Mackinac Island, Mich. - On July 4, join in the patriotic festivities at Mackinac State Historic Parks' Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island, Michigan's only surviving Revolutionary War-era fort.

Fort Mackinac interpreters, dressed as 1880s U.S. soldiers, will present "A Star Spangled Fourth" at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Featuring patriotic military music, a 38-gun salute (representing the 38 states in the union in the 1880s) and Victorian children's games, the celebration has something for everyone in the family. The historic island fort will be decked out in patriotic finery, with banners, flags and bunting. Admission to Fort Mackinac is $10 for adults and $6.25 for children ages 5-17. There is no charge for children under five.

"An American Picnic," held from 6:30 p.m. to dusk on July 4 at the Fort Mackinac parade ground, is a tasty way to celebrate Independence Day. With Grand Hotel's all-you-can-eat baby back ribs, grilled chicken breast, hot dogs, hamburgers, corn on the cob, salads and desserts, patriots will satisfy their hunger while celebrating the nation's birthday. Tickets purchased before 6 p.m. on July 4 are $39.50 for adults and $19.50 for children 5-17, with children under five eating for free. Mackinac Associates can purchase tickets for $31.50 for adults and $14.80 for children 5-17. Tickets include Fort Mackinac admission and dinner. They may be purchased in advance by calling (906) 847-3328 or by visiting the Mackinac Island State Park Visitor's Center or Grand Hotel.

Mackinac State Historic Parks, a pure Michigan family of living history museums and parks in northern Michigan's Straits of Mackinac, is an agency within the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries. Its sites - which are accredited by the American Association of Museums - include Fort Mackinac, Mackinac Island State Park and Historic Downtown on Mackinac Island, and Colonial Michilimackinac, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse and Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park in Mackinaw City. Mackinac State Historic Parks is governed by the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, established in 1895 to protect, preserve and present the parks' rich historic and natural resources for the education and recreation of future generations. Visitor information is available at (231) 436-4100 or on the Web at www.MackinacParks.com.

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL).