Iron County Heritage Festival kicks off Friday

HURLEY— Step back in time and experience Iron County’s past through the Iron County Heritage Festival, beginning Friday through Aug. 9.

Officials from the Iron County Development Zone annually spearhead the collection of events across the county to help citizens experience the county’s heritage.

ICDZ Director Kelly Klein said there will never be a dull moment.

“The heritage festival is an umbrella for a lot of smaller events gathered into a two week-period,” he said. “There’s something going on all the time. Somebody ought to find something in there.”

For this year’s festival, Klein said there a few new events that he thinks people will like.

“(There’s the) Mercer Mixed Paddle, the Highline Open House and the Farmer’s Market tractor show,” Klein said.

Festivities begin Friday with the Iron County Historical Society Heritage Day centered at the Iron County Museum in Hurley, an open house at Highline Corporation, and the Hurley Quarterback Golf Tournament. During Heritage Day, people can experience blacksmithing, broom making, and a demo of antique musical instruments.

On Saturday, Hurley will host the annual Heritage Day parade on Silver Street at 2 p.m.

According to Hurley Chamber of Commerce officials, this year’s parade theme is “Hurley Pride.”

There are five categories for this year’s parade float competition, including: Hurley Pride, best organization, chamber member, all-school reunion class and youth.

Parade registration forms are available at the Chamber of Commerce. The deadline to register is Thursday.

Silver Street will be closed from the intersection of U.S. 51 east to Fifth Avenue from 1:45 to 2:45 p.m.

Saturday also brings an all-school, all-class reunion.

During the festival, there will also be the Iron County Fair on July 31-Aug. 2 in Saxon, Mercer’s Loon Day on Aug. 5, the 47th annual Paavo Nurmi Marathon on Aug. 8, and the 36th annual Springstead Corn Roast at Springstead Town Hall, also on Aug. 8.

“There’s a lot of activity going on and it’s nice to see,” Klein said. “We will have hotel rooms full and restaurants full. (The festival) brings a lot of extra people into the area. It brings folks back.”

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Friday, July 24

—10 a.m.-2 p.m., Iron County Historical Society Heritage Day in Hurley

—10 a.m.-6 p.m., Highline Open House in Hurley

—11 a.m., Hurley Quarterback Golf Tournament at Eagle Bluff Golf Course in Hurley

—10 a.m.-7 p.m., Range Art Association 60th annual Art Show at the Iron County Memorial Museum

Saturday, July 25

—9:30 a.m., Hurley High School Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Friends of the Foundation

—10 a.m.-7 p.m., Range Art Association 60th annual Art Show continues

—10 a.m.-4 p.m., Woods ‘n Blooms Garden Tour in Mercer

—2 p.m., Iron County Heritage Festival Parade on Silver Street in Hurley

—6 p.m.-10 p.m., 4th annual All-Class All-School Reunion at Sharon’s Coffee Co. in Hurley

—7 p.m., Hurley Class of 1965 50th Class Reunion at Nora’s Bar in Hurley

Sunday, July 26

—10 a.m.-7 p.m., Range Art Association 60th annual Art Show continues

—Noon: St. Mary’s Catholic Church Bazaar in Hurley

Tuesday, July 28

— 5:30 p.m., Mercer Mixed Paddle, Turtle Flambeau Flowage-Sturgeon Bay Landing

Thursday, July 30

—8 a.m., Mercer Looney Paddlers, Island Lake

Friday, July 31

—Iron County Fair in Saxon

Saturday, Aug. 1

—Iron County Fair in Saxon continues

Sunday, Aug. 2

—Iron County Fair in Saxon continues

Tuesday, Aug. 4

— 5:30 p.m., Mercer Mixed Paddle, Shay Dam landing into Fisher Lake

Wednesday, Aug. 5

—9 a.m.-4 p.m., 35th annual Mercer Loon Day and Craft Show

Thursday, Aug. 6

—8 a.m., Mercer Looney Paddlers, Big Lake and Mamie Lake

Friday, Aug. 7

—9 a.m.-2 p.m., Friends of the Library Used Book Sale at Mercer Library

—7 p.m., Paavo Nurmi Torch Lighting at Trailhead in Hurley

Saturday, Aug. 8

—7:30 a.m., 47th annual Paavo Nurmi Marathon from Upson to Hurley

—11 a.m.-3 p.m., Post Paavo Party on Silver Street in Hurley

—Noon, Turtle River Duck Race at Rugger’s Landing in Hurley

—Noon-6 p.m., 36th annual Springstead Corn Roast at Springstead Town Hall

Sunday, Aug. 9

—10 a.m.-3 p.m., Northwoods Wildlife and Wetlands Club at the Shooting Range in Mercer