The Pit Crew

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Gary Bovan co-founded the Munising Bay Cruisers in 2013 with a clear mission: to honor veterans by bringing the community together through a shared love of classic cars. What began as a “too-late-in-the-season” gamble turned into a roaring success, with 85 cars braving sleet and wind to kick off what’s now a beloved tradition. Thirteen years later, Gary still serves as president, leading the club with the same grit and vision that’s defined the show from the start.

Raised in Au Train, Gary’s connection to the veteran community runs deep. His brother was killed in Vietnam, and many of the local vets he works with today were his high school friends. That personal tie fuels his dedication to ensuring the car show continues to support local veterans—financially and emotionally.

A retired commercial contractor and longtime business owner, Gary brings decades of logistical, engineering, and leadership experience to the table. He ran Bovan Mechanical Inc., a plumbing and heating company based in Clare, Michigan, before returning to the Munising area and retiring in 2022. These days, you’ll find him “putzing” with his two classic vehicles, staying active in his church, and laying the groundwork to one day hit 200+ cars at the show.

For Gary, the best part of every year is simple: when the cars start rolling in. “That’s the moment,” he says, “when you know it was all worth it.”

Scott Mitchell first showed up at the Munising Bay Cruisers events with a camera and a love for storytelling. By 2015, he was the official event photographer. A few years and one well-timed furnace installation later, he and Gary Bovan struck up a friendship that led to Scott joining the board in 2021. Today, he serves as vice president of the club and the vital liaison to Mativ (formerly Neenah Paper), which generously provides the show’s lakeside location.

A retired coating machine operator from Mativ, Scott brings his gift of gab, a deep respect for veterans, and a passion for creating memorable experiences to the team. He’s led efforts to expand the show beyond cars—like launching a new youth model car contest to pass the torch to the next generation of gearheads.

While not a veteran himself, Scott is surrounded by friends who’ve served. Supporting them—and all who have worn the uniform—is a core part of why he gives his time to this event. “When I learn of a veteran who’s been encouraged or helped by what we do,” he says, “that’s what makes it worth it.”

When he’s not helping coordinate the Cruisers’ growing weekend of activities, Scott is most likely on the road—by motorcycle. He’s logged thousands of miles exploring the U.S., with favorite rides through Colorado, the Appalachians, and the Ozarks. He’s also a proud grandpa of three, a frequent camper, and an outdoor photographer at smitchellphotography.com. 

Anne Marie Case found her way to the Munising Bay Cruisers the way many great volunteers do—by raising her hand. She and her husband had a classic car they enjoyed showing, and when she asked if help was needed, the answer was yes. That was six years ago. Today, she serves as secretary for the organization and helps keep the wheels turning—literally and figuratively.

Married to a lifelong car lover who restored a 1946 Chevy to its original glory, Anne Marie understands the heart behind every vehicle on the lot. “It’s more than cars,” she says. “It’s a weekend spent with friends—some of whom we only see once a year, but it always feels like no time has passed.”

Now retired from a career in accounting, Anne Marie still keeps busy. She works part-time at a local business and spends treasured time with her grandchildren. Around the board table, she often steps in as the meeting moderator—a skill she laughs about but takes seriously when it comes to keeping the group on track.

Her favorite ride? Her Honda S2000. Her goal for the club? Simple: “To keep hosting the best cruise and car show around—and to keep having fun doing it.”

Susan Bovan may have joined the Munising Bay Cruisers “because Gary was involved,” but 12 years later, she’s one of the club’s most dedicated pillars. Serving first as secretary and now as treasurer, Susan helps keep the books balanced and the registration tent running like a well-oiled machine.

She and Gary share a love for classic cars—including a 1969 Mach One Mustang and a ’68 GMC step-side pickup—and have built more than just a car show. “We’re building friendships,” she says. “There are so many returning attendees each year. I love seeing them, giving out hugs, and catching up during registration. It feels like a reunion.”

After retiring from a 30+ year career as a municipal assessor within the U.P., Susan realized full retirement wasn’t quite her speed. She now works three days a week at the Chatham Co-op and serves as head of the Kid’s Church and is on the Missions Team at her church.

Her organizational chops shine during event weekend, but her true gift is making people feel welcome. As she puts it, “Do it! Whether you’re thinking of joining the team or just checking out the show—there’s something for everyone.”

And while she jokes that her husband rarely lets her behind the wheel of their Mustang, Susan is happy to let her enthusiasm do the driving. “Can you say, ‘Zoom, Zoom’?”

Chris Case joined the Munising Bay Cruisers after years of hitting the road with his own classic ride. Wanting to support a quality hometown event, he jumped in as a volunteer and has been a part of the club for eight years—officially serving on the board since it became a 501(c)(3).

A member of the American Legion Honor Guard and a longtime classic car restorer, Chris brings both pride and polish to the show each year. He’s responsible for preparing the car show field and making sure things run smoothly from the ground up. “I like to get things done and see things through,” he says. And he does—every time.

Chris spent 40 years with the National Park Service before retiring and launching his own consulting business. Around town, he’s also known as the president of the Community Band and a dedicated member of the local recycling program.

His favorite part of the show? Seeing what others have done with their vehicles and reconnecting with “car friends” who return year after year. “We’d be glad to have you join our energetic, fun group,” he says. And if you hear the sound of an Alphorn in the distance—that’s not your imagination. Chris plays one. (Yes, the Ricola kind.)

For Jude Holloway, it was the classiness of old cars—and a deep respect for veterans—that first drew her to the Munising Bay Cruisers. Her husband served in the military, and over the past several years, Jude has made it her mission to help make the car show a welcoming, memorable event for all who attend.

A board member for more than five years, Jude is the kind of person who jumps in wherever she’s needed—whether that’s coordinating vendors, working the field, managing door prizes, or solving last-minute issues behind  the scenes. “I’m good at putting out fires,” she says. “And I love making my rounds to thank people for coming and making sure they feel welcome.”

Jude’s favorite part of the weekend is the cruise to Grand Marais, followed closely by chatting with classic car owners at the show. She and a close friend often travel to events in a ’68 Firebird, soaking up the little design details that set vintage vehicles apart. “There’s just something about the taillights, the interiors—those classy touches you don’t see anymore.”

When she’s not helping run the show, Jude is usually outdoors—skiing, kayaking, hiking, or sailing. She’s also a published author and contributor to Marquette Monthly, with a book titled Finding Peace among her writing credits.

Her goal for the show? To keep growing while staying personal. “We want every car owner to feel like they’re part of the family.”

Since the very first Munising Bay Cruisers show, Gail Djerf has been the go-to person for something that puts a smile on everyone’s face—door prizes. Year after year, she’s worked with local businesses to collect and distribute a table full of giveaways that add a little extra fun to the day. “Sometimes I have to go back two or three times to a business,” she says with a laugh, “but it’s worth it.”

A lifelong fan of old cars, Gail comes by it honestly. Her dad served in the Army, and her husband Mike has had more classic cars than she can count. One of her favorite memories is that very first cruise to Grand Marais, when the excitement in the air said it all: this was something special.

Though she loves the car show, it’s giving out the prizes that brings her the most joy—especially when the winner can’t believe their luck. “Last year, someone won a Yeti cooler and couldn’t believe a local business had donated it.”

Outside of the club, Gail keeps busy helping friends with errands, planting flowers, cruising the backroads, and—by her own admission—“keeping my husband in line.”

Her hope for the club’s future is simple: to keep it going strong and bring in some fresh faces. “It’s a friendly, welcoming group,” she says. “If you stop by once, you’ll feel like you’ve been part of it forever.”

And if she ever had her pick of cars? That’d be a 1958 Chevy convertible, white with red interior. “Only problem,” she says, “is it didn’t belong to me.”

 Bob Helsel has been a regular at the Munising Bay Cruisers show for years, but in 2025, he took the leap from attendee to Cruise Coordinator—driven by a deep sense of purpose. A 10-year Air Force veteran, Bob joined the club to give back to his fellow brothers and sisters in arms. “I’m not getting any younger,” he says, “and I wanted to help however I could.”

Bob and his wife own a 1964 Chevy II Nova and have long been part of the car community, but it’s the people that keep him coming back. His favorite memory? Watching the camaraderie between veterans and car lovers alike. “There’s nothing like it,” he says. “Everyone just gets it.”

Raised in a racing family, Bob was practically born at the track—his uncle raced stock cars, his dad wrenched, and his grandpa was the flagman. That passion stuck, and today, he’s still chasing that same spark through the sound of engines, the shine of chrome, and the joy of a good cruise. His favorite part of the weekend is the Friday drive to Grand Marais, waving to spectators and seeing smiles stretch across every face.

Outside the club, Bob works at Mativ in the water treatment plant and is launching his own hydrographic dipping business, customizing everything from animal skulls to auto parts.

His advice for anyone curious about joining? “Come on out. Talk to a few folks. Feel the atmosphere, check out some really cool cars—and soak in the camaraderie that makes this event so special.”