Ludington Area Jaycees

Ludington Area Jaycees If you would like more information or are interested in joining, visit our website at www.jciludington.org or by emailing [email protected].
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JCI Ludington (formerly the Ludington Area Jaycees) is a non-profit organization for young leaders between the ages of 18-40 years who are looking to grow personally and professionally while creating positive change. The Ludington Area Jaycees is an organization for individuals 21-40 years of age seeking leadership and social opportunities, volunteer activities, community involvement, networking and personal enrichment.

07/01/2026

55 years ago today, young people changed the Constitution — faster than anyone ever had.

On July 1, 1971, the 26th Amendment was ratified, lowering the voting age from 21 to 18. It took about 100 days — the fastest any amendment has ever been ratified. Nearly 11 million young Americans gained a voice, powered by one rallying cry: "old enough to fight, old enough to vote."

Here's why that hits home for us. 💙

The Jaycees were founded in 1920 on one bold idea: young people can change the world — if you give them the tools and a seat at the table. Our organization is built for ages 18 to 40, the very people the 26th Amendment first empowered — and Jaycees have run "Get Out the Vote" efforts since 1923. So the fastest amendment in American history isn't just a date to us. It's our mission, written into the Constitution.

And the timing couldn't be bigger. This year, America turns 250. 🇺🇸 A quarter-millennium in, the story of this country has always been the same — the circle of "We the People" getting wider, generation by generation. Young voters are the newest link in a 250-year chain. Now it's our turn to show up.

Make sure you are registered to vote!

💬 If you could tell your 18-year-old self one thing about voting, what would it be?

Don’t miss out on this years shirt! It is an awesome was to commemorate a big anniversary for The United States of Ameri...
06/25/2026

Don’t miss out on this years shirt! It is an awesome was to commemorate a big anniversary for The United States of America and support our local event!

We’ve had a lot of people asking about this year’s Freedom Festival shirts, and we’re excited to announce that the official 2026 JCI Ludington Freedom Festival T-shirts have arrived!

Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary in style while supporting the community traditions that make July 4th in Ludington so special.

$25 each
Youth and Adult sizes
Available now at the JCI Ludington Mini Golf Course

A huge thank you to Gordys Skate Co. for printing these fantastic shirts and helping bring this year’s design to life!

Stop by, grab yours before they’re gone, and help us continue Lighting Up the Lakeshore Since 1954! ✨🇺🇸

Want to help support the freedom festival with a good or service for our auction?!? We are so excited to launch this new...
06/17/2026

Want to help support the freedom festival with a good or service for our auction?!? We are so excited to launch this new fundraising opportunity next week!
Reach out to [email protected] if you have questions or want to donate and item/good/service!

Freedom Festival Auction is Coming Soon!

Get ready—bidding opens next Wednesday! 🎉
We’re gearing up for our Freedom Festival Auction with some great items already lined up… and more being added!

Every bid helps fund the fireworks, events, and traditions that bring our community together each 4th of July 🇺🇸

✨ We’re still building the auction—and there’s time to be part of it!

Do you have:
🎁 Gift cards
🎟️ Event tickets
🧺 Themed baskets
🛠️ Services or experiences
🏡 Unique local offerings

We’d love to include your item and showcase your business to thousands in our community!

Want to donate an item? Message us or email [email protected]
Stay tuned—auction preview items dropping soon!

Let’s make this auction bigger, better, and full of amazing local support 💥

Have you signed up for the parade yet? Don’t forget to do it before it’s too late!
06/16/2026

Have you signed up for the parade yet? Don’t forget to do it before it’s too late!

Time is running out to be part of the 2026 Freedom Festival Grand Parade!
Regular registration closes TOMORROW — don’t miss your chance to secure your spot at the standard rate.

Late registration opens Thursday, June 18 at a higher entry fee.

Register now before prices go up:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-freedom-festival-grand-parade-entry-registration-tickets-1986036153598?aff=oddtdtcreator

Be part of one of the biggest celebrations of the year and help us make this milestone 250th anniversary unforgettable 🇺🇸✨

Help support the JCI Ludington Freedom Festival!
06/15/2026

Help support the JCI Ludington Freedom Festival!

Support JCI Ludington Freedom Festival Today! A tradition spanning 7 decades that brings one of the best celebrations to our beautiful Lakeshore town!

Good luck this weekend to our very own Makynzie! We are all excited for you 🤍💚
06/09/2026

Good luck this weekend to our very own Makynzie! We are all excited for you 🤍💚

Meet Makynzie Curtis! ✨

One of five candidates running for National Aspargus Festival Queen!

Most people know her as one of the Curtis girls’ daughters, Logan’s little sister, Coach Makynzie, and even Aunt Kynzie. Born in Ludington, Michigan, she’s a small-town girl with a big-world perspective, having lived in six states while her father served in the military. She made her way back to little ole Ludington, where she serves as the Marketing and Brand Development Associate at FloraCraft Corp, a role that has deeply enriched her connection to the community. Even in her free time, she stays
actively involved—coaching youth cheer, serving on the planning committee of Emerging Leaders of United Way, participating as a Ludington Area Jaycee, and advocating for veterans. She seeks out volunteer opportunities wherever she can, whether helping at local schools or hanging wreaths on veterans’ graves. This past December, she competed in the Miss Ludington Area Scholarship Program, earning People’s Choice and Miss Congeniality.

In her personal life, she enjoys exploring state parks, spending time at the beach with family, baking, horseback riding, reading, and staying active at the gym. With a heart for service and a passion for community, she strives to make a difference and inspire others wherever she goes.

Makynzie describes herself as Adaptable, Friendly, Reliable. Makynzie shared that her hobbies include walking in state parks, enjoying the beach, coaching cheerleading, baking, horseback riding, reading, spending time with family, and hitting the gym.

Makynzie shared that asparagus farming has been a part of my family for generations. A long line of Curtis farmers helped shape the industry in Hart, including my grandpa, John Curtis. Our family farmed for generations, and he owned and operated approximately 100 acres of asparagus. He was involved in the National Asparagus Festival and took great pride in supporting the farming community it represents.

When asked what would make her a good representative of the national asparagus festival and the Oceana county asparagus industry, Makynzie replied, “I would be a good representative of the NAF and the Oceana County asparagus industry because I truly appreciate and respect the hard work and tradition behind it. Being from a family rooted in asparagus farming has given me a real connection to the industry and what it means to our community. I also have a bachelor’s degree in Strategic Communications, which gives me the skills to confidently promote and market the industry with pride. I would love the opportunity to share its story, celebrate the families behind it, while continuing to educate myself and gain more hands-on experience in the industry. I would represent it with enthusiasm, authenticity, and a genuine passion for carrying on its legacy”.

When asked what she plans to do with the $1,000 scholarship/charitable organization award, Makynzie shared, “ I would use the $1,000 scholarship toward earning my Master’s degree in Strategic Communication. Continuing my education will strengthen my skills in marketing, branding, and storytelling — tools I hope to use to further promote the industry”.

Makynzie’s favorite way to eat asparagus is baked with parmesan cheese and buttery goodness. I love
how roasting it in the oven makes it tender while the parmesan gets slightly crispy on top.

Makynzie is sponsored by A Bride's Time from Ludington.

We’d love to collaborate with you on ways to raise money for this year’s 250th celebration of America for the Freedom Fe...
05/12/2026

We’d love to collaborate with you on ways to raise money for this year’s 250th celebration of America for the Freedom Festival! What a celebration being on a Saturday we’re sure it’s going to be a busy but incredible weekend!

🚨 Support the 2026 Freedom Festival! 🇺🇸

The JCI Ludington Freedom Festival is gearing up for something BIG—America’s 250th Anniversary on Saturday, July 4, 2026… and we need your help to make it unforgettable!

Every year, this beloved tradition brings tens of thousands of visitors to Mason County—but in 2026, we expect even more. With the holiday falling on a Saturday, many guests will be here for the entire weekend, filling our restaurants, shopping in local stores, and enjoying everything our community has to offer.

This isn’t just a celebration—it’s a major boost for our local economy and a chance to showcase Ludington at its very best.

💙 As a 100% community-funded event, we rely on YOU to make it happen.

Here are a few easy (and impactful!) ways to get involved:
✨ Make a monetary donation to support fireworks, safety, and event operations
🎁 Contribute an item or experience for our fundraising auction
🪙 Host a round-up campaign or donation jar at your business
🎉 Organize a give-back event or promotion to support the festival

Every dollar, item, and effort helps keep this event free, fun, and accessible for everyone.

Let’s come together to celebrate 250 years of America and create a weekend our community—and visitors—will never forget. 🇺🇸

📩 Interested in supporting or partnering? Send us a message or drop a comment—we’d love to connect! OR check out our website for links to donate! www.jciludington.org

Are you interested in checking out the Jaycees? Come and have a cup of Java on us on April 11th at Book Mark Ludington. ...
04/08/2026

Are you interested in checking out the Jaycees? Come and have a cup of Java on us on April 11th at Book Mark Ludington. We’d love for you to stop by and learn more about our organization. ☕️

03/27/2026

Did someone say PARADE!
We’re excited to officially open entries for the JCI Ludington Freedom Festival Grand Parade! 🇺🇸🎉

Join us as we celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary with what’s sure to be our biggest parade yet—secure your spot today and be part of history! ❤️🤍💙

Address

900 W Ludington Avenue
Ludington, MI
49431

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