Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
YOUNG SKIERS race around the Ironwood Depot Park track Friday afternoon to kick off Sisu weekend events. Ideal weather greeted the youngsters.
By RALPH ANSAMI
Ironwood - There was plenty of snow Friday afternoon to cushion the falls of young skiers who were attempting to navigate the course around Depot Park.
The Depot Dash kicked off the weekend's 10th annual Sisu Ski Fest events.
The fire was burning strong in the warming pit, but on a 23-degree day with no wind, it wasn't really a necessity.
Around 4:15 p.m., volunteer Phil Strong was setting up a couple of young girls who arrived late for skiing.
The parents appeared to be having as much fun as the youngsters who struggled to remain upright.
There were no stopwatches, but plenty of phone photos, as the competition was all in good sport.
In other parts of the city, the final touches were being ironed out for the race course, which ends downtown, after a morning start at ABR Trails in Erwin Township.
Unlike some years in the past when bitter cold weather postponed or canceled races, the forecast looked ideal for today. The 4 to 6 inhes of snow that fell around mid-week added to the trail base.
It was First Friday in downtown Ironwood and visitors and locals took advantage of late store hours and some special discounts from participating businesses.
In addition to the mojakka stew at the Memorial Building after the races, tonight Conge se Mene, a Finnish reggae group, is performing at the Historic Ironwood Theatre, which has become the center of many special events in the city.
