Ship and Shore Festival returns to  Whittaker Street for 30th anniversary

NEW BUFFALO — Celebrating its 30th year, the New Buffalo Ship & Shore Festival returns Aug. 8-10 with plenty of opportunities for people of all ages.

The three-day signature festival presented by the New Buffalo Business Association and Four Winds Casino offers a variety of unique opportunities, including a lighted boat parade and “top-notch” popular bands like Sixteen Candles and Jedi Mind Trip.

“These phenomenal bands are from all over the Midwester,” said Colleen Ryan, festival producer from Traffic PR & Marketing. “People have a great time dancing, and the music highlights everything while people stroll along the street to shop at the craft booths and art vendors, drop inside the Whittaker merchants and enjoy the shoreline sights.”

The lighted parade features floating yachts, pleasure boats and cruisers draped with twinkling lights on the waters of the harbor. After the parade, Casey’s New Buffalo sponsors a fireworks show, which is dedicated to Ryan’s late husband, Tom Neubauer, this year.

“It’s such an enjoyable weekend and one of the most scenic sights anywhere in the Midwest,” said Migs Murry, chairperson. “The backdrop of beautiful Lake Michigan makes it a fantastic event. There’s something magical about the location of the fest in this terrific beachfront town, and we’re really excited to be back on Whittaker Street for the 30th Anniversary Celebration.”

Other popular opportunities include the “Family Fun Fest,” in which children can participate in an ice-cream eating contest, face painting, carnival games and interactive activities sponsored by Curious Kids’ Museum.

Saturday Aug. 9, runners of all experience levels can participate in the Bison Boosters Stampede 5K Walk/Run, which begins and ends at the New Buffalo Beach. T-shirts are guaranteed with pre-registration at NBAS.org. Race day registration and packet pickup begins at 7:45 a.m., and the race begins at 8:30. Free parking will be offered at the beach until 10:30 a.m.

Cost to attend the Ship & Shore Festival is a $5 donation at the gate. Children 12 and under enter for free. For more information, visit www.newbuffalo.org, or call 888-660-6222.