Wakefield Fourth thrills in return

By P.J. GLISSON

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Wakefield - Joy abounded in Wakefield as the community returned to a full slate of Fourth of July events after canceling most of them due to COVID-19 last year.

Wakefield's regular July 4 parade, as well as its children's parade, also had been cancelled in 2018 due to thunderstorms.

A Saturday Community Picnic in Eddy Park drew a crowd of people who filled the main pavilion and then spread throughout the park lawn and over to the beach area.

John and Anna Grasso of Wakefield were among dozens of people enjoying a picnic lunch that was cooked and served by volunteers.

The Paul Family Bluegrass Band was playing, and some people present even got up to kick their heels to the catchy tunes.

Lots of kids were playing in the water while adults lounged on the neighboring lawn.

Also on Saturday was a beanbag tournament at Wakefield's VFW Post 9084.

Saturday night's "Lightning on the Lake" fireworks show drew the usual throngs of people vying for viewing all around the shore.

This year's show was dedicated to Debra Granato and to Joe DelFavero, who both passed away last year and had been part of the loyal team that makes each year's Fourth of July a success.

"We've come here for the past 10 years to see the wonderful fireworks," said Judy Cvengros, who was lounging next to the lake with her husband, Tom, and their two adult children, Tom Cvengros and Jill Majewski. They are all from Lower Michigan.

Sunday's parade began with a flyover by the Vintage Warbirds, followed by a short kids' parade and then the main parade.

Sunday Lake Street was lined with people on both sides, with additional folks on Putnam Avenue.

Parade marshals Jim and Denise Engel gave everyone a smile as they were transported throughout the route. He is a former local teacher and coach, and she was the city's librarian.

Many floats were part of the procession, with notable entries including the Wakefield Little League and the American Legion Post 11 Auxiliary.

A float thanking the public for supporting the July 4 festivities included a colorfully-dressed John Granato, former mayor and lead man on the city's fireworks show.

Local businesses also offered additional floats and vehicles.

Bands from Wakefield-Marenisco, Bessemer and Ironwood school districts participated, along with Wakefield-Marenisco cheerleaders.

Members of the Klassic Kruisers displayed their cars at the start of the parade and also had a float to celebrate their 30th anniversary.

Members of the Class of 1976 and the Class of 1991 walked the route, shouting out friendly greetings to onlookers.

The Lake Superior Tired Iron Club had a lineup of tractors in the parade.

U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet, and state Rep Greg Markkanen, R-Hancock, were present to interact with local citizens.

Representatives of all Gogebic County law enforcement participated, along with volunteer fire departments from several sectors and members of the Gogebic County Search and Rescue team.

City Manager Robert Brown, Jr. drove the final vehicle in the parade, which was followed by a rousing and welcome performance by Marty's Goldenaires.

Plenty of candy tossed from vehicles rounded out the day.

50-50 drawing

Wakefield Fireworks Committee members announced the winning ticket number of the annual 50-50 raffle.

Ticket No. 4040 will claim the prize of $32,560.50.