Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
MERCER, Wis. — The 16th annual Pumpkin Run ATV/UTV Rally kicked off Thursday and runs through the weekend in Iron County.
More than 200 riders have registered for the event, held to promote riding in Iron County — “the ultimate ATV and UTV adventure,” according to Beth Wetzler, executive director of the Mercer Area Chamber of Commerce.
A three-day poker run, ATV, UTV and lawn tractor pulls, a Great Pumpkin Parade through downtown Mercer, and a wrap-up party on Saturday night are some of the rally’s highlights. There are also two poker runs.
The Liberty Way Tap House in Mercer will host a new Pumpkin Run activity today — a pull, where riders may test their skills against the Z Force ATV Sled. The action begins at 2 p.m. as ATVs, UTVs and lawn tractors will compete in different classes for prizes. The Liberty Way Tap House is in Mercer on the corner of Saarnio Road and U.S. 51, off trail 17. Riders may sign-up on line at MercerPumpkinRunRally.com or in person the day of the pull.
The Great Pumpkin parade will be on Saturday at 5 p.m. ATVs and UTVs will begin to line up at the Mercer DNR Ranger Station at 4 p.m.
“Riders are encouraged to decorate their vehicles and wear costumes in keeping with a Halloween theme. Prizes will be awarded,” said Wetzler.
The rally concludes with a party at The Pines Beer Garden on U.S. 51 in Mercer right after the parade. There will be raffles, food, drink, a bonfire, and live music by Phyl Wickham and Chris Skinner from 4-7 p.m., followed by Badge from 7-11.
The Pumpkin Run is organized by the Mercer Area Chamber of Commerce, with the help of the Mercer Dusty Loons ATV Club, as well as the Hurley Chamber of Commerce, Iron County businesses and volunteers.
For registration and information, visit MercerPumpkinRunRally.com, call the Mercer Chamber at 715-476-2389 or send an email to [email protected].