Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
STANDING OUTSIDE of the Mercer Community Center on Saturday are, from left, Mercer native Amy Lee of Wrightstown, Wis., and Amber Wildcat of Lac du Flambeau, Wis. The women were part of a brigade of "ugly sweater carolers" who marched in the parade.
By P.J. GLISSON
Mercer - Mother Nature smiled along with local residents as temperatures near 30 degrees helped to make the Mercer Candy Cane Christmas Celebration a big success for both locals and tourists.
The afternoon began with the traditional Candy Cane parade along the town's main street. The procession of nonstop cheer included big, red trucks from Mercer Fire and Rescue and the huge, green groomers from the Mercer Snow-Goers, Inc.
Among floats were those carrying Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Candy Cane Court of Mercer School, Faith Lutheran Church, and Mercer Area Ambulance.
Adding humor to the mix was a float called "Rudolph Gone Rogue," which was conceived by Troy Jastromski of Waunakee, Wis.
He was helped by his friends, who included Dave Hochstein and Jerry Urban, also of Waunakee, and Jim Mielke of Woodbury, Minn.
"I have a cabin in Mercer," said Jastromski, who added that he and his cohorts like to participate in the Candy Cane events "just for the fun" and also to support the community in which they like to relax and play cards and visit local establishments.
The parade also included law enforcement cars and veterans with flags led by Commander Bob Davis of the Mercer Area VFW Post 9536.
Completing the lineup were miscellaneous vehicles, including several four-wheelers decked out with holiday decals, tinsel, and unique touches such as reindeer horns.
Among members of the spirited crowd were Tom Koeppen, David Walesa, and Steve and Tracy Swantz, all of Burlington, Wis.
Tracy said they were determined to catch some candy, which was thrown with beads by several parade drivers and passengers.
After the parade, the festivities continued at the Mercer Community Center, where kids could have their photo taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus and receive a treat bag.
No end of sweets were available, along with hot beverages, thanks to a peppermint-themed goody contest run by Sharon Drawz with help by Craig Griffin.
Adult contest winners were Karen Watts, cookie; Bianca Pulaski, bar; and Louise Minisan, candy. Youth winners, which did not all include full names, were Brooklyn and Morgan Wolfe, bar; Kalyn and Aurora, candy; and Ava Barton, Adeline Huybrecht and Margarita, cookie.
Raffles for both adults and youth also were part of the event.
A toy and food drive also was included, with items collected from attendees for DOVE, Inc. women's shelter in Ironwood or the Mercer Food Pantry.
Participants in Saturday's festivities went all out with costuming that included an array of colorful hats, ties, sweaters, etc. Even some of the dogs wore skirts and scarves.
Candy cane decor was a running theme in all locales, and free candy canes were available many places.
The parade and party were combined last year for the first time with the cooperation of the Mercer Historical Society and the Candy Cane Parade Committee. Betty Snyder organized the parade and remains a driving force of the entire event.
Other support was provided by the Iron County Sheriff's Department, the Mercer Area Chamber of Commerce, the Mercer Lioness Club, the Mercer Loons, and the town of Mercer.
