Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By IAN MINIELLY
Hurley — The Iron County Development Zone has two weeks of festival fun scheduled for Iron County, to celebrate the county’s rich heritage. Bewteen July 27 and July 31, a wide array of activities are planned between Hurley and Mercer.
Running July 27–29, the Northwoods Art Tour will feature many on-site artist demonstrations, while also making local art available for purchase. Many home studios will be open throughout the Mercer area.
July 27
The Heritage Festival kicks off with an open house at the Highline Corporation between 10:30 a.m. And 3:30 p.m. At 11:00 a.m., the Hurley Quarterback Club golf tournament at Eagle Bluff launches with with a 2 person scramble. The Iron County Historical Society is hosting Heritage Day with blacksmithing, broom making, weaving, and more between 10:00 a.m. And 2:00 p.m.
July 28
Saturday brings another full day of events. The Hurley High School Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony is being held at 10:00 a.m., with tours and demos of new school equipment and technology also available.
Off highway 51 at the farmers market in Hurley, between 10:00 a.m. And 1:00 p.m., the Farm Heritage Day and Antique Tractor Show will grill local meat for a farm style cook out before the parade kicks off down Silver street at 2:00 p.m. The 7th Annual Iron County All Class All School Reunion at the Iron County Memorial Building from 5-9:30 p.m. Is open for all graduates to raise money for Hurley School seniors.
Meanwhile in Mercer, the Education Foundation Summer Mardi Gras from 6-11:00 p.m. Is being hosted by the Pines Restaurant and Beer Garden.
July 29
A light day of events brings the St. Mary’s Church Bazaar with events, children’s games, and bingo to St. Mary’s Church in Hurley at noon.
July 31
The Night Before Loon Day Street Dance in front of Heart of the North in Mercer will have live music and refreshments from 7-11:00 p.m.
The first week of August stays busy in Iron County. Between Aug. 2 -5, the Iron County Fair will offer carnival rides, horse events, music, raffles, and a fireman’s tournament in Saxon.
Aug. 1
This marks the 38th Annual Mercer Loon Day and Craft Show all over Mercer. There are expected to be oer 250 vendors, with live music and a flea market. Festivities start at 9:00 a.m. And conclude at 4:00 p.m.
Aug. 3
The Friends of the Library used book sale in the Mercer Library from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., will offer used books, movies, and more.
Aug. 4
The Mercer Lions Turtle River Duck Race, an area favorite, kicks off at 11:00 a.m. At Rugger’s Landing.
Aug 10-11
The Paavo Nurmi marathon results in a weekend of fun and exhaustion. On the 10th between 3-7 p.m. At Hurley K-12 school, registration and packet pick up is scheduled, with a kids race at 6:00 p.m.. The Spaghetti Fundraiser, benefitting the Hurley American Legion offers pasta and carbohydrates from 3-7:00 p.m.
The marathon torch lighting ceremony at the Hurley trailhead will have music, entertainment and a special dedication.
The longest running marathon in Wisconsin kicks off on the 11th. People can run as an individual or as a member of a 2 or 5 man marathon running team. The post Paavo party is open to all, even those who did not run with awards, music, and food.
For those not wanting to run, Mercer is hosting the Turtle Flambeau Flowage Pig and Corn Roast at the Gateway Resort between 10 a.m. And 2 p.m. Also between 10 and 2 p.m., the Northwoods Shooting Range in Mercer is hosting a Wildlife Turkey Shot, with awards for each round of shooting.
Springstead is hosting the 38th Springstead Corn Roast, where people are encouraged to treat themselves to cord roasted to perfection, for only $1. The Springstead Town Hall will have music, dancing, and games from noon to 6:00 p.m.