Annual Labor Day walk across Mackinac Bridge draws largest crowd since 2016
An estimated 35,000 people crossed the "Mighty Mac" in the annual Mackinac Bridge Walk on Monday, the largest crowd the walk has drawn since 2016, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was among those walking the 5-mile suspension bridge, which links the Upper Peninsula of the state to the Lower Peninsula, in honor of Labor Day.
Rise and shine, Michigan!
Today I’m taking part in the 65th annual Mighty @mackinacbridge walk to celebrate Labor Day. pic.twitter.com/et562En6Rh— Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) September 4, 2023
In 2016, the bridge walk drew 45,000 people. The event has been running since 1958 and was only canceled once, in 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic. This year, revelers started from either side, St. Ignace in the U.P. and Mackinaw City in the Lower Peninsula. Traffic was closed off to drivers from 6:30 a.m. to noon to accommodate the event.
On Monday, walkers were treated to warm temperatures, with a forecast high of 80 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
"It was a beautiful day, and a perfect opportunity to enjoy the unparalleled views of the Straits," said Kim Nowack, director of the Mackinac Bridge Authority.
Contact Lily Altavena: laltavena@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Mackinac Bridge Walk 2023 draws largest crowd in 7 years
