GULL ISLAND (WWJ) – Break out the bikinis and crack open a cold one — Friday is Jobbie Nooner!
Thousands of boats and more than 50,000 people are expected to descend on Gull Island in Lake St. Clair for one of the biggest parties of the summer.
So, what exactly is Jobbie Nooner?
The event was started in the 70’s by some of Detroit’s auto industry employees looking for a summer getaway. The workers would typically go out on the Friday following the summer solstice, and the island served as a perfect venue. Lee Odell of Ferndale was part of the guys who started Jobbie Nooner back in 1974.
“Four boats and 17 guys that decided to leave at 11 a.m. and go out to party on the lake,” Odell said. “A lot of guys started bringing their wives and their girlfriends to lunch every day, and they said if you aren’t doing anything then come on out.”
It has grown in popularity ever since and the line of boats just continues to get longer and longer. This year, the island is taking on a bit of a different shape; due to high water levels, the entire island is nearly under water. But that's not expected to put a damper on anyone's party.
If you’re heading to Jobbie Nooner, the weather will be hot with high temperatures around 90 and a slight chance for storms. See the complete weather forecast.