MANISTEE, MICH. - In communities like ours, traditions don’t just happen; they are built and passed down with intention. That’s exactly what the Manistee National Forest Festival represents. As we approach its 90th year, I believe it’s more important than ever to recognize why it matters and how much thought is put into it.

Planning for the Forest Festival is a year-round effort that begins almost as soon as the last one ends. From securing sponsors and coordinating vendors to working closely with the City of Manistee departments, including Public Works, Police, and Fire, as well as the County Sheriff’s Office, Tribal Police, and the local CERT team, there are countless moving parts. The festival must also be approved by the City Council early each year so that visitors can plan ahead. All of this happens long before the first parade entry rolls down the street or the first firework lights up Lake Michigan.

But here’s the bigger point: none of that work would matter if the festival didn’t have a real impact.

Last year alone, over 27,000 people attended the Forest Festival over five days (more than the population of Manistee County itself), according to data from Placer.ai. For a community our size, that’s not just a successful event, it’s a powerful reminder of how deeply this tradition resonates. It brings visitors to our downtown, supports local businesses, and showcases everything that makes Manistee special.

But attendance numbers are only a portion of the story. 

What makes the Forest Festival truly valuable is the way it brings people together. It’s the memories of watching the Independence Day parade as a child and returning years later with your own family. It’s the familiar sound of the Scottville Clown Band, the excitement of the Anderson Midway Carnival, and the shared experience of gathering along the lakeshore for fireworks. These are the moments that define a community, and they don’t happen by accident.

At the same time, keeping a tradition alive for 90 years requires a willingness to evolve. This year, we’re introducing both new and returning attractions like Twiggy the Waterskiing Squirrel, the All-American Lumberjack Show, and Arestov’s Acrobatic Extravaganza, while continuing to bring back longtime favorites like Anderson Midways Carnival, Whispering Pines Petting Zoo, and the Artisan Fair at Red Szymarek Park. The balance of honoring tradition while embracing new experiences is exactly what keeps the festival relevant for the next generations.

None of this would be possible without the support of our sponsors and community partners. Their investment reflects something deeper than dollars; it shows a shared commitment to preserving a tradition that benefits all of us.

As we celebrate 90 years, I would encourage our community to do more than just attend. Take a moment to reflect on what the Forest Festival means to you. Share those memories. Bring someone new. Support the businesses and organizations that make it happen.

Because in my view, the Forest Festival isn’t just an event on a calendar. It’s a reflection of who we are as a community, and it’s something worth showing up for, supporting, and carrying forward for the next 90 years.

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Nicole Kaminski is the Operations Manager at the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, a non-profit 501 C (6) organization, whose mission is to build a dynamic and sustainable organization to serve the Business, Workforce, and Economic Development needs of all in Manistee County. You can contact the Chamber at 231-723-2575 or operations@manisteechamber.com.