By STEVE NEWMAN
Ironwood — Residents of the area were treated to a chance to think about spring and summer with the Sport and Recreation Show Friday-Sunday at the Pat O’Donnell Civic Center on the Gogebic Community College campus.
John Warren, general manager of Heartland Communications Group in Ashland, has put together the show for the past eight years. Warren was pleased with the vendors who came to take part in the show, and particularly the variety of vendors. He stated “we have a variety, from boats, campers, RV’s and ATV’s, tractors, chain saws, lawn and garden equipment, but also unique items such as satellite internet service, insurance and automobiles.”
Warren said that this is the ideal time of year to hold the show, “at this time of year, people have cabin fever. They are looking for something to do.” There were brand new vendors, such as a nut vendor, called “The Nutty Minnesotan” and other interesting exhibits. The show features a Friday night fish fry, which they said, as an area tradition, has gone over really well.
According to vendor Shannon Anderson, from State Farm Insurance in Ironwood, “things have been busy” with crowds, particularly on Friday night. She said, “I think people are trying to beat the storm and coming out early.” Area realtor Nancy Zak of Zak’s Realty was also busy enjoying the time to network with friends and clients. Many vendors had giveaways at their booths as well as drawings for prizes and the chance to see the latest must-haves for summer enjoyment.