June 6, 2007

The mighty Mackinac Bridge is a beloved symbol of the dreams, hard work and courage of the men and women who built this great state.

This year, the Mackinac Bridge will turn 50 years old. Join Michigan History magazine in paying tribute to this spectacular symbol.

Available in July 2007, the expanded 96-page issue is filled with stories about life before the bridge, the businessmen who bankrolled it, the fearless workers who built it and one daring pilot who flew under it. Subscribe by July 2007 to receive this fantastic issue as part of your subscription. A one-year subscription is only $19.95. Call (800) 366-3703 or visit 
www.michiganhistorymagazine.com.

The Mackinac Bridge 50th Anniversary Celebration will take place on July 27-28, 2007. Many exciting events will take place in the Straits area, including parades in St. Ignace and Mackinaw City, oral history presentations, music and fireworks over the Straits.

Visit Bridge View Park in St. Ignace on July 28 to purchase your copy of the commemorative magazine in person and to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime event. For more information on the celebration, visit the Mackinac Bridge Authority's Web site at www.mackinacbridge.org.

The Michigan Department of Transportation is selling commemorative posters of the Mighty Mac. Four unique designs showcase this spectacular symbol of our great state. For more information on the posters visit www.michigan.gov/mdot or call (517) 322-1676.

Finally, you can register to win an unforgettable trip to the top of the Mackinac Bridge. One lucky person and a guest will win a certificate that allows them special access to one of the Mackinac Bridge towers, offering a unique experience and spectacular view from 552 feet above the Straits of Mackinac. The trip is being offered by the St. Ignace Area Visitors Bureau, the St. Ignace Chamber of Commerce, and the St. Ignace Welcome Center.

Visitors are encouraged to cross the bridge and register to win the tower tour at: the St. Ignace Chamber of Commerce, 560 N. State Street; the St. Ignace Visitors Bureau, 6 Spring Street; and the St. Ignace Welcome Center, located off I-75 on the east side of the highway, just beyond the bridge toll booths. The last day to register is Oct. 31, 2007. The drawing will be held Nov. 1, 2007, with the tower tour to be taken in 2008.

For more information on the tower tour drawing, visit 
www.michigan.gov/mackinacbridge.

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