Festival Ironwood continues to draw crowds, offer fun

By P.J. GLISSON

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Ironwood - Mother Nature continued to bless Festival Ironwood during Thursday activities at the Historic Ironwood Depot Park.

Although several activities occurred on Wednesday evening, the official opening ceremony took place late Thursday afternoon.

Ironwood's American Legion Post No. 5 presented the colors, and Alyssa Schwab sang "The Star-Spangled Banner."

Legion participants included Joe Kuker, Joe Lauzon, Gary Olkonen, Jim Peterson, George Plaistow, Sulo Romo, George Smith, Ron Trone and Marion True.

Donned in red festival t-shirts, festival co-chairs Keith Johnson and Will Corcoran addressed the crowd.

Johnson reported that Thursday evening's food and beverage sales broke records, and he thanked sponsors, volunteers and everyone else helping to make the event a success.

"Just stay here and have a good time," advised Corcoran before the guys then ceremoniously dropped dozens of faux waterfowl into a pool so that kids could partake in the "World's Largest Duck Pick."

Among the first to scoop up ducks were three Ironwood girls: Magdalena Kusz, 7, Audrianna Carli, 9, and Zoe Kobylinski, 9.

A team of men smoking chicken for Friends of Festival Ironwood included Jay Holm and Curt Boogaard, both of Ironwood, and Myron Manchester of Waupon, Wisconsin.

"I got the hardest job, putting the butter on," said Holm, laughing. "All that smoke goes in my face."

He assured, however, that "a lot of fun" occurs in the process of preparing the food. "We look forward to it every year," he said.

As for the secrets to their success, Holm assured with a smile, "The secrets are a secret."

Live music is an important element of the festival with Richie Yurkovich and Polkaroity providing a "Polka Fest" late Thursday afternoon and evening. The musicians inspired many folks to kick up their heels on the spacious dance floor under the big top.

Vanderhagen Ray was expected to perform after Polkaroity.

A variety of other musicians were scheduled throughout the festival, including today's concerts by the Gogebic Range Band from 12:15-1:30 p.m. and by Marty's Goldenaires at 6:30 p.m.

When live musicians are not present, D.J. Todd Haeger fills in the gap

Activities were expected to continue throughout Friday and Saturday, with an especially packed schedule set throughout today and this evening.

Today's rundown starts with a Walk, Run and Roll; and breakfast by the Luther L. Wright High School Ski Team.

The park will also feature the Old Depot Car Show, the continuing duck pick, a strawberry social by the Ironwood Business and Professional Women, the Leonard Street Reunion, an animal exhibit from HOPE, volleyball and outdoor pool tournaments, a craft and vendor sale, and the final daily 50/50 raffle.