. “Youth Plein Air Month is intended to nurture confidence and creativity by taking art making outside the classroom,” said Scott Bouma, executive director of GAAC.

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Cottage Book Shop celebrates 40 years with author signing

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The Cottage Book Shop in Glen Arbor, which Jenny Puvogel acquired last year, will celebrate its 40th birthday with an author signing on Saturday, June 28, from 5-7 pm. “We will have several local authors signing books under the tent outside—some new books, some older books­—and some light refreshments,” said Puvogel. The author lineup includes: Sue Boucher (Sleeping Bear Dunes Day), M Christine Byron (Perfect Omena Day), Bryan Gruley (Bitter Frost), Mark Lindsay (The Soul of Sleeping Bear), Tim Mulherin (This Magnetic North), Steve Reddicliffe (The New York Times Essential Book of Cocktails), Kit Robey (The Sleeping Bear Wakes Up), Barbara Siepker (Historic Cottages of Glen Lake) and more.

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Glen Arbor Arts Center hosts Late Night Fridays

The Glen Arbor Arts Center is keeping the lights on a little longer on Friday nights. Late Night Fridays and Manitou Music bring the B-Side Growlers back to the GAAC Front Porch on June 27, 5-7 pm. This “tradition-inspired, toe-tapping fired” acoustic trio from Grand Rapids plays a plein air concert of blues, jazz and country. Bring a chair and refreshments.

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Remembering Suzanne Wilson’s creative mission: Friday night summer art openings resume at Lake Street Studios

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To know the history of the arts in Glen Arbor is to know Suzanne Wilson. A venerated artist and pillar of the community, Suzanne had the singular ability to translate Leelanau’s land, light, and water into work that felt both intimate and expansive. But perhaps more significantly, Suzanne did not simply depict Leelanau’s landscape—she transformed its cultural fabric. In the early 1990s, Suzanne began organizing Friday night art openings at Lake Street Studio’s Center Gallery, the public-facing component of her studio. The summer 2025 season of Center Gallery opens on June 27 with Joan Richmond, a Traverse City-based artist best known for her luminous landscapes.

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Passing the Whisk: Inn and Trail changes hands, but keeps its heart

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Nestled in a small sage green Victorian cottage in Glen Arbor, Inn and Trail Gourmet has been a celebrated destination for locals and visitors since its inception in 2021. The soft creak of its storm door gives way to an aromatic haven beckoning shoppers with freshly brewed organic coffee, made-from-scratch baked goods, savory quiches and simmering soups. Beloved owners and spouses Julie Zapoli and Liz Erdmann are moving back to Montana. To the relief of their customers, they have handed over the reins to a worthy duo who share the same love for gourmet provisions and local connection. Sisters Annabel Moore and Corinne Cochran never foresaw owning a food store together, but life served up something unexpected. “I always wanted to have a bed and breakfast,” Corinne says. “And now I kind of do, but I don’t have to make beds!”

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DeCook wins his sixth M22 Challenge

The weather gods smiled on Glen Arbor with calm winds, cool temps, and no rain as the 17th annual M22 Challenge unfolded on June 14 at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, delivering an unforgettable morning. Nine hundred athletes competed in the iconic run–bike–paddle race that winds through the dunes, roads, and waters of one of the most scenic venues in the country. Ryan DeCook of Washington, Mich., claimed his sixth M22 Challenge title, cementing his place as a race legend, finishing with a time of 1:22:12. Amy Coneset delivered a standout performance to take the top spot in the female division with a time of 1:40:55.

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No Kings Nationwide Day of Defiance includes rally at Glen Lake Narrows

Thousands of “No Kings: Nationwide Day of Defiance” demonstrations are planned throughout the United States for Saturday, June 14 — including a sign and flag-waving silent rally at the Glen Lake Narrows on M-22 from 10:30 am-1 pm. “Please stand in solidarity and join us on this nationwide day of peaceful affirmation of our right to due process, free speech and equal protection,” say Nancy Janulis and Linda Dewey, organizers of the Glen Arbor event. National organizers describe the No Kings protests as “a national day of action and mass mobilization in response to increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption from President Trump and his allies.”

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M22 Challenge returns June 14

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The M22 Challenge, which takes place June 14, has been voted as one of the best endurance events in northern Michigan. The run, bike, paddle event takes place in the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, making for a beautiful backdrop while racing. The 900-participant race is sold out.

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