Ludington's Very Own
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| James Ludington |
Every town has its own unique “flavor”—which separates it from all the rest. Ludington definitely has a variety of things we call our own; from local events to fascinating places.
Events like the Freedom Festival and Lakestride Half Marathon take place during the summer, and our Lakeshore Parrothead Club is a special group of people that call Ludington home. Waterfront Park and it's sculptures, the nine murals, and the Ludington Pumped Storage Project are special and a must-see for any visitor to this area.
Perhaps the most unique of all is the Scottville Clown Band, known throughout the country, with roots right here in Mason County. These musically-blessed gentlemen from all walks of life entertain crowds at concerts and parades in the summertime. And of course, the S.S. Badger carferry, the largest ship to sail the Great Lakes, calls Ludington, Michigan her home.
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It’s ironic that the man whom Ludington is named for never actually resided here. But his contribution to a small lumbering village was the foundation that the present day city of Ludington is built on. |
One look at the wooden pirate ship and its pirate crew, and you might think you’re in another time or place. But it’s 2008, and you've just come face to face with the Lakeshore Parrothead Club from Ludington, Michigan. |
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Ludington’s fondness for the S.S. Badger, has prompted city officials to create a children’s flotilla that’s a miniature replica of this great carferry. |
What makes Friday Night Live so special? Maybe it’s the old fashioned feeling of being in a town you love, seeing friends and family on the street, and enjoying all the goodness of summer. |
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Since its inception in 1979, C.O.V.E. has been dedicated to ending violence in our communities. Originally known as Region Four Community Services, it was re-named Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters (C.O.V.E.) in 2004. |
Patriotism is alive and well here in Ludington, Michigan, as demonstrated in the annual Freedom Festival, held every year since 1874. Sponsored by the Ludington Area Jaycees, this event is one of the few great July 4th festivals still in existence in Michigan. |
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It began in 1980, and 28 years later, the Ludington Lakestride Half Marathon is stronger than ever. With one of the most beautiful and scenic courses in Michigan, the Lakestride attracts 600-800 runners from around the state and beyond. |
Anyone can read about the history of a town, but here in Ludington, our history is displayed in a unique and rather large manner. Within the downtown region, nine murals grace the façade of local businesses, and two more murals are found just outside of town. |
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Ludington Pumped Storage Project Celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2008, Ludington’s Pumped Storage Project is an engineering marvel, and one of the world’s biggest electric “batteries.” |
Nestled between two marinas with a view of the carferry dock is Waterfront Park. Since its unveiling in 1999, the park has been a focal point in Ludington, and a favorite backdrop for that perfect photo. |
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The Big Noise from Scottville," otherwise known as the Scottville Clown Band, has entertained music lovers throughout the state of Michigan for over 100 years. If you're lucky enough to be in Ludington for the July 4th parade, you're in for a treat. |
What sets Ludington's Waterfront Park apart from other parks? The answer lies in its seven bronzed sculptures that you'll find throughout the five acre park. |
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Smaller towns set themselves apart from big cities by local events that involve the community. No where is that more prevalent than here in late July, when Ludington hosts the Western Michigan Fair. |
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