Labor Day weekend brings a beloved Michigan event– the Mackinac Bridge Walk!
This annual event started in June 1958 at the official dedication ceremony of the Mackinac Bridge. This grand 4-day celebration included a parade of dignitaries in 103 white convertibles gifted by Oldsmobile, flying formations of US Army and Navy Jets, and the unveiling of a plaque on the bridge’s north anchor block.
As part of the festivities, the International Walkers Association proposed a “walking race” across the bridge. The Mackinac Bridge Commission readily agreed, hoping the race would satisfy the numerous requests they received from those who wanted to walk Michigan’s new landmark.
Governor G. Mennen “Soapy” Williams, the bridge’s most prominent supporter, joined in the walk but did not officially race. The event was so popular, the Bridge Commission decided to hold it again the following year but moved the date to Labor Day to encourage late summer tourism. Williams participated in the walk again in 1959, and since then it has become custom for Michigan’s governors to lead the procession.
During their time in office, Governors George Romney and William Milliken both attempted to set speed records when they walked the bridge, and Governor Jennifer Granholm picked up the pace by jogging across in 2003. In 1998, Governor John Engler made the crossing while pushing his triplet daughters in a stroller.
The first Mackinac Bridge Walk gathered a modest 68 participants. Today the number is usually around 40,000 to 65,000! The Labor Day bridge walk continues to be a unique tradition for Michigan’s Governors and citizens alike.
