Watering Truck Capital Campaign
Ensuring 32,400 petunias continue to bloom across our community
For 39 seasons, the Ludington Petunia Parade has transformed Ludington Avenue and the Marina with vibrant color and community pride. This beloved tradition depends on one essential piece of equipment: a reliable watering truck.
A new(er) watering truck will allow the Petunia Parade to continue beautifying our streets, supporting volunteers, and bringing joy to residents and visitors for years to come.
Details on why the Ludington Petunia Parade is seeking a new(er) watering truck can be found here.
We have reached our campaign goal but are still accepting donations for the Watering Truck Capital Campaign. All funds designated for the capital campaign remain separate from our General Fund and will be used for future truck maintenance as well as upgrades to our existing watering truck technology and equipment.
Old Watering Truck, retired in 2016
Current Watering Truck, 2004 Ford
Model of a Ford 550
Campaign Goal: $75,000
This capital campaign will fund the purchase and long‑term operation of a newer watering truck that meets the needs of the program.
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Estimated truck cost: $60,000
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Estimated annual maintenance: $5,000
Truck Requirements
The Petunia Parade is seeking a truck that meets the following needs:
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Ford 550 (or comparable)
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Gasoline engine with automatic transmission
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Rear‑wheel drive with hydraulic brakes
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14‑foot flatbed (minimum)
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Under 100,000 miles
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Model year 2020 or newer
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Licensed at 24,000 GVW
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Convenience package (AC, radio, automatic windows)
How to Give
Online
Use the donation link on this page and choose "Watering Truck Fund" from the drop-down menu.
By Check
Make checks payable to Ludington Petunia Parade, Memo: Truck Campaign
Mail to: PO Box 5, Ludington, MI 49431
Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)
Available for donors age 70½ or older. Please use the check instructions above.
The Ludington Petunia Parade is a 501(c)(3) tax‑exempt organization. Tax ID is available upon request.
Suggested Giving Levels
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Master Gardener – $10,000
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Blossom – $5,000
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Bud – $1,000
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Sprout – $500
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Seed – $100
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Soil – Up to $99
All donors, unless directed otherwise, will be featured on our website and social media sites. At the conclusion of the campaign, donors in the top three giving levels who wish to be recognized will be honored through local media, a donor recognition board on the south end of Ferry Street, and acknowledged in the July 4th Parade.
Thank you to these campaign donors
Master Gardener
$10,000+
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Anonymous (multiple)
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Don Birtwistle Fund of the Community Foundation for Mason County
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The Brian & Barb Koblinski Family
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Ludington Rotary's EPIC Day of Service Fundraiser, individual donors listed in box below
Sprout
$500+
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George A. Andrews
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Robert & Mary Anne Andrews Fund of the Community Foundation for Mason County
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Jim & Jane Clark
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Mike & Cindy Genter
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Hardman Construction, Inc
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Ralph & Claudia Kruska
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Richard & Mary Anne Randall
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Rebecca Harris-Warrick, in memory of Sherry & Betsey Warrick
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Mary Lou Ohnsman & John Walters
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Elizabeth Ryan
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Kim & Anne St. George
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Doug Warrick
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Cathy Webster
Blossom
$5,000+
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Pennies From Heaven Foundation
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Benjamin Webster, in memory of Kraig Yeck
Seed
$100+
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American Legion Auxiliary Unit 76 - Ludington
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Bea Anderson, In Memory of Graysen Smith
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Anonymous gifts in celebration of a 70th birthday
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Anonymous
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Beta Sigma Phi Sorority - Preceptor Kappa Chapter
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Karlyn Bray
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Rachael Carpenter
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Andy Fay
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Rachelle Gaudette
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Sarah Genson
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Gordy's Skate Company
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Justin Harter
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Hitch Hiker Coffee/Kelsie Lafreniere
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Dave & Therese Hoyle
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Wendy Lanterman
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Marge Leafstrand
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Ludington Area JCI Mini Golf Putt Putt for a Purpose
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Mason County Garden Club
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J Oakes
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Oakview Medical Care Facility
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Anne Pettigrew
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Marsha Papadakos, Old Hamlin Restaurant
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John Reed
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Doug & Kathy Shoup
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Barb & Scott Sitler, In memory of Richard Way - a former volunteer
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Gerald & Lisa Skar
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Sons of the American Legion SQ 76
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Dave & Mary Lynn Stone
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Merry Strohmer
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Jonnie Vanderhoef, In honor of Denese Dainton
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Jonnie Vanderhoef, In memory of Laura Vanderhoef
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Kristina Wagemaker, In loving memory of Mary Jane Rhodes
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Matt & Kelsey Wendell
Bud
$1,000+
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Suzanne Roberts Babbie, in honor of Bette and Don Roberts, from their children
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Don & Lisa Bradley
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Mary Ann Laforet Donor Fund, in honor of Sarah Genson
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Patrick & Maria O'Hare
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Ted & Kathy Radtke
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Scotty's Restaurant
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Underwater Construction Corp.
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Bob Womack
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Women Who Care of Mason County
Soil
Up to $99
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Keith & Kristie Ackerman
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Anonymous
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Holly Blanchard
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Kristen Boesel, in honor of Sarah Genson
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Travis Budreau
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Stephanie Gannon, In memory of Kathryn Lorenz
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Sam Genson
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Megan Godbold
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Michael Griffin
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Frank Hassebrock
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David Ledbetter, In honor of Gama Niekamp
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Sarah Nekola, In honor of Sikke Nekola
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Martha Ohnsman
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Ralph & Sherian Patterson
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Mary Stroebel
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Barbara Weinert-Harte
Donations via Ludington Rotary's EPIC Day of Service Fundraiser
Bud
$1,000+
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Kathy Bromley
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Bob Budreau
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Judith Cartier
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Tom Lane
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Ludington Rotary
Soil
Up to $99
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Jan Bassier
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Nancy Fife, in memory of her father, Ivan Anthony
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Debbie Howe
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Karen Kosniewski
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Larry Lloyd
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Patrice Ohnsman
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Wendy Ohnsman
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Justin Rundle
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Griffin Ward
Sprout
$500+
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Michelle King
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Dan & Ann Sleeman
Seed
$100+
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Bob Andrews
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Steve & Brenda Begnoche
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Brad Chapman
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Kimberly Hamm
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Dan Hinderer
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Steve Hunt
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Debra Kinnaird
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Suzy Koths
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Dr. Jennifer Miller
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Steven Ohnsman
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Chuck Paukstis
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Jac Russell
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Jenna Simpler
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Kaitlyn Szczypka
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Bob & Carole Vipond
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John & Gwen Woodward
The Ludington Petunia Parade, a 501(c)3, is a volunteer project dedicated to the beautification of the Ludington community, funded by businesses, industries, and interested donors. The Ludington Petunia Parade board continues the tradition started by Ellery and Sue Sabin in 1988.
The Ludington Petunia Parade Board appreciates the support of the many citizens who enjoy this community project.