Wyatt & Shari Knapp: Live Music in Horton Bay, Michigan!

Horton Bay, Michigan is a special place for me as I have ancestors who settled there and who lived in that community for many years. Shari and I love Horton Bay and we’re so pleased we were invited again to provide the music for the big Labor Day Pig Roast!  This community event is held on the grounds of the Methodist Church there in Horton Bay.  We’ve been told that Ernest Hemingway was married in that church back in 1921.  The whole community was invited to his wedding and the following celebration, so it’s entirely likely that some of my ancestors attended!  One thing we realized last year is that the place where we sing is situated right at the front of what used to be my great-great grandparent’s expansive front yard.  As a matter of fact, the driveway into the venue is the same driveway that still leads up the hill to their old house. From the top of their driveway, and the porch, you can see an absolutely gorgeous view of the bay!  And Hemingway himself once wrote about the view from that very porch in one of his stories.

The view from Grampa Smith's Horton Bay home

The view from Grampa Smith’s Horton Bay home

The pig roast lasts from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm and they always have plenty of delicious food and desserts.  Shari and I will start singing right at 4:00 pm and will be there for the entire event. Then, at around 8:00 o’clock p.m., Horton Bay will host its annual Labor Day Candlelight Bridge Walk.   Everyone meets at “Mary’s” back yard where there is usually a campfire and more live music as they wait for the signal. Then, at twilight, participants attempt to walk the great Horton Bay Bridge by candlelight. During the walk, everyone invariably breaks out into a spontaneous “group singing” of traditional standards. The walk is preceded by some humorous and entertaining speeches.  It’s really a memorable event!  Those who make it across  receive a certificate of accomplishment and a free treat from the Horton Bay General Store! There’s no better way to end the summer than to share a delicious meal, listen to some great tunes, and walk the Horton Bay Bridge under the stars and candlelight!  Hope to see you there!                      –Wyatt–

Horton Bay Wyatt and Shari

4 thoughts on “Wyatt & Shari Knapp: Live Music in Horton Bay, Michigan!

  1. I’m so, so tempted to try to make it this year, as it sounds like exactly my kind of thing. If my moving day isn’t the next day, which it will be for some of us, I think I’ll see you there. Nice picture from Grandpas’ yard.

    • It would be great to see you there! It really is a fun time!
      I like the picture of the bay from Grampa Smith’s yard too! You can see a little of the old schoolhouse on the right, and that’s the steeple of the Methodist church on the left. Cool breezes up there on the hill! –WK

  2. What a nice photo of the view from the old homestead! When I stood there, or see a photo, I always think of how often my mom must have looked out on that lovely scene, when she visited at her grandparents’ farm. Have fun!.

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