Bessemer plans 4th of July celebration

BESSEMER — The Bessemer Fourth of July planning committee is expecting “enormous” attendance at this year’s celebration of the nation’s birthday, said committee head Linda Nelson.

After most events being canceled due to COVID last year, a full slate of Bessemer Blast activities are billed as the “biggest and best 4th of July celebration in the U.P.,” said Nelson.

Much of the celebration will take place in downtown Bessemer on Sophie Street over the week prior to July 4, and will feature events for all ages.

There will be many familiar events such as the polka dance hosted by the Bessemer VFW, a chalk drawing contest and water balloon toss for children and an open house at the Bessemer Volunteer Fire Department with free ice cream.

Tickets for the annual 50-50 raffle go on sale beginning June 26. The annual geocaching event begins that day, as well. Both events go through July 4.

The annual lighting of the Tree of Honor will be June 30 at 7 p.m. on Sophie Street.

The Hometown Walk-Run will be Saturday morning, July 3, and a street dance that evening from 9 p.m. to midnight on Sophie Street.

The week will also include several evening fundraising meals by local groups.

July 4 will begin with John “Poncho” Matonich’s salute on 6 a.m. The full day will include family games at Massie Field in the morning, children’s parade at 1 p.m. and the big parade at 7 p.m. down Sophie Street. It all ends with Thunder on the Mountain — a large fireworks display at Massie Field.

The Bessemer Blast started as a small series of unofficial events and little by little grew into a massive week-long celebration, Nelson said.