The National Walleye Tour returned to Bays de Noc, bringing approximately 115 two-angler teams from across the country to compete in one of the premier walleye fisheries in North America. For many of these anglers, this is their first experience fishing our waters and visiting our community. Over the course of the tournament, they stayed in our hotels, dined in our restaurants, visited local businesses and experienced firsthand the hospitality that makes the Upper Peninsula unique, from sunrises on the Bays de Noc to evenings in our local dining spots and downtowns.

Next week, another wave of visitors will arrive when the Island Resort Championship at Sweetgrass welcomes 144 golfers from around the world. These athletes are competing Friday, June 26 to Sunday, 28 during the Epson Tour, an official qualifying tour of the LPGA, with hopes of earning their place among the world’s top golfers. Along with the players come caddies, family members, sponsors, volunteers, media representatives and spectators, all contributing to the energy and economic impact of the event on one of the region’s premier championship courses.

While fishing tournaments and professional golf championships may seem worlds apart, they share a common purpose — bringing people here and leaving them with a lasting impression of Delta County.

The Chamber is proud to support both events through promotion, visitor services, volunteer coordination and community outreach. However, our role is made possible only through the trust and partnership of the organizations that bring these events to Delta County.

Vickie Micheau

We extend our sincere gratitude to the National Walleye Tour organizers and to the Island Resort Championship at Sweetgrass team for their confidence in our community and their continued partnership. These events require months of planning and the dedication of hundreds of volunteers and partners working behind the scenes. Their efforts help ensure that visitors leave not only with memories of great competition, but also with a lasting impression of Delta County as a destination.

The benefits of these events extend well beyond tournament results. They generate meaningful economic activity, create positive exposure for our region and give us the opportunity to share the story of Delta County with people who may never have visited otherwise. Some will return for another tournament or championship. Others will come back for a vacation, a fishing trip, a golf outing or simply because they discovered a place they want to experience again.

As we welcomed anglers this week and welcome golfers in the days ahead, we are reminded that these events are about far more than fish weighed or scores posted — they are about the lasting impression we leave behind.

For that opportunity and for the partnerships that make it possible, we are truly grateful.