Over the past decade the Long Lake Lights Festival has entertained the residents of Alpena and neighboring communities with an entertaining fundraising dinner and auction followed by a fun-filled family day at the Long Lake Park.  We have very much enjoyed being able to bring these events to our community.  However, as time goes by, change is inevitable, and this year is a pivotal turning point for the Festival.  We want to keep you up to date on those changes...

 

What will be Discontinued...

 

Fundraising Dinner:  Sadly, we will no longer be hosting our annual fundraising dinner at the Aplex. This was a very difficult decision to make since nearly half of our fundraising goals are met on that evening alone.  We know you all enjoyed the event, and we enjoyed doing it! Nevertheless, the auction/dinner has outgrown the small number of dedicated volunteers who make up our small committee. 

 

In lieu of the money our gracious attendees have spent at the dinner on auction items, purchasing tickets, etc., we hope they will still support our fundraising efforts by making a cash donation,  participate in the online auction event we will be organizing in the near future, purchase raffle tickets, or donate in some other way. 

 

Park Activities:  Many of you know that the Alpena County Parks Commission is putting in a new boat launch at the Long Lake Park.  Although this will be a very nice upgrade, due to those  renovations we will no longer be holding events such as the arts & crafts show, Kids Zone,  petting zoo, horseshoe or volleyball tournaments. 

 

The new boat launch is being supported by Alpena County and the Alpena Youth and Recreation Committee; as well as two grants through the Michigan DNR.  Construction on this project is expected to start in the spring.