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The fate of the Labor Day walk on the Mackinac Bridge is still up in the air. After the event was called off in 2020, the Bridge Authority is balancing uncertainty around what state guidelines will allow for the early September tradition against the high cost for planning and hosting the 30,000 participants who take part.
The 2019 walk set back the Mackinac Bridge Authority and the Michigan State Police over $500,000. At Tuesday’s virtual meeting, Executive Secretary Kim Nowack presented on the state’s “Vacc to Normal” plan and current trends. The state’s vaccination rate continues to rise, but the pace has cooled considerably in recent weeks. As it stands today, seventy percent of eligible adults have to get their first dose before restrictions are lifted completely.
Member Tricia Kinley said she thought the board should wait it out, at least until the picture becomes clearer next month. Member Kirk Steudle concurred with putting off a decision.
A special meeting will be held in June. The Detroit News is reporting Wednesday morning that an announcement from the Governor easing restrictions is expected by the end of the week. When the Mackinac Bridge Authority gathers again, there is a good chance it will be navigating significantly different, and hopefully calmer waters.
