JCI Ludington
Formerly known as the Ludington Area Jaycees
Formerly known as the Ludington Area Jaycees
The Freedom Festival brings over 50,000 people to downtown Ludington each year, uniting our community in celebration, tradition, and summer joy. From the beloved parade to the spectacular fireworks, this festival has become a cornerstone of what makes Ludington shine.But as you can imagine, costs are rising — from insurance and security to permits, equipment, and logistics. What was once manageable is now stretching our budget to its limits. That’s why we’re reaching out to our most valued local partners — businesses like yours — to ask for your support in keeping this incredible tradition alive.
How You Can Help
We’re asking for monetary or in-kind contributions to support this year’s Freedom Festival. Whether it’s $100, $1,000, or a donation of goods or services, your support directly impacts the success and sustainability of this beloved event.
Draws 50,000+ visitors to downtown – great visibility and community engagement
Boosts local business traffic during the biggest weekend of the summer
Keeps our community safe, vibrant, and family-friendly
Recognizes your business as a key supporter of Ludington tradition
All donors will be recognized on our website and across social media. Sponsorship levels with additional benefits are attached to this email.
Let’s keep the magic alive together. If you can contribute or have questions, don't hesitate to get in touch with Amanda Wingelaar and/or Cydney Schmock at jciludingtonfreedomfestival@gmail.com or visit https://www.jciludington.org/about/donate
Thank you for being part of what makes Ludington extraordinary.
Warmly,
Amanda Wingelaar & Cydney Schmock
Freedom Festival Co-Chairs
What a weekend! JCI Michigan put on a beautiful year-end conference for 2024. 2024 was a wild year, and in the chaos, Amanda put energy into her passion for the Ludington Area Jaycees and the JCI organization as a whole. She won the JCI MI Create It competition, a Thom Stark award for outstanding vice presidents, and the Sandy K Luikes award for outstanding district directors. Cory Rickett was awarded for being an outstanding State Board member. Our senator members were recognized for awards as well. Mary Burden was awarded for co-chairing the 100th-year celebration for JCI MI, and Rob Burden won the Tony K Return the Favor award. Our local chapter won the best local peace project, the best long-term community development project, and the best membership development project! We were also awarded a Henry Giessenbier for outstanding local chapters and the CW Bill Otto for THE BEST LOCAL CHAPTER in the state! It’s never been a better time to join a Jaycee chapter as we look to the future, and there’s never been a better time to join the Ludington chapter as we come home with ELEVEN awards from the Michigan year-end!
A huge THANK YOU to the people of Wagner Home and Outdoor, who donated their time and talents to construct three new shade pavilions for our Mini Golf patrons. These structures will provide much needed shade on those hot summer days!
a donation of $5,000+
No current Grand Finale Sponsors
a donation of $2,500
No current Comet Sponsors
a donation of $1,500 - $2,499
No current Roman Candle Sponsors
a donation of $750 - $1,499
No current Fire Cracker Sponsors
Open daily from noon to ten pm, Memorial Day – Labor Day
PRICES
Kids: $7
Adults: $9
30 Round Punch Cards: $125
872-JAY-CEES (872-529-2337)
minigolf@jciludington.org
The mission of the Ludington Area Jaycees is to serve our community, expand our capabilities, and develop lifelong friendships.
The vision of the Ludington Area Jaycees is to be the service club of choice for people between the ages of 18 and 40 throughout the Ludington Area.