I SAW SOMETHING RECENTLY about how us folks who live north of northern Michigan tend to pack everything we can into our short summers, and I believe it’s true. July, in particular, seems to present an overflowing calendar of events, all designed to get us outside either to participate, or simply spectate.
Since the week of the 4th, we’ve seen nonstop events, both those special once-a-year activities, like this weekend’s Hiawatha Traditional Music Festival, as well as regularly scheduled outings, like the three-nights-a-week volleyball games at Marquette Mountain.
Last night saw the first installation of Music On Third, and as usual, it was very well-attended. In addition to the folksy festival at Tourist Park, Saturday’s offerings also include the annual Skandia Community Days, sponsored by the Skandia Lions Club. (Sure… it’s just one day, but who’s counting?)
Weather or Not
Though the summer schedule is full, not even counting the events that don’t make the official calendar, it should be noted that our winters no longer provide the break we used to welcome. It seems our cold weather enthusiasts have found one way or another to enjoy the leafless days with everything from traditional downhill skiing to fat tire biking… in the snow!
This summer’s weather, as schizophrenic as it’s been, has presented event organizers with an all too common problem… when to postpone and when to suck it up and go ahead anyway. But for those of us who’ve lived here long enough, unless there’s actual danger, or the tents have already blown away, we know to just dress for the day and suck it up. (And yes, schizophrenic isn’t the right word to use there, but it’s how we usually describe our temperatures, which go from 90 degrees to 50 degrees and back to 90, all in the span of three days. Plus, it gave me another reason to use parentheses. I’m working on a Word on the Street record. We’re currently at two, for those keeping track.)
Well, that was a pretty long walk to get to what this post was supposed to be about… volunteerism.
An Ism for All of Us
You see, many of the events we’ve grown to appreciate require an incredible number of volunteers. Our marathons for example, whether on bikes, skis, or feet, require a considerable contingent of people, willing to stand alone for hours, often in the middle of nowhere, serving as crossing guards.
Every festival you’ve ever attended at Mattson Park was made possible by a core of volunteers giving their time and talent, just so you could have fun.
And this weekend’s Hiawatha gathering? According to the organization’s Executive Director, Candice Blackstone-Larson, it takes more than 600 three-hour volunteer shifts to pull it off. Strap that one on.
(Seen above… Hiawatha volunteers erecting the Dance Tent. Volunteers get passes to the event, so we call them, Volunteers with Benefits.)
Unfortunately, many of us… me included, usually take these events for granted. We just go, enjoy, and leave. Maybe we buy a t-shirt, or patronize one of the vendors, but volunteer to work the gate? Let me check my schedule and I’ll get back to you.
Behind the Scenes
So who’s actually making these events happen? In many cases, it’s one of our area service clubs, like the Skandia Lions, who, for 45 years, have hosted the Skandia Days… day.
Did you enjoy Marquette’s 4th of July Parade? Thank the Kiwanis Club of Marquette for that. Looking forward to HarborFest? That’s a Rotary undertaking.
Many of these events are supported by paid staff, but it takes a lot more than those handling office duties to pull off something like a 200 mile sled dog race. Of those who’ve lined West Washington on a cold February night, how many have raised their hand when asked to stand somewhere between here and Grand Marais for 8 hours making sure dogs and cars avoid an unfortunate meeting. (Full disclosure… my brother-in-law raised his hand, and that’s how I got to test my new mukluks, allegedly good to 20 below. Spoiler alert… they’re not.)
A recent Facebook poster lamented the fact that many of our service clubs are operating in an era of declining membership. For that reason, some of those clubs have merged, while others are hanging on with an aging group of comrades, waiting for Gen Z to walk through that door. (“Walk through that door.” Referring to a comment made by Boston Celtics coach Rick Pitino on March 1st, 2000, when he told dissatisfied fans, “Larry Bird isn’t walking through that door.”)
Still Making it Happen
So, is volunteerism in danger of extinction? Not by a long shot. Though many community minded enthusiasts shy away from the camaraderie based service clubs, those same people focus their commitments on the specific events more in their wheelhouse. So, rather than becoming a card-carrying Exchange Clubber, they pick and choose where and when they want to help the cause. Nothing wrong with that.
However, just when you think nothing could disrupt the continuation of your favorite event, along comes the announcement that the Negaunee Invitational Tournament is ending its 50-year run. It seems the handful of guys who annually gave a month of their lives to run the event had given enough. A similar fate marked the end of the Marquette Area Blues Fest. Gee, if I’d only known, I would have volunteered!
Before it’s too late, take a good look at one of your favorite events, and when they ask for volunteers, don’t decide it’s time to tie your shoes. Put your hand in the air, and help make it happen. (You won’t be disappointed.)
Sorry. That one was gratuitous, but it did put me at six parenthetical statements, a new record. For whatever that’s worth.