Sara Gordon, and her husband Ron, purchased the Cozy Corners Tavern and Grill in Barbeau back in May 2021.
Since it was located on the St. Marys River with a spectacular view of the downbound freighters as they entered Rock Cut, they changed the whole interior ambience to a freighter theme.
"The Great Lakes nautical theme was more fitting for the area with all the freighter traffic. We live just a short way down from here and being boat nerds ourselves, so between our love for the freighters and the community's love for them, it just made sense," Gordon said.
There are several pictures, some huge, of freighters along with maritime items hanging on the walls.
"I have a lot of authentic stuff which makes it really special. Guys who are retired from the freighters bring me life rings as gifts. I have had to purchase a few things but for the most part, it's all been donated by people who also love freighters," she added.
Last year, Sara came up with the idea to have a Freighter Fun Day and she invited perhaps the biggest boat nerd of them all, Roger LeLievre.
LeLievre has a rich history with boats going back to when he was 10 when he first started loving the freighters.
He eventually helped out the creator and author of the Know Your Ships informational book, Thomas Manse.
When Manse passed away in 1995, LeLievre took over the responsibility of keeping the book going.
LeLievre will be in attendance to sell his latest edition of the Know Your Ships book but also autograph any older Know Your Ship book. And he will not be shy at all to answer any questions you may have about freighters, his book and his love for the boats!
LeLievre was there last year for the inaugural event and said there were about 50 people that came.
And they were just not locals.
"We had people from Mackinaw City and Cheboygan come. And we had senior citizens, kids, and families all come. It was quite the thing," LeLievre said.
He sold about four dozen books last year and expects to sell more at Saturday's event.
In addition to LeLievre doing his thing, there will be Freighter Bingo with awesome prizes from Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours and Original Soo Locks Boat Tours, Sault Historical Sites/Valley Camp, and Cozy Corners gift cards.
Brush up on your freighter knowledge for Freighter Trivia hosted by Eagle Radio 95.1 FM's Lindsay Ellis.
While they have taken pride in the freighter-themed inside, they have also continuously broadened the menu choices. So arrive early before the event, have lunch and enjoy the view of any passing freighters, then have fun at the second Annual Freighter Fun Day at the Cozy Corners!
The event runs from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, May 6.
The Cozy Corners is just under a 30-minute drive from Sault Ste Marie. at 6800 E 15 Mile Rd, Barbeau, MI 49710.
