Sunny skies expected for Memorial Day Weekend ATV Rally

HURLEY - Hundreds of all-terrain vehicles will make their way to Iron County this weekend for the 29th annual Memorial Day Weekend ATV Rally.

Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-to-upper 70s, with sunshine in the forecast all weekend.

"We are going to have great weather, and we're really excited," said Tina Brunell, executive director of the Mercer Area Chamber of Commerce.

The event kicks off Friday with a parade through downtown Hurley at 6 p.m. along Silver Street. ATVs will line up in the field across from Cary Mine Convenience along Wisconsin 77, starting at 3 p.m. The vehicles will leave the field at 5:30 p.m.

Floats for the parade can line up along the west side of Fifth Avenue in Hurley at 5 p.m. The theme for this year's parade is "Veterans' Salute."

Originally, a re-route was planned for the parade because of construction on U.S. 2 in Ironwood, however the start of the construction has been delayed, allowing the parade to continue on the same route as in previous years.

After the parade, there will be an after-party at the Iron Horse Trailhead at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Silver Street.

Throughout the rest of the weekend, ATVers can drive along Iron County's 200 miles of trail. According to Dorrene O'Donnell, the trails have been inspected by the Iron County Forestry and Parks Department and the A-Team and Dusty Loons ATV clubs. All trails are open.

Brunell said in some locations, town routes may be closed to vehicle traffic, and ATVs, as well.

Other events throughout the weekend include a POW/MIA ceremony at the trailhead. The event is free, and the public is encouraged to attend.

"It's an event to honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country," O'Donnell said.

Sunday features the Mud Pit, sponsored by the Hurley Fire Department. ATVers looking to get a little muddy can register for the event at the trailhead at noon. Racing begins at 1 p.m.

Also throughout the weekend, ATVers can participate in the annual Poker Run. Participants can register at the Hurley or Mercer chamber offices.

"Right now, we have more than 160 pre-registrations," Brunell said. "That is a significant increase from last year. We will have a lot of riders and great weather, so we're excited for this weekend."

O'Donnell said local businesses participating in the Poker Run offer specials throughout the weekend.

"There are some tremendous stops along the Poker Run," O'Donnell said. "And with everything, despite being a small community, there are so many people who volunteer to make this event such a success year after year."

For more information the ATV rally, call the Hurley Chamber at 715-561-4334 or the Mercer Chamber at 715-476-2389. To learn more, visit hurleywi.com or mercercc.com.