Empire’s 2026 Anchor Day celebration took place as scheduled on Saturday, July 18 during a fortunate break in Canadian wildfire smoke. The hazardous smoke conditions that had blanketed the area earlier in the week cleared up enough by Saturday to allow outdoor events to safely continue, starting with the noon parade.
This year’s parade down Front Street was led by EACC reps Steve Lewis and Bill Lustig with the usual floats and boats and candy for kids. Highlights included the Glen Lake Fire Department, the Sleeping Bear Dunesmobile, and the Glen Arbor Marching Band. The parade was followed by other Anchor Day events, including a pop-up book sale at the library, a bonfire with chocolate s’mores at the Grocer’s Daughter, a Lion’s Club BBQ chicken dinner, and a street dance in the evening with music by Doc Probes.
