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Life in Leelaneu:

Diversions

Jim DuFresne, author of “The Trails of M-22: 48 of the Most Beautiful Paths Along Michigan’s Most Beautiful Highway,” stands at Isle Royale National Park. DuFresne recently retired after 45 years of writing guidebooks and settled down at the family cottage in Elk Rapids. DuFresne’s bibliog...

Book focused on 48 trails off M-22

After writing guidebooks for nearly 45 years, Jim DuFresne decided to hang up his hat and retire across Grand Traverse Bay in Elk Rapids. He sat down with the Leelanau Enterprise to talk about his career, writing process, and one of the bestselling guidebooks for Leelanau County. 07/10/2024 03:48 PM

Jim Hirtreiter and Bob Resh spent their Sunday cruising down Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail on their recumbent bicycles. See story on page 2. Enterprise photo by Brian Freiberger

Jim Hirtreiter and Bob Resh

Jim Hirtreiter and Bob Resh spent their Sunday cruising down Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail on their recumbent bicycles. 07/10/2024 03:48 PM

Judy Egeler and her late husband, Cliff, are pictured on July 4, 1998 when they were crowned queen and king at the Leland Fourth of July parade. Courtesy photo

Longtime 4th of July parade-goers take delight in festivities

While hundreds of people are anticipated to show up at local Fourth of July parades set throughout Leelanau County this week, many longtime attendees are also ready to get out there to celebrate the festivities once again. 07/02/2024 05:21 PM

Leland’s Fourth of July parade welcomes children who bring their own vehicle or ride their decorated bikes. Enterprise file photo

Committee helps coordinate, celebrate Leland parade

The Leland Fourth of July parade is set to be held on Wednesday, July 4 at 3 p.m. once again, with much of the organizing in part thanks to a committee that works together to coordinate the celebratory event every year. 07/02/2024 05:21 PM

The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (SBDNL) float, pictured here in 2023, is a returning participant in the Stan Brubaker Fourth of July Parade in Glen Arbor. The SBDNL staff brings out their park themed float as well as their noticeable Bear Force One van, which serves as a mobile...

Parade float makers ready for the 4th

Fourth of July parade floats are often one of the most exciting parts of attending any event. At parades in Leelanau County this year, while there are sure to be new floats and cars decorated creatively, people can expect many participants and their entries in the lineup to look familiar. 07/02/2024 05:21 PM

There’s a boat parade on Glen Lake at 3 p.m. Thursday. Courtesy photo

Visitors, residents deck out boats for parade on water

Many Leelanau County residents like to take to the waters on the biggest holiday of the summer. Glen Arbor residents take this a step further with their Fourth of July boat parade, which is held on Glen Lake every year. 07/02/2024 05:21 PM

Haywood Draper of Lake Leelanau has penned a history of ‘The Colony’ on South Lake Leelanau. Enterprise photo by Brian Frieberger

Hayward Draper’s new book

Lake Leelanau resident Hayward Draper released a new book just in time for the Biggest Fourth in the north. ‘The Colony’ by Hayward Draper tells the stories of six families who created one of the few remaining communal cottage rows left in the United States, located just across the lake from the Fountain Point Resort on south Lake Leelanau. 07/02/2024 05:21 PM

Safety first with fireworks

Safety first with fireworks

The Fourth of July is defined by parades, parties, outdoor grilling, and fireworks. And although fireworks are undeniably fun, their misuse can lead to injury or death. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates there were nearly 6,500 fireworks injuries in the weeks surrounding the Fourth of July last year. 07/02/2024 05:21 PM

Rink Smith of Omena is one of nine Leelanau residents who will read the Declaration of Independence at post offices July 4 at 10 a.m. Enterprise file photo

Declaration proclamation

The 4th of July festivities throughout the county are celebrated with parades and fireworks. But at the county’s nine post offices, volunteers will be part of a more reflective activity. 07/02/2024 05:21 PM

Representatives from the offices of Michigan legislators and former Traverse City’s Mayor Richard Lewis attended with proclamations for this special day when a plaque was laid in honor of Elida Winslow Lind, the actual daughter of a Revolutionary War Patriot for whom the local DAR chapter...

Daughters of Revolution active in communities

An independent United States would not have been possible if it wasn’t for the colonists who had the courage to stand up for what they considered natural rights. The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) are descendants of the people who fought for independence from the British empire, and who seek to honor their legacy through education and support for their communities. 07/02/2024 05:21 PM

Flagraising ceremony Thursday

Flagraising ceremony Thursday

Join community members of all ages in celebrating the founding of our nation in a joyous and patriotic ceremony July 4. The Glen Lake Woman’s Club will host the traditional raising of the flag at 10 a.m. 07/02/2024 05:21 PM

Several women veterans from Leelanau County were honored to be on the all-women Honor Flight to Washington D.C. earlier this month. Pictured: Justina Hlvaka (middle, green sunglasses), Leanne Woods (direcetly in front of Hlavka, Page Sikes (right of Hlvaka), Linda Woods (in front of Sikes)...

Leelanau female veterans participate in Honor Flight

Six local Leelanau County women graced the first-of-akind all-women honor flight from Flint to Washington D.C. on June 12. 07/02/2024 05:21 PM

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