(WWJ) Promoters say hundreds of private boats, including a 74-foot flagship boat, are expected to participate in a big "MAGA Boat Parade" planned for this Saturday in Southeast Michigan.
According to a release by the Michigan Conservative Coalition, the parade will start in Lake St. Clair off the 9 Mile Tower, ending when boats pass downtown Detroit, near Hart Plaza.
In an updated news release, promotors say a privately owned tug boat has been added to the fleet for what will be the "largest MAGA Boat Parade ever" in Michigan, on June 15.
The historic tug boat “Cisco” will join the flotilla where Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River combine, after hosting a salute to military veterans’ event in Algonac.
Start time is 1:01 p.m. with the parade expected to pass the St. Clair Shore’s Nautical Mile area at about 1:30 p.m. From there, the course will proceed downriver around Belle Isle. At around 4:01 p.m. , the MAGA Parade will end/turn around in the area of Hart Plaza. (The rain date in June 16).
What's the message these boaters seek to send?
“Michigan is the Great Lakes state. Nothing will show off that better than a massive MAGA boat parade,” said Rosanne Ponkowski, spokesperson for the Michigan Conservative Coalition, in a news release. “Combine the expected nautical display with the opportunity to celebrate President Trump’s birthday weekend will make the day even more special.”
“Michigan, as the Great Lakes State, knows how to show off its nautical enthusiasm. In that regard, nothing will do better than a massive MAGA boat parade," Ponkowski said. "Plus, President Trump is the announced major speaker at an unrelated event in downtown Detroit on this exact June 15 date. Surely that is a part of the energy we feel for our 2024 MAGA Boat event. Make this day even more special with Trump’s major event appearance and the opportunity to celebrate President Trump’s birthday weekend in Detroit by joining the MAGA flotilla.”
Private boats, sea planes, helicopters and drones are all planned to participate, traveling around 0.4 miles off-shore at speeds if around 4.3 knots per hour (or just under 5 mph).
The MCC says many water craft are expected to join the parade as it passes marinas along the parade route.
The public is welcome to participate.
According to Britannica, the term "MAGA" refers to a nativist political movement that emerged in the United States during the 2016 presidential campaign of its leader, Donald Trump. The name is derived from Trump’s 2016 campaign slogan “Make America Great Again,” which became a rallying cry for many Trump supporters during his candidacy, presidency (2017–21), and beyond.
The MAGA movement — often referred to simply as MAGA, or Make America Great Again — was founded on the belief that the U.S. was once a “great” country but has since lost this status, and that this supposed fall from grace can be reversed through “America first” policies.
“Our 2020 MAGA flotilla, that traveled a similar course, had hundreds of water craft involved. We have all seen television coverage of the awesome Trump flotillas in Florida and, frankly, the Michigan MAGA Boat Parade was much bigger and more fun,” said Ponkowski.
She added, " We ask that all boating and land participants follow safe practices at all times. To look even better, we ask that each craft be decorated with American or Trump flags, and with any patriotic display. Use your audio system to broadcast patriotic music. Let’s celebrate Michigan MAGA on June 15.”
Previously, the advertised end point for the parade was underneath the new Gordie Howe International Bridge, which is still under construction. No explanation was provided for the change.
More information and updates about this event will be posted on the MCC Facebook page here, and on the MCC website at this link.