Events

Mackinaw City, MI: Over 400 cast members will re-create events that took place between the French, British and Indian tribes, on June 2, 1763. This historically rich event will take place for the 48th consecutive year. The Fort Michilimackinac Pageant is the longest running, free historical Memorial Day performance in the Nation. Visitors will meet famous Indian Chiefs: Miniavavan and Matchekewis of the Ojibwa tribe, and Wawatam who becomes a blood brother to Alexander Henry and later saves his life.

Time: Saturday, May 28, 2010 & May 29th, & May 30th, 2011
Contact Information: Fort Michilimackinac Historical Reenactment Pageant
E-Mail: kvieau@nmo.net
Phone: 231-436-5574 or 1-888-455-8100

Following what is known here as the French and Indian War with British, the fort comes under the rule of the English. They treat the Indians as servants and do not present them with gifts, as was the custom of their former friends, the French. The great Ottawa Chief, Pontiac, calls for a war council and devises a scheme for each tribe in his domain. The actions are aimed at annihilating the British outposts in the Northwest. The pageant attemps to re-create this area's historical connection to Pontiac's siege. This scheme leads to the playing of an apparently innocent game of baggataway at the fort, where great numbers of Indians have assembled outside the wall of the fort. The British soldiers garrisoned at the fort are politely invited to watch the game. The Indian's plan is simple yet calculating. In spite of the warm weather on the fateful morning of June 2, 1763, the Indian women appear wearing blankets over their clothing. Their heavy blankets conceal weapons of battle to be provided to the braves when the fighting begins. The Indians plan to gain entrance to the fort during the game. The first time the ball goes over the wall, it is retrieved by the British guardsmen. The second time the ball goes over the wall, a few braves are permitted to enter and retrieve the ball. The third time the ball goes over, the Indians will enter the fort, capture the soldiers, and take over the fort. Will the plot succeed? Come watch and see!

 

 

 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR MEMORIAL WEEKEND IN MACKINAW CITY, MI

 

THERE IS NO ADMISSION CHARGE FOR THE HISTORICAL REENACTMENT PAGEANT OR RELATED EVENTS.

 

 

SATURDAY, MAY 28th

1:00 p.m. - >Grand Parade - Begins at Conkling Heritage Park and ends at Colonial Fort Michilimackinac. This is the largest Memorial Parade in the State of Michigan.

3:30pm - Historical Reenactment Pageant - Colonial Fort Michilimackinac             

** Dusk:  Fireworks Display **                          

SUNDAY, MAY 29th

2:30pm - Historical Reenactment - Colonial Fort Michilimackinac



MONDAY, MAY 30th

2:30pm - Historical Reenactment - Colonial Fort Michilimackinac

OTHER "PAGEANT RELATED" EVENTS INCLUDE:

Saturday, May 28th

9:30am - Band Competitions in Marina Parking Lot

3:00pm - 18th Century Fashion Show held at Fort Michilimackinac.

7:00pm - 18th Century Auction open to the Public                                                                               

Sunday, May 29th

"Spirits of the North" Muzzleloading Completions at Rifle Range.

2:00pm - 18th Century Fashion Show at Fort Michilimackinac.

Monday, May 30th

10:00am - Memorial Day Service in Marina Park on South Huron Avenue

2:00pm - 18th Century Fashion Show at Fort Michilimackinac.