Summer ramps up in Michigan
It takes energy to power activities, to create essential products
June 12, 2024
Summer is coming.
The recognized start of summer is June 21.
June 21 is the summer solstice. The solstice is an astronomical event that happens when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted the most towards the sun, causing it to experience the longest day of the year.
That’s when Michiganders gear up for hiking, biking, boating and fishing for water lovers, and cookouts, as family and friends gather around campfires in Michigan.
For others, there are plenty of events to attend like the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival, the National Cherry Festival, the U.P. State Fair, or the Bayview Mackinac Race that features more than 250 yachts.
“Few things beat a Michigan summer,” said Paul Meneghini, Enbridge community relations manager for Michigan.
“There is no shortage of activities to enjoy along our shorelines or at the many festivals and other events.”
“The Line 5 pipeline provides the building blocks for some 6,000 consumer products, like the chairs around the campfire, propane for the grill, to medicines that keep people alive, and recreational products like plastic for kayaks and inner tubes. Energy is essential for life and life’s necessities.”
—Paul Meneghini, Enbridge manager of community engagement in Michigan
While many embrace all that Michigan offers, few realize the role that Enbridge’s Line 5 in the Straits of Mackinac has in helping fuel some of those adventures.
The light crude oil and natural gas liquids transported safely through the Line 5 pipeline in the Straits not only provide the fuel that keep cars, trucks, bikes and planes on the go, they also are essential to the manufacture of vehicles, including EVs.
“Line 5 definitely plays a key role in Michigan’s summertime activities,” said Meneghini.
“The manufacturer of sunglasses, sunscreen, kayaks, innertubes, paddle boards, bikes, helmets, life vests, swimming pools, and a host of other recreational and related equipment used throughout the summer rely on Line 5—the pipeline is that important.”
A Vacation Destination
Michigan summers not only provide a variety of activities for residents, though also serve as destination spots for tourists.
In fact, tourism in Michigan supports more than 300,000 jobs and adds nearly $50 billion to the State’s economy, according to Pure Michigan.
“We invite everyone to enjoy Michigan,” said Meneghini.
“Whether here in Michigan or elsewhere, though, we encourage them to keep safety in mind. Stay hydrated, protect skin and eyes from excessive sun exposure and enjoy all that summer offers.”
“Summers are the best in Michigan.”
