Ludington's fondness for the S.S. Badger, has prompted city officials to create a children's flotilla that's a miniature replica of this great carferry.

Cary Shineldecker, a local resident and engineer at Precision Design, was approached about designing and coordinating this project. His love of the community prompted Shineldecker to donate his time and talent to this creation. Dow Chemical generously donated a lawn tractor over which the "ship" would sit, and GLC Metal Fabricators went to work on the steel fabrication. Then Lake Painting provided the sandblasting and painting for the project.

Once this part was done, the Department of Public Works built the boats that attach to the back, with graphics done by Tye's Signs and Northwood Signs. Local businesses sponsor the individual boats that the children ride in to cover the city's costs.

The Baby Badger, as it is affectionately named, made its debut at the first of four Friday Night Live events in Ludington July 18, 2008. It was a huge hit, and the boats were constantly filled with children as city and carferry officials maneuvered the ride through the streets.

The mayor of Ludington, John Henderson, felt this was another wonderful project for the city, and that the combined community effort made it all possible. Look for the Baby Badger flotilla during parades, Friday Night Live, Movies in the Park, and many other events during the summer.

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