In 1934, Chuck Bugielski helped organize the Coast Guard Festival and saw it develop from a picnic to the Fete to Grand Haven's annual salute to the Coast Guard. Bugielski helped manage the festivities until 1981. In this interview, he also gives the history of how the Coast Guard became an armed force and the development of Armed Forces Day (Veterans Day). Other topics of discussion include the history of Escanaba Park, his work for the Bicentennial parade and celebration, the 1300 block of Franklin where he grew up, and his organization of the first fireworks display in Grand Haven. One vivid memory he shares is of the fireworks program in 1948 that went awry and burned down the last fish shanties on Dewey Hill. In 1938, Chuck opened the M & M Variety Store in Grand Haven. He also worked for the March of Dimes for 20 years, led the Community Chest Fund, and belonged to the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, and Eagles.
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