The sounds of the Manitowoc Lincoln, Manitowoc Lutheran, and Roncalli High School band filled the air on the shore of Lake Michigan this afternoon (May 20th), as they played a song composed specifically for the 150th Birthday of Manitowoc. They were also celebrating the maiden voyage of the S.S. Badger Car Ferry, which hundreds of people gathered to watch.
Mayor Justin Nickels voiced his excitement in seeing the Badger again.
“This is always a great day in the City of Manitowoc because this is the unofficial start of summer,” he told the crowd. “It is great to see our wonderful S.S. Badger back at home port for the sailing season and to welcome all the people and industry coming into our home port.”
CC / Seehafer News (From left to right: Mayor Nickels, Jim Barker, Mark Barker)
Jim Barker, the Chairman of Interlake Steamship Company, was also on hand for the first time as the new owners of the iconic vessel.
“We are delighted to be here,” he said. “Mr. Mayor, we are so excited to start this service and to serve Manitowoc and open up the Ludington/Manitowoc Corridor.”
Mark Barker, the President of Interlake Maritime Services was quite amazed at the sheer number of people who were on hand to celebrate the unofficial start to summer in Manitowoc.
“Thank you to the city of Manitowoc, and all of you coming down today,” Barker stated. “This is quite an experience…When they said everyone would come down to see you, they were not kidding.”
The Badger will operate through October 10th, arriving in Manitowoc at Noon each day and leaving at 2:00 PM. For ticket information visit SSBadger.com
