Celebrate the power of stories, science, and community. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Lake Muskegon at the Mart Dock shipping yard, this free, family-friendly event brings I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger—and other Big Read selections—to life through hands-on exploration and creativity.

Inspired by the Great Lakes setting of Enger’s novel, the afternoon will feature:
-Science cruises aboard the W.G. Jackson research vessel
-Tours of the historic LST 393 WWII ship
-Live performances and crafts on the LST’s top deck
-A bounce house and lake-themed crafts for kids
-Interactive booths from local nonprofits focused on water, conservation, and community
-Food Trucks
-A celebration of the recent delisting of Muskegon Lake as an “Area of Concern”—a major environmental milestone decades in the making

Come connect with the stories that shape us and the waters that surround us. Let’s launch this year’s Big Read with curiosity, creativity, and community pride!