In Grand Haven, the Coast Guard History is displayed in grand style. Although there are several towns in the U.S that have been named Coast Guard Cities, there is only one official “Coast Guard City USA” and that distinction belongs solely to Grand Haven. Grand Haven holds a spectacular annual festival for the Coast Guard which is the home of the Coast Guard’s National Memorial Service that honors fallen members of the service. The Coast Guard Festival is one of the largest festivals in Western Michigan, attracting around 300,000 people each year. The fireworks show on the first Saturday is August has a well-earned reputation as one of the best in the nation. The Coast Guard Festival is a “can’t miss” event – you’ll never feel more proud of being associated with the Coast Guard.
In recognition of the proud history of the Coast Guard, the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Committee is sponsoring the following events for this years festival:
- Coast Guard run/walks: These events are open to the public. The 5k, 10k, 1 Mile Family Fun Run/Walk and Tot Trot Obstacle Course. The races begin Saturday, 28 July 2012 at 0730, 0830, 0845, and 0915 respectively, at the Tri-Cities Family YMCA. Late registration is 0630 on the day of the races.
- Grand Haven Coast Guard golf tournament: Traditional four person, 18 hole scramble. The event is open only to Coast Guard active duty, retirees, reservists, and dependents at the cost of 30 dollars and will be held on Tuesday, 31 July 2012 beginning with registration at 0730 and a shotgun start at 0800.
- Grand Haven Coast Guard softball tournament: This event is open to active duty and retired personnel, drilling reservists, and no more than two civilian Coast Guard employees per team. The tournament will be held on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 1-3 August 2012. Entry cost is 100 dollars and entry deadline is 16 July 2012.
- Grand Haven Coast Guard festival bike tour: This event is open to the public. Riders may choose a 100 mile, 62 mile, or 33 mile tour. Aid stations and professional support and gear wagon will be provided along the route. The fee is 30 dollars for individuals and 60 dollars for families, if registered before 4 July 2012, and 35 dollars for individuals and 70 dollars for families after 4 July 2012. Brochures, registration forms, and route maps are available at www.loosespokes.com. Click on events.
More information about these events and many other family activities is available at www.coastguardfest.org.
Administrative absence for these events may be authorized for military members in accordance with reference A, subject to Commanding Officer approval. All expenses are the responsibility of the event participants.
These events are not affiliated with or sponsored by the U.S. Armed Forces or by any Armed Forces MWR program.
RDML Dave Callahan, Commander, CG Personnel Service Center sends.