Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
CAYEN FAHRNER, of Ironwood, watches his shot Friday at Depot Park during a game of pool before the Festival Ironwood pool tournament.
It's not a Friday in the Northwoods without fish fry, even during Festival Ironwood. Gary Gruenke, left, and Jerry Nezworski were just two of the volunteers working the Knights of Columbus Council 1396's booth, serving up fried haddock and whitefish to hungry patrons in Depot Park.
Clancy Byrne, left, and Ironwood Public Safety Department Sgt. Matt Sterbenz compete in a watermelon-eating contest Friday in Depot Park during Festival Ironwood.
IRONWOOD - While the rain somewhat impacted turnout, Festival Ironwood continued largely as planned Friday.
"Crowds are down a little bit, but again, we made some adjustments," Festival Ironwood co-chair Keith Johnson told the Daily Globe. "We put some stuff - kids activities - under the big top, moved that slide in ... and the obstacle course and it worked out well. Despite the weather, the vendors were very pleased with the people."
Other than the bounce house, petting zoo and bike parade, Johnson said enough changes were made so pretty much everything could go off as planned.
"We've got enough tents now, we've got enough cover, that we can certainly be prepared for a day like today," he said.
Friday's activities included a bag-toss tournament featuring around 30 teams, a pool tournament, face painting, the continuation of the World's Largest Duck Pick, kids activities, fishing at the trout pond and a fish fry, as well as other food options, and several bands playing under the big top.
There were also several rounds of watermelon contests, including a win by Ironwood Public Safety Department Sgt. Matt Sterbenz to defend last year's crown.
"Overall, we're very happy (with the day)," Johnson said.
While the rain may have impacted Friday's events, Johnson said the weather forecast for today looked much more promising.
"It's supposed to stop raining by midnight (Friday), with low 70s," he said. "It looks good for the race, the car show - (I'm) looking forward to it."
