Festival Ironwood maintains high energy to the end

By P.J. GLISSON

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Ironwood - Festival Ironwood continued throughout the weekend with a busy day on Friday and an even busier day on Saturday at the Historic Ironwood Depot Park.

Friday was designated as a kids' activity day with highly popular activities, including an obstacle course, a mechanical bull, a trout pond, a wood chip scramble, sand castle building, the daily duck pick, face/arm painting, and a visit by Slow Poke Da Clown.

Ironwood Mayor Kim Corcoran was instructing kids on how to fish effectively. Among her students was Joe Collura, 5, who was there with his mom, Nina Oja of Ironwood. Jacob Swartz of Ironwood also was at the pond with his kids, Emery, 7, and Quinn, 4.

Adrianne Balchik, 12, of Ironwood took an impressive ride on the mechanical bull, although her seconds were unknown due to a malfunctioning timer.

Justin Balzola of Iron Mountain was operating the bull for a long line of kids and said that, when he did have a working timer, "The longest was a minute, 50 (seconds)."

He said that rider was a girl who'd actually performed in the U.P. Championship Rodeo.

One of Friday's booths was hosted by Quay LaRonge of Ironwood's HOPE Animal Shelter. She was allowing people to pet two extremely mellow cats: one black-and white beauty named Spud and one gold and white charmer called Rusty.

Jessa Dums, 10, of Ramsay was enjoying the opportunity to commune with the cats as her mom, Kristy Dums, stood by.

"We've got baby kittens now at the shelter - 11," said LaRonge of animals available to adopt. "They are so cute."

Also on Friday, the Ironwood Public Safety Department had a Trike & Bike Show, and the Michigan State Police offered a "Hidden in Plain Sight" drug prevention exhibit.

Live music also continued to be a big highlight on both days with Saturday performances by Marty's Goldenaires and the Gogebic Range Band.

As a grand finale to the GRB concert, Gina Kretschmar of North Ironwood and Maya Strand of Hurley sang a stirring rendition of "God Bless America" as Joe Kepich directed the band.

Strand also plays clarinet in the band, and Kretschmar formerly played bass clarinet.

Kepich said he is conducting the band only temporarily while Marie Eggleston, the regular conductor, takes the summer off.

The 33rd Annual Old Depot Car Show was another major festival event on Saturday, with gorgeous and pristine old vehicles filling the streets adjacent to the depot park.

Dan Tregembo and Mike Holm co-directed the show, which was free to both viewers and participants.

"We have 143 cars this year, which is a record," said Holm, who added that there also was a record turnout of 18 antique tractors.

The largest distance traveled by entrants was 325 miles by Mike and Michelle Odder of Roberts, Wisconsin. They showcased a 1992 Ford Mustang convertible.

A constant stream of people admired the vehicles, which included some trucks, in a rainbow of colors and models - some with props such as stuffed animal passengers or carhop trays.

"We get a lot of local donations too," said Holm, who explained that sponsors help to provide trophies and door prizes.

A Saturday arts and crafts show also had plenty of traffic and offered a plethora of goods, including tasty treats from vendors.

Saturday also featured a morning Walk, Run and Roll, as well as a volleyball tournament. An outdoor pool tournament occurred on both Friday and Saturday.

Two local dance studios also provided a number of much appreciated dance performances, complete with a variety of costumes, from pretty, pastel ballerina-style garb to jazzy black and white striped outfits with high-top tennies.

Many more park-related activities ended as of late Saturday evening, but a few festival events continued Sunday at Miners Memorial Heritage Park and the Historic Ironwood Theatre.