South Lake Leelanau Boat Parade Is ON!

The annual 4th of July boat parade on South Lake Leelanau is a go for 2020, with Bingham Township resident Bill Martin as the grand marshal this year.

Says Martin, “Our next-door neighbors Chuck and Donna Johnston were the original leaders, and we’ve doing it for nearly 20 years. Most of the people are from Shugart Shores — we have a close and friendly neighborhood — but we’d love to see growth.”

Martin says residents and vacationers come to the shore and wave and cheer as the festooned boats and jet skis putter past. “Last year we were so honored to have a veteran in a boat approach us and thank us for having the parade.”

The parade, weather permitting, begins at 11am July 4 at the Bingham Boat Launch and ends at Margie’s Resort, both on south Lake Leelanau. Those participating are encouraged to decorate their vessels in red, white and blue.