Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
KICKING UP THEIR heels Saturday on the brand new patio at Wakefield's VFW Post 9084 on Sunday Lake are friends Tom Yon and Deb Harvey of Wakefield in the foreground and Gary Gustafson and Jacalyn Maki of Ramsay behind them. Maki is married to Eddo Maki, who was one of several musicians entertaining throughout the post's open house.
By P.J. GLISSON
Wakefield - A Saturday open house at Wakefield's VFW Post 9084 drew dozens of people who enjoyed burgers and hot dogs while sipping cool drinks on a brand new patio next to Sunday Lake.
"It really turned out nice," said post quartermaster Brad Wakefield, who noted the level of attendance was great, given that the VFW was competing with other events during the long weekend to celebrate Labor Day.
Wakefield credited the lion's share of event-organizing to VFW club manager Missy Umland. "She was the big instigator," he said.
The new 33-foot by 20-ft. patio was set up with several tables and chairs, which still left room for dancing to the tunes of several area musicians who played throughout the afternoon and evening.
They included Tim Makela, Ron Niemi, John Schuster, Eddo Maki and Mike Keating.
"Love the music," said Deb Harvey of Wakefield, "and I adore Brad and Melissa."
The spacious patio also features a new east-side entry door to the bar, where additional attendees also relaxed.
Saturday's event included a 50-50 drawing and a beanbag tournament.
According to VFW Commander Jack Lillar, the post has organized a collection of different age groups for beanbag competitions.
"We try to be family-oriented," he said, adding that the aim is to offer "a place where people can bring their kids if they want."
Wakefield acknowledged Chad Carlson of Wakefield for making the patio happen. "He's the one who planned and coordinated the patio and put the door in," said Wakefield. "He did all the heavy lifting."
Wakefield also credited R & M Masonry, Inc. in Ironwood for giving them "a good deal" on the patio, which included free cement barriers to protect the patio from traffic on neighboring Lake Shore Drive.
In addition, he said that industrial arts students from the Luther L. Wright K-12 School in Ironwood created a new sign for the building. "It's a really nice sign," said the quartermaster. "We just hung it today."
Wakefield said Saturday's event was a "perfect" way to close out the summer.
The VFW now will offer continuing events in September, including a Yooper Cribbage Tournament this coming weekend, followed by an Oktoberfest celebration on Sept. 14 and a family wellness fair on Sept. 21.
Wednesday meals also start again this week, with low-cost eat-in or take-out options offered at the post from 4-6:30 p.m.
