Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Contestants in the queen contest, part of Bruce Crossing’s Independence Day celebrations, ride in the parade Sunday afternoon in Bruce Crossing. The contest was held later that afternoon.
Ontonagon County Animal Protection president Dot Phillips represents the animal shelter on its float during the Bruce Crossing Fourth of July parade Sunday afternoon.
BRUCE CROSSING – Spirits were high Sunday as local Independence Day celebrations concluded with a full day of activities in Bruce Crossing.
Events began at 8 a.m. with a communitywide church service lead by the Rev. Ted Trudgeon, of Ewen. Other morning events included a breakfast at VFW Post 9345 in Bruce Crossing, a pie contest, the start of a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, a fun walk/run and tot run and a performance by Marty’s Goldenaires at Bruce Crossing Township Park.
Spectators turned out in droves to take in an early afternoon parade on U.S. 45 despite sunny, humid weather and temperatures in the high 70s and low 80s.
A police escort and the nation’s flag led the parade. Members of the Bruce Crossing American Legion and VFW, Ewen and White Pine American Legions and the Ontonagon County Veterans Association also carried flags to represent their organizations.
Other entries included the Ewen-Trout Creek High School marching band and Marty’s Goldenaires, a float from the Ewen High School class of 1963, off-road vehicles, classic cars, tractors, floats from local businesses and organizations.
Some organizations used their floats to promote their cause. Ontonagon County Animal Protection’s float read “No more homeless pets,” and president Dot Phillips called out to spectators about pets available for adoption. The Ewen Medical-Dental Center passed out information on its Ontonagon Outback 5-kilometer run and 1-mile walk, set for July 27 in Greenland, while MI-TRALE, an ORV group, had a float calling for new members and promoting their goal of bringing ORV tourism to the area.
Spectators enjoyed the parade, with smiles seen all around. Some were overheard thanking members of Marty’s Goldenaires for participating in the parade as the band members returned to their vehicles.
Children’s games and other entertainment followed the parade at the park, complete with a sawdust coin scramble, a goldfish bowl game, minnow races and a bounce house.
Events continued through the afternoon and evening with a pie social, a horseshoe tournament and bingo, a frozen T-shirt contest, a queen contest for girls ages 5 through 13 and a talent show.
Fireworks at dusk concluded the celebration with a bang.
