Ken Grabowski

2 days ago | manisteenews.com | Ken Grabowski

Ken GrabowskiFile photoThe man walking toward me on the same side of the U.S. 31 Memorial Bridge looked to be in my age bracket and he had a smile on his face as we approached each other. When we got closer he spoke up, giving me the reason for his smile which was the bicycle I pushing (yes, I follow the signs saying walk do not ride your bike on the bridge) across the bridge. Article continues below this ad“Boy, I sure would still like ride one of those,” he said indicating my bike.

3 days ago | manisteenews.com | Ken Grabowski

The Fourth of July parade and fireworks are often the events people think of in relation to the Manistee National Forest Festival. Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce communications specialist Blade Gates said the 2025 version of those two mainstay events are coming together well. The 2022 Manistee National Forest Festival parade included local veterans. News Advocate/File photoThe fireworks will take place at dusk on July 3 at First Street Beach.

4 days ago | manisteenews.com | Ken Grabowski

The Manistee National Forest Festival was first held in 1936. While there have been many changes over the years, some long-running events have become crowd favorites in recent years. This year's Forest Festival is slated for July 2-6, with events taking place throughout Manistee. Here's a closer look at some of the events that have become festival tradition.

5 days ago | manisteenews.com | Ken Grabowski

Madkat Taggers Gel Ball will return to the Manistee National Forest Festival in 2025. News Advocate/File photoMadkat Taggers gel ball tag is similar to paintball or Airsoft. It returns for the second year during the Manistee National Forest Festival. Kyle Kotecki/News AdvocateThe 2025 Manistee National Forest Festival not only has fun events to watch, but also several others where people can actually participate. The Madkat Taggers will be presenting gel ball tag.

5 days ago | manisteenews.com | Ken Grabowski

The 1-2-3 Sesame Street float heads down the parade route during the 97th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, on Nov. 23, 2023. tarabird/Getty ImagesKen GrabowskiFile photoNick Hendrix, Fiona Dolman and Neil Dudgeon from "Midsomer Murders" attend a photocall during the 57th Monte Carlo TV Festival : Day 3 on June 18, 2017 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco.