Save the date: July 18 will mark the annual Lightkeeper Rally and Crib Cruise, a dual event organized by the North Manitou Light Keepers (NMLK) to support ongoing restoration efforts at the North Manitou Shoal Light – the lighthouse better known as the “Crib.”

The Lightkeeper Rally runs from 5-7pm at the Old Art Building in Leland, and is described in an NMLK press release as “an elegant catered gathering…where the NMLK team will discuss efforts to restore the Crib and open it for overnight stays.” That part of the event is free to attend, though the NMLK asks that prospective attendees RSVP ahead of time with this Google form.

Following the rally is the Crib Cruise, an evening ferry ride that will depart Historic Fishtown at 7:30pm aboard Manitou Island Transit’s Mishe-Mokwa vessel. The cruise will travel the Manitou Passage, circle the Crib, and then head back – all while NMLK members “discuss the Crib, its history, and its future.” Unlike the rally, the Crib Cruise is not free; tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased on the NMLK website. All proceeds go toward future restoration projects at the Crib.

“Now that the bulk of the exterior work is complete [on the Crib’s restoration], we get to tell people more about our vision and plans for the interior restoration which will be our focus moving forward,” said Jake Kaberle, and NMLK board member.

Read more about the restoration of the Crib in the Leelanau Ticker’s progress report from April.