Colonial Michilimackinac hosting special event for King George III's birthday

Staff reports
·2 min read

MACKINAW CITY — Come join the interpretive staff at Colonial Michilimackinac June 4 to celebrate King George III’s 234th birthday with artillery fire, drinks and treats, and other special programs.

The king's birthday is believed to be one of the most British of holidays, so many special things happen at the Mackinac State Historic Parks facility to celebrate and teach visitors about the history of the area. It is an annual highlight for the British soldiers and civilians at Fort Michilimackinac, located near the base of the Mackinac Bridge.

“Even if someone has visited in the past, there is always something new to do or see,” said Craig Wilson, chief curator for Mackinac State Historic Parks. “This event provides a deeper understanding of our past and encourages the desire to explore some of the lesser-known corners of history.”

Programs will take place throughout the day, including musket and artillery firing demonstrations, a program on the gardens of Michilimackinac, tea at the British Trader's House and other informative programs about the history of the fort and colony.

At noon, a special artillery salute will take place on the shore of Lake Michigan, with firings of the mortar, wall gun, and cannon in celebration of the king's special day. At 2 p.m., patriotic toasts and refreshments will be available at the Commanding Officer’s House.

As part of the special celebration to honor the king's birthday, there will be several different artillery demonstrations, including the firing of a cannon.
As part of the special celebration to honor the king's birthday, there will be several different artillery demonstrations, including the firing of a cannon.

For a full schedule of events, visit www.mackinacparks.com/event/the-kings-birth-day-celebration.

The cost is $14.50, per adult, or $8.75 for a child, the regular price of admission. All events are included with regular admission to Colonial Michilimackinac. Tickets for these events can be purchase online at tickets.mackinacparks.com.

For more information on this event, on the history of Colonial Michilimackinac and the fort at that location and other offerings by the parks system, visit the Mackinac State Historic Parks websitewww.mackinacparks.com.

This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Special programming planned for Colonial Michilimackinac June 4