Page 128 - 2023 LAKE ST CLAIR GUIDE

ANNUAL “Float Down”
3rd Sunday in August And another
one is gone

Photo: Brenda Brobst
Thank you for remembering to dine “in the winter” at the
sponsors of the Guide, so they wil be here when you want to
be on the waterfront in the summer.
Just north of Algonac, on the 1978 The restaurant was sold
St. Clair River, we lost another to a group of investors who
long time waterfront restaurant changed the name to The
- McRae’s Big River Grille. The Channel Marker. It was owned
following is a nice summary of for a 1.5 years and was sold to
the history since 1933 posted the Brengman family.
on McRae’s Facebook: 1980 - The Brengman’s al-
1933 - Originally a boat liv- ready owned a restaurant
ery it was owned by a German named Captain’s so this one
immigrant, Ray Hegle & wife became Captain’s II. It was
Floaters - Please see St. Clair County who rented boats and cooked owned by many members of
Marine Sheriff Article Page 6

ANNUAL Float Down the St. Clair River Was called
Last season the Sheriff, USCG, Ontario Police, and Fish Sid’s on the Seaway
& Game just about out numbered the participants! Many 1945-1976
still poured onto the St. Clair River just north of the Blue
Water Bridge for this annual event where floaters end in
Marysville, MI. This is an unsanctioned event and can
be dangerous due to currents and water temperatures.
As a reminder, ALL motorized vessel traffic includ- fish people caught. They the Brengman and Morley
ing FREIGHTER traffic is shut down on the river from eventually added sandwich- families.
noon to 8pm this 3rd Sunday in August. es and burgers to the menu. 1993 - Anthony’s: Mr. Jack
During WWII they started Lietke bought the restaurant
serving drinks and held hours and his son-in-law, Anthony,
for dancing & drinks with fam- operated the business.
ily and friends. The property 1997 - McRae’s Big River
was sold in 1945. Grille: Mr. and Mrs. McRae
1945 - The restaurant’s name bought the restaurant. For al-
was changed to Sid’s on the most 20 years, they offered
Seaway (Sid’s). exceptional service and a
1976 - Chuck Mattas bought wonderful dining experience
into a Black Angus for every guest.
franchise & They will be missed!
Algonac Lions Pickerel Festival renamed the
on the St. Clair River restaurant I’m sure
Photo Connie Engelhardt The Black Kim must
Angus. know this
85th Anniversary for is not my
boat
Pickerel Festival
The 1st Pickerel Fest was held in 1939 and was run
by the Village of Algonac. A year after the Algonac “Li- BOATING IND.
ons Cub” was chartered, the Lions took over the event
and have been running it since 1941.
The Lions Club supports many charities including
Hospice, Goodfellows, Children in Distress, Leader
Dogs for the Blind and many many more good people.
Besides being a worthy cause, it’s just a GREAT event to
attend! See page 43 for 2023 details.
Page 128