ESCANABA — I would like to take this opportunity to convey my heartfelt gratitude to our business owners and residents for the warm reception graciously offered to the passengers of the American Queen Voyages during their initial visits to the Bays de Noc. Your remarkable acts of kindness and hospitality towards our first-time visitors have truly made them feel embraced by our splendid waterfront community.

Thanks to your enthusiastic welcome, we have received letters and comments resembling the following expression of appreciation.

Escanaba Friends,

My wife and I were on the Ocean Navigator when it docked in Escanaba on Sunday, May 14. We were very pleasantly surprised to be greeted by so many of your wonderful citizens. The band, volunteers and Chamber of Commerce made us feel very welcome to your U.P. city. We also got to sample some of your pastries [from Swedish Pantry] that were sent to our ship.

We had the chance to tour and were impressed by the displays at the Chamber of Commerce visitors center. We received two free “Yooper Bars” compliments of Sayklly’s. To top it all off we were able to see the magnificent dances of the Ojibwe tribe. They were the best part of our tour.

It is good to note that now American Queen Line has decided to add Escanaba as a stop on some of their future trips. Glad to see that your welcome ceremony and enthusiasm has paid off.

Best wishes to all of you for health and happiness.

Sincerely,

S&C, Inman, South Carolina

Many thanks for making their visit to Delta County a memorable and enriching experience.

— — —

Vickie Micheau is the executive director of the Delta County Chamber of Commerce