The 3rd, 4th, and 5th, all the way to the 12th of July
I’m coming at you a day early, so you don’t miss any of our Independence Day celebrations. Plus, I’m thinking you’ll be too busy tomorrow to find time for Word on the Street. Or, truth be told, I want a long weekend too.
Below, I’ll share some of our area’s event schedules, hoping you’ll be able to enjoy the holiday activities planned for your community. But I’ll also take that thought one step further, and encourage you to make it a point to attend at least one, if not more, of the festivities.
Most of the celebratory gatherings taking place will be organized and managed by some combination of your town’s service clubs, business owners, and random volunteers… all giving back. I don’t know about you, but I like having the opportunity to attend the kind of events we’ve grown to expect on our nation’s holidays. But here’s the point I’m trying to make… these things don’t just happen, and unless we continue to support them, they may just not happen at all.
So… get out there and share the spirit with your friends and neighbors. And if you see me at one of the gatherings… feel free to say hi. I’ll be glad to see you there.
Here’s a sampling of some of the activities taking place this weekend. If I haven’t included one of your favorites, share it with a comment.
Marquette
If you can’t wait until the 4th for your fireworks, you’re in luck. Marquette’s fireworks display will be tonight… at dusk. Find your favorite spot and check ‘em out. And leave your dogs at home!
Friday the 4th starts with a flyover! Two F-16s from the Duluth-based Air National Guard will perform a flyover above the Mattson Lower Harbor Park at about 11:10 am. The two jets will conduct a single pass at approximately 1,000 feet… a powerful and patriotic start to the holiday festivities. Something we’ve missed since the closing of K.I. Sawyer AFB.
The Marquette Kiwanis Club celebrates their 30th year of sponsoring the Marquette July 4th Parade with the City of Marquette, starting at 2 pm on Friday at McClellan and West Washington, and continuing east to downtown.
In case you didn’t catch the motorcycle parade last weekend, find your spot early along West Washington and check out the Rolling Thunder Superior Hogs Motorcycle Club as they clear the parade route, at 1:45 pm.
Today and tomorrow you can treat yourself to great ethnic and local food favorites, and plenty of live music from local bands, from noon to 10 pm at downtown’s Mattson Lower Harbor Park. Freedom Fest is hosted by the Marquette County Exchange Club.
Negaunee
If the 4th of July weekend leaves you wanting more, you’re in luck. Negaunee’s Pioneer Days start Saturday, with a full week of activities, highlighted by a parade and fireworks next Saturday… the 12th.
By the way, if you haven’t been to Negaunee lately, you really should make a run up the road. A true transformation is taking place, starting in the revived business district and extending into the neighborhoods. As long as I’ve been here, Negaunee has never looked better.
Ishpeming
Today from 10 to 5 pm, you can hunt for that special something at downtown’s Festival of Treasures. I’m pretty sure this event is where the phrase “something for everyone” was first heard. I’m pretty sure.
Saturday the 5th is the big day to celebrate the 4th in Ishpeming. There’s a Kid’s Bike Parade at 9:45 am followed by the traditional Community Parade at 10:30.
Immediately after the parade you can join your fellow Hematites and Patriots at the Community Picnic at the Al Quaal Recreation Area. And if you’re not a Hematite or Patriot, you’ll still be welcome!
The fireworks are scheduled to begin at 10:33 pm. Not 10:30… 10:33.
Gwinn
The Forsyth Township Fire Department is behind Gwinn’s 4th of July Festivities. There’s a Street Dance tonight at 7 pm in downtown’s Peter Nordeen Park.
Tomorrow you can check out the parade, starting at 10 am at the Gilbert Elementary School, followed by fun and games until 2 pm at Peter Nordeen Park.
And if you need fireworks on the 4th of July, you can enjoy them at dusk at the Gwinn Ballfields.
Weather-wise, it looks like summer might finally be here. You never know how long it will last, so get out and enjoy it while you can.