June 26—Editor’s Note: This article appeared in Summer 2023 Issue I of Grand Traverse Scene magazine. Pick up a free copy at your area hotel, visitor center, chamber of commerce, or the Record Eagle Building on Front Street. Click here to read the full GT scene online.
County Wexford extends from Buckley in the north to Hoxieville in the south, and Yuma in the west to Cadillac and Menton in the east.
Lindsey Westdorp, Cadillac Regional Tourism Marketing Manager, said their summer will begin with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ free ORV weekend in early June. County Wexford has 190 miles of trails and 10 trail systems for off-road vehicles. ORV licenses and trail permits are not required for this weekend.
Michigan DNR also offers an Outdoor Skills Academy at the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center in Mitchell State Park. Westdorp said fly fishing is one of the clinics that can be registered through the DNR.
“People come here primarily for outdoor recreation,” she says.
In 2022, Cadillac will be named a Pure Michigan Trail Town.
According to Westdope, one of the summer’s major events is the Cadillac Freedom Festival, which begins with a parade on July 4th and runs through July 7th. The event will also feature a pet parade for kids, a car show, a fire on water military tribute and 5K. Race.
UpNorth Arts presents the Phyllis Olson Art Fair July 21-22. This juried art fair is part of the Cadillac Festival of the Arts and also features activities for children and live music from July 20-22.
“Our biggest summer event is the Cadillac Art Festival,” says Westdorp. “It will be his 60th soon. It’s been going on for decades.”
Regular summer activities include a twice-weekly Farmer’s Market at Cadillac Commons and a Tuesday Maker’s Market at After 26 Depot. The UpBeat Cadillac concert will be free at Cadillac Rotary His Pavilion on Thursdays from June 22nd to August 24th at 7pm. The Coyote Crossing Music Series runs Saturday nights through September 2nd.
Visitors can also play a round at one of several golf courses in County Wexford.
“Golf is very popular here,” she says. “She has nine golf courses within 20 miles of her Cadillac. Many people come here just for the golf.”
For those who don’t want to play golf, Westdorp says Cadillac has several lakes and rivers where you can fish or ride a boat, canoe or kayak. Cadillac Lake and Mitchell Lake are connected by a canal.
Westdorp enjoys going boating and jet skiing with his family and children.
Additionally, there are several campgrounds near the Cadillac. Mitchell State Park is closed for renovations, but Westdorp said it plans to reopen by July 1.
For more information on Cadillac Daylight Savings Time, please visit: Cadilla Michigan.com.
Visitors can travel north from Cadillac to Menton to attend the annual Menton Truck Show on July 14th and 15th.
Event organizer Cory Fullerton said the event has been held in Menton for about a decade, before it was held in nearby Buckley.
The event will begin at 9am on Friday with truck driver registration. A jury will judge the tracks and select winners in several categories. More than 50 trucks have been on display over the years, Fullerton said.
“Trucks are coming from all over the place,” she says.
The main street is closed so semis can park. Attendees can view them for the rest of the day and on Saturday. Fullerton said the truck turns on its lights at night.
“Kids can enjoy blowing their horns,” she says. “It’s just a semi-truck. Some have just rigs, some have trailers. It’s something to see them all.”
Fullerton said the event will feature bands, a carnival and games for children.
“There’s a little something for everyone,” she added. “I hope the crafters will come together this year. Last year was the first year of the craft show.”
For more information and updates, please visit the Manton Truck Show on Facebook or contact us at mantontruckshow@gmail.com.
