Jack Frost enjoys 'nice night'

IRONWOOD - As Jack Frost parades go, the weather was downright balmy for Friday's annual winter celebration in Ironwood.

Compared to recent years of windchills well below zero, the 25-degree temperatures, absent any wind, brought out about twice as many people - and animals - as in recent years. Floats headed down Aurora Street to an appreciative crowd.

"It's certainly a nice night," Mayor Kim Corcoran said before the parade.

Young children had a ball playing in the deep snow under the blue lights in the Pocket Park on Aurora Street before the parade. The warmer weather allowed more tots to venture out this year and they had a ball.

There were plenty of horses and dogs in the parade, including the HOPE animal shelter's delegation of adoptable canines. Many people also brought their family dogs to watch the parade.

Popular entries were a Copper Peak ski flyer, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the energetic and wacky marching shovel brigade, which stopped for some Christmas songs along the way.

It was the 20th annual Jack Frost parade.

The parade marshal float from the Blissful Acres Tree Farm was dedicated to Marvin Tassava.

The parade will be shown throughout the next week on cable Channel 27, with Chuck Gervasio and Jean Movrich providing the commentary.

Following the parade, the Gogebic Range Concert Band performed at the Historic Ironwood Theatre.

-Ralph Ansami