Ginger Zee, ABC News' chief meteorologist and climate correspondent, is bringing viewers to the shores of Lake Michigan for a special July 4th broadcast. Zee, who grew up in Rockford, Michigan, is a Lake Michigan fan and sells the beauty of the region to her colleagues by comparing it to Napa Valley, the Bay Area, and Southern California's beaches. She's on vacation in Michigan leading up to the holiday broadcast and has been posting pictures of Lake Michigan to her 1.2 million Instagram followers.
Zee's broadcast will highlight the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes, an organization dedicated to protecting and preserving the National Lakeshore. The Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes' Track Chair program will be featured, allowing visitors with limited mobility to traverse the trails.
Zee's mother, Dawn Zuidgeest-Craft, recently graduated from medical school at the age of 72, possibly becoming the world's oldest graduating medical student. Her pursuit of medical school, studied in Anguilla, is inspiring and speaks to the idea that people should never stop learning and pursuing their passions.
Zee's July 4th essentials include a specialty salad with dried cherries, kale, farro, green olives, and walnuts, and a preference for traditional fireworks on the holiday. She's also a fan of Bruce Springsteen's 'Born in the USA'.
The 'Disney Celebrates America' broadcast will air on ABC, ESPN, and Disney+ from 10 p.m. Friday to 10 p.m. Saturday, featuring coverage from all 50 states.
Zee's broadcast from Sleeping Bear Dunes and Traverse City's National Cherry Festival will showcase the beauty of Michigan and the efforts of the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes to protect the environment. Her personal connection to the region and her mother's inspiring journey make this broadcast a must-watch for viewers.
