A topic of discussion this month has been on how did the merchants, retailers and hoteliers do over the Fourth. Traffic was up, and there were many out of town and out of state plates seen in the county. It will take a bit of time before we get sure figures, but what do you think? Did you see more new faces? Were your shelves emptied? Without comparing to the hay days of travel, do you think business increased from a year or two ago?

Houghton Lake Area Tourism BureauAs a tourism bureau we are happy to do what we can to attract visitors to the area, your chamber is helping get the visitors to your businesses and you, the retailer, can play a big role in giving our guests a great experience. This is a no-fail system and it is great to be able to work with you all.

The Michigan DNR issued a press release this month about the recovery of Osprey population in southern Michigan. It was due to the efforts of the DNR, other organizations and many volunteers. How fortunate we are that we have a number of nesting pairs in the Houghton Lake Flats. When you go, take your binoculars and camera.
The pair in the nest closest to the heron rookery are quite vocal and active in the spring. I have been able to get pictures of them flying, landing on their nest, eating fish or watching from a tree perch.
For the past couple of years one of them has let me know in no uncertain terms he is not happy to see me. He will fly towards me with his high-pitched chirp letting me know it is his turf that I am standing on. Rest assured, all I want is a nice picture to share with everyone.

I have spent some time this week talking to people who work so hard behind the scenes of all the events that take place in Roscommon County. Our resources not only are our lakes and natural beauty, but the wonderful people of the organizations and chambers who plan, promote and man our special events, such as fairs, art and craft shows, duck races, festivals and fly-ins.



This blog would be way too long if I mentioned every volunteer and organization, but the next time you see someone setting up, taking down or promoting an event, thank them for their hard work.
We don't have control over the weather, what other events are taking place around the state or nearby, but every event can boast of successes due to our hard-working volunteers.


.

I read a negative post regarding law enforcement on the lakes. For the most part the officers are doing their due diligence in order to protect the lives of all enjoying the lake. If they approach a boater to check on the life jackets, thank them. Remember they may have been on the lake when a tragedy has occurred. Can you imagine how difficult it is to have to search for someone who fell into the lake?

Also, as one officer told me, it is only about three percent of the population (local and/or visitors) who are lawbreakers. How thankful we can be when the few who make it difficult for the majority are stopped by our hard-working law enforcement personnel.

Summer has been super at Michigan's Other Great Lakes

Talk about a Pure Michigan experience, driving home last night at dusk I caught a picture of the clouds dotting the blue sky, turned off the radio, rolled down the window and felt the cool night air, enjoyed the smell of the sweet grasses and fading campfires and listened to the late evening chirps of the birds and squirrels.

Catch Us If You Can

More than 100 tagged fish are swimming around Houghton Lake, Higgins Lake and Lake St. Helen. As the weather and water warms your opportunity to catch one greatly increases - and we have increased the grand prize from $50,000 and a new boat to $100,000 and a new boat. Without revealing your best kept secret - what's your favorite fishing hole in Roscommon County?