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The 14th Annual City-Wide Garage Sale went off without a hitch thanks to the participation and cooperation of over 60 residents and business. With advertising
in the newspapers, radio, and on the local cable channel, a large group of shoppers made their way to Rogers City for the Friday and Saturday event.

Calls for information on the event were received from as far away as Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Indian River, Atlanta, Cheboygan and Mackinaw City. Friday was a busy day at the Chamber, handing out garage sale maps from the time the office opened at 8:00am until closing at 4:00pm. The office was also open on Saturday to hand out maps and give directions to shoppers. After all was said and done, approximately 1,000 to 1,200 maps were handed out.

Over 25 Rogers City business helped to sponsor the event by advertising on the maps which also brought allot of the shoppers to the downtown area on both days helping to make the weekend a fun time for everyone involved.

An informal phone survey of participants by the Chamber indicated everyone felt the event attracted a larger amount of shoppers than in years past. Many good suggestions as well as favorable comments concerning the sale were received and will be incorporated in next year's event.

"Not your typical picture framing gallery" perfectly describes The Painted Lady .
Prior to a fire in February that destroyed two buildings and severely damaged the storefront which was home to the combination gift shop, gallery and coffee bar, the store offered a unique atmosphere enjoyed by both residents and visitors alike. It was not long after the fire that owners Paul Campbell and Barbara Richards relocated their store at 159 N. Third Street, just about 1 block north of the old location and began the tedious task of reconstruction. The gallery/gift shop is up and running with a complete line of gifts, including artwork, jewelry, glassware, plus many other items too numerous to mention and the pleasant atmosphere still remains. As expected, the picture framing service continues with its tradition of tasteful quality and craftsmanship.

Don't forget the coffee bar which is now open for service in a familiar location. Located in the back of the old Painted Lady at 112 S. Third Street, you can still order your favorite coffees, ice drinks, and smoothies while sitting with friends relaxing in the new, but familiar surroundings.

Someone recently asked me why I live in Rogers City. Looking for the right answer my mind began to wander. If the body follows with a short walk, it can be a refreshing experience…

Up and down the street, flower gardens are starting to bloom. Small patches of color dot the yards of almost every house you pass.

Great Lakes freighters glide slowly by on their way from port to port carrying the cargo that keeps the wheels of the world turning.

Geese swim by with this seasons young in a silent parade on ponds. The muffled sound of water passing over the damn as it continues the journey downstream.

Down at the ball fields, softball teams practice their moves in preparation for the next big game.

An informal basketball game at the court in Lakeside park fills the air with the sounds of the ball as it makes it way across the court and bounces off the backboard.

Neighbors smile and wave to one another as they work in their yard. The smiles and waves continue as a young couple pass by on their bicycles.

At the marina the boats slowly dance back and forth on their lines as a gentle breeze makes its way in off the lake.

Down the trail past the wildflower garden, across the bridge over the river and into the woods, a chorus of frogs sing in the pond as blue jays call through the trees, announcing our movements as we pass by.

In a meadow along the trail, a small group enjoys an evening picnic. The aroma of the food on the grill fills the air, replacing the scents of pine and cedar as you exit the woods.

On the beach, waves lap at the shoreline as the sun slowly continues it’s journey westward across the sky. Shore birds take flight as the evening approaches. Sky colors exchange places as stars begin to appear on the eastern horizon.

A few drops of rain fall as we continue our walk. A brightly colored rainbow appears, rising from the surface of the lake to cross overhead and disappear into the landscape west of town.

As the wind changes direction, the familiar scent of a campfire burning somewhere in the distance catches your attention.

In the future when someone asks me about Rogers City, I think I’ll just tell them to take a hike. They’ll appreciate the advice.

Another casualty of the February 2006 fire has returned in a new location and promises to be better than ever. Darrin and Milanne Darga officially opened July 10th with a "Grand Re-Opening" complete with the Rogers City Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors Club as well as representatives from other business's and residents of Rogers City.

Not only has the size of their store located at 203 N. Third Street grown,
so has their new menu with items such as "Panini Sandwiches".
Seating has capacity has been increased to host approximately
20 people. Business hours are from 11am until 9pm,
Monday thru Saturday and Sunday's from 4pm until 8pm.

Thanks to member sponsorships for advertising materials, this
season the Chamber has been able to produce and distribute
additional promotional materials in and around the area.

Approximately 15,000 booklets printed and distributed by the Great
Lakes Lighthouse Festival will feature a full page color ad highlighting
Rogers City positioned next to another full page ad sponsored by the Rogers City Traveler's and Visitor's Bureau. The visual impact made by these ads is outstanding.

Thanks to O-N Minerals, an additional 3,000 promotional flyers
were printed and are being distributed to visitor centers and
other chambers of commerce in Michigan.

Visitor's at Hoeft State Park this year will also see an increased
amount of information available at the park on Rogers City business,
events and activities as a result of a new flyer produced by the
Chamber.