Each year the people of the small town of Lovells, Michigan, gather to celebrate. A town that proudly boasts their population of 613 (as of 2018 census), they come together each August to walk and raise money.

What initially started as a laugh and a small scale (very small scale) version of the Labor Day Mackinaw Bridge Walk, Lovells Famous Bridge Walk now shows numbers of over 400 people attending. In the past this event may only include a bridge walk, but it now is a full day of events not to be missed.

“We had a great turnout,” said Cynthia Infante-Inman, the Lovells Township Clerk. “I am very pleased with the turnout of people and money raised.”

The Fireman’s Pancake Breakfast was the official start to the day. Breakfast foods were donated by Kellogg’s Bridge Grocery, and was entirely prepared by volunteering fire and EMS staff. You could be entertained by the smooth music of musician Bill Evo playing at the breakfast. The town then moved over to Riverside Tavern, where Headwaters Land Conservancy put on the annual Log Drive. This event is a play on the 19th century log races that took place on Michigan’s rivers. Participants could purchase a mini log ahead of time, and at the start they drop their log into the river. The first three to pass the bridge (and finish line) win, with a first-place prize of a camping trip, second place prize of a hiking package, and third prize a gift card for Northbound Outfitters. Logs were attached to raffle tickets that were purchased at the Fireman’s Breakfast.

Immediately following these events was the Lovells Bridge Walk Parade. The parade included multiple firetrucks and EMS, as well as clowns and high school bands. After the parade is the main event, the Bridge Walk. There was a community wide luncheon following the walk, catered by Dead Bear Brewing.

“I had people telling me all day long it was the very best Bridge Walk we had put on so far,” Infante-Inman said. Infante-Inman also estimates it be one of their most successful fundraiser events.

“I guesstimate currently that we raised about $10,000 for the Lovells Fire and EMS departments,” she said.

What could be the reason for such a big turnout? It was the 30th anniversary, so Infante-Inman knew they needed to make it big.  Kevin B. Kline assisted in this, providing music from 1-3 p.m. Number 30 balloons were proudly displayed everywhere. Adding to the excitement of the day was the new public park dedication! On the crossroads of F-97 and County Road 612, the new park named Crossroads Park was entirely funded by previous donors, with no taxpayer money needed for it.

“Our Planning Commission will conduct a Public Input Open House on Sept. 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Town Hall.  We look forward to hearing community ideas for the park,” Infante-Inman said.

If you happen to miss this wonderful event, don’t fret too hard. It’ll be back in 2022, and it is just getting better each year.