Love Ludington weekend is coming up.

The 2016 world record was world’s longest ice cream dessert.

Love Ludington weekend is coming up.

LUDINGTON – This coming weekend is the annual Love Ludington weekend, which includes another Guinness World Record attempt, the 39th annual Lakestride Half-Marathon and many other events. 

“Ludington is a special place to visit any time of year, but we really get excited about summer and view the ‘Love Ludington’ weekend as our official summer season kickoff,” said Brandy Miller, executive director of the Ludington Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “And who doesn’t love free dessert – not to mention a full weekend of activities for the entire family?” World Record Attempt for the Largest Dessert Party – Saturday, June 8, 4 p.m.

The Guinness World Record Attempt for the largest dessert party will take place on Saturday, June 8 at 4 p.m. The current record was set in Vadodara, Gujurat in western India in October 2016 with 1,445 people. The Downtown Ludington Board, the official record holder if the attempt is successful, is planning to host at least 2,000 people at the outdoor dessert party that will feature free treats provided by more than 12 downtown Ludington businesses, plus another 13 businesses supporting the event. While the event is free, participants are asked to pre-register online at EventBrite (the link is also at downtownludington.org/worldrecord/) so planners can determine numbers. An online ticket does not guarantee a spot – the first 2,000 people who register at the event will be allowed inside. Participants should arrive between 2 and 3 p.m. at Rotary Park to register in person, with the event starting at 4 p.m. Planners will attempt to accommodate as many people as possible, but participation may be capped if attendance reaches more than 2,000. The event is family-friendly, and all ages are welcome.

The Love Ludington weekend features other events, including:

• 39th Annual Ludington Lakestride, Saturday, June 8, 8 a.m. – Featuring a half-marathon, 10K, and 5K. Races begin at 8 a.m. (half marathon at 8 a.m., 5K at 8:10 a.m. and 10K at 8:15 a.m.) on Lakeshore Drive in front of Nader’s Motel and Suites, and finishes at Stearns Park. Registration fees vary, and participants can register online. Packet pick-up and late registration is June 7, 5 to 8 p.m. at Lakestride Race Central at the center of Stearns Park, and June 8, 7 to 8 a.m.
• S.S. Badger Rockin’ ‘50s Shoreline Cruise, Saturday, June 8. Passengers can dress in ’50s rock or vintage dress attire on this shoreline cruise that will transport them back to 1953 when the S.S. Badger first set sail. Boarding begins at 8:30 p.m., with the cruise following the Ludington shoreline from 9 to 11 p.m. The $42 ticket price includes a buffet with desserts and soft drinks, plus two cash bars with drink specials available. Kids under 5 are free. Space is limited, and tickets can be purchased online by phone at 231-845-9614, or at the Ludington Ticket Office at 701 Maritime Dr.
• West Shore Pride Fest, Sunday, June 9, noon to 8 p.m. – The third annual West Shore Pride Fest celebrates LGBTQ+ pride with performances, food, non-profit organizations and pro-equality vendors at this free, family-friendly event at Rotary Park.
• Love Ludington Bed and Breakfast Home Tour, Sunday, June 9, 1-4 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person, and all proceeds will be donated to the Lakeshore Resource Network. Each B&B also will collect canned goods and other non-perishable items for the Ludington Food Club. Tickets will be sold the day of the event at all B&Bs except Cartier Mansion.