New event celebrates Ludington’s lumbering past

What’s happening: Ludington is celebrating its lumberjack past with a new festival, Ludington Lumber Days, which will be held Oct. 3 – 5. The event will include lumberjack-inspired fund, history, music and adventure for all ages. Highlights include a free workout inspired by Ludington’s logging roots – complete with log rolls, ax swings, and stump jumps; a guided walking tour of the exteriors of historic homes of lumber baron homes; and a logging encampment reenactment.

Background: The Mason County city was once home to 14 sawmills on the banks of Pere Marquette Lake. Ludington was a lumber boom town in the late 1800s due to its abundant natural resources. Huge amounts of lumber were manufactured and shipped out to larger cities like Chicago and Milwaukee.

Festival events: They include: Lumbering History Photo Exhibition at the Mason County Research Center;  a downtown Plaidurday Pub Crawl, starting and ending at Ludington Bay Brewing Company; tours of the Big Sable Point Lighthouse; Ludington Lumber Days Beer Garden; and a history tour at Ludington State Park. For a full list of events and details, go to: Ludington Lumber Days.

What they’re saying: “We’re stepping into Ludington’s past and celebrating the rich lumber heritage that helped build our community,” said Brandy Miller, who is executive director of the Ludington Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Don your plaid, grab your friends, and spend the weekend doing all-things fall fun. You can even take a stab at a log roll, ax swing or stump jump.”