Mackinaw City (WKZO-AM) — Thousands braved rainy weather to participate in the annual Labor Day bridge walk over the Mackinac Bridge on Monday, including Gov. Rick Snyder.
Forecasts had predicted storms with lightning, which might have delayed or even scrubbed the event, but the storm system weakened and the event went off as scheduled.
“We’re hearty people, we enjoy good things, and this is a fun event,” Snyder said. “And it’s part of the traditions in our state — it’s pure Michigan”
Even protestors demanding the closure of the Enbridge Pipeline were able to launch their kayaks.
Marathon swimmer Jim Dreyer wasn’t worried about rain — it was the choppy water they had to navigate under the bridge that presented a challenge for him and 84 other swimmers.
“It was not for the faint of heart, that’s for sure,” Mike Schuler, another swimmer, said. “But, yeah, it felt great.”
The swimmers were able to raise $300,000 for Habitat for Humanity chapters throughout west Michigan.
– John McNeill
