The Fishtown Preservation Society is providing a unique experience for Fishtown friends. On July 30^th from 7:00-10:00pm Fishtown will be hosting a special fundraising event where you can help ensure the preservation and restoration of the shanties a window or a shingle at a time. Come with your friends and family and pitch in to pay for a window, half a roof, or part of the Diversions building new shingle siding! It will be an evening full of music, local food and beverages, and lots of colorful Fishtown history. Please continue to check our blog for more information about the event.

Tickets are $30 each and are on sale now. Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of Fishtown’s future.

Our previous blog posting captured questions of our FPS friends who had been asking…”will the Joy and Janice Sue ever fish again?” and “why aren’t the tugs docked on the river any more?” Well…we are thrilled to share with you that both the Joy and the Janice Sue are now home and docked in Fishtown! In fact last week the Joy set to the waters for a trial run as well as to set the nets. Pictures capturing this exciting event are below. The Janice Sue will soon be following suit. We are anticipating a great summer full of fishing!

She Floats!  The Joy takes a swim and is certified!  Thanks to all those who have helped in the past and to all those who are continuing to keep her working.

“For the Joy of It” is the title of the Fishtown Preservation Society’s 2008 fall/winter newsletter, and for good reason. People love the Fishtown tugs and like to check in on them as if asking after old friends. Because of this, there have been a lot of questions about the tugs lately, from “Will the Joy and the Janice Sue ever fish again?” to “Why aren’t the tugs docked on the river any more?” The fact is that they are currently at the Northport Bay Boat Yard getting some much-needed TLC.

Fishtown would not be Fishtown without the Joy and the Janice Sue . The two tugs and commercial fishing are as much a part of Fishtown as the weathered shanties and docks on the Leland River. The Fishtown Preservation Society (FPS) is determined to get the tugs out fishing again in 2009. But we need your help to make this happen.  Please donate to the Tug Lover's Fund.

In September 2008, the tugs were sailed to Northport so they could be lifted from the water for dry-dock inspections. As a result, we learned how much work they need to ensure their safe operation and longevity. Back in 2006, FPS was concerned about Saving Fishtown for the benefit of the region, knowing that we were taking on an incredible responsibility as Fishtown’s stewards. We now face that the tugs, like the site, require major repairs for their preservation.

To learn more about the tugs’ September 24, 2008 journey to Northport, click on the link to an article in our latest newsletter. . Newsletter Article - Still Fishing

The Leelanau Enterprise recently published an article about the work currently being done on the tugs. You can read it by going to their website at "A shipshape goal for 2 historic tugs"

Many of Fishtown’s supporters have been asking about the Joy and the Janice Sue . Because of this interest, FPS will offer regular tug updates on our blog until the tugs are ready to fish again this spring.

• The Janice Sue has had her exterior hull sandblasted, epoxy-coated, and painted, a new fuel tank designed, her engine overhauled, her cabin stabilized (to be completely rebuilt at a later date), and other repairs are being addressed.
• The Joy has had extensive welding and hull-stabilization work completed, sandblasted, epoxy-coated, painted, a new fuel tank designed, and is currently having equipment reinstalled.

There are many ways to help Fishtown...donating, volunteering, providing professional services, giving a piece of history (pictures, letters, interviews, etc), and now selling.

Do you have 'junk' that could be someone else's 'treasure'? Sell it on eBay and support your favorite cause, Fishtown, at the same time!

The benefits to you:
By selling on eBay and selecting Fishtown Preservation Society as your cause, your item stands out by showing a special charity ribbon next to it, you spread the word about your favorite cause, and get rewarded for your generosity.

Simply list an item on eBay, select Fishtown Preservation Society to benefit, and choose the percentage you want to give. When your item sells, MissionFish will collect your donation, send it to the Fishtown Preservation Society, and provide you with a tax receipt. Learn more by clicking on the link below:

eBay Giving Works

Current items on eBay Giving Works for Fishtown Preservation Society