Ontonagon celebrates Fourth of July

By DAMIIAN LANG

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Ontonagon County - Traditionally, Ontonagon County politely waits until the dust has settled from July 4 celebrations in surrounding communities.

Hence, the two communities of Bruce Crossing and Greenland did not celebrate Independence Day until two days later on July 6.

Bruce Crossing

Let's begin with Bruce Crossing, where it was sunny and warm and where friendly folks were happy to share their thoughts.

Gus Pietila was sitting in the shade, looking relaxed.

"It's a beautiful day," he said. "I'm looking forward to seeing the old cars and the floats. I just like to see people get together and enjoy the Fourth."

As for the parade, it was nothing but positive, with cool old cars, as well as tractors, fire trucks, a bag pipe player, a marching band, a reunion float, quilters in the back of a red pickup, and kids running around picking up candy.

Don Sinclair was standing with some friends when The Globe asked him where he was from.

"I'm a troll from down below the bridge," said Sinclair, who is from New Boston, Mich. "I like this celebration because it's old time stuff, the old days, back the way it used to be, simple, have fun. We don't need to go to Macy's."

After the parade, the celebration continued in Stannard Township Park.

Under the roof of a large, open-air pavilion, hot foods and cold beverages were being served and a single voice was singing "My Way" to a soft guitar.

A bounce house and games of all kinds covered the lawn outside the pavilion.

Junior the Clown was performing balloon magic, and two empty outhouses on wheels stood nearby. These racing privys had competed at Trout Creek, where rumor has it, they have lawn mowers in the parade.

Greenland

On up to Greenland, which excelled in a feel-good vibe.

On a residential street nestled in the quiet town of Greenland, about 1,000 people lined the parade route.

"There's more people here right now, than there are who live here," said local Ron Emmonen.

The 4th of July Celebration started with a Walk, Roll, Run, followed by an all-day corn hole toss and kickball tournaments, kids' games and a bounce house.

Delicious ice cream cones were being served up at the Adventure Mountain Lion's Club, stationed on the sidewalk.

It donates proceeds to all kinds of local projects, including keeping the ski hill open for the kids in winter months.

The parade began with a Color Guard leading the way.

Groovy, old cars rolled by, and one mysterious parade walker was completely covered from head to toe with colorful balloons of different shapes and sizes.

Along with floats, also easing past were several impressive heavy machinery vehicles, wonderfully decorated with American Flags.

Starting in the early afternoon, live music was played by many different musicians, followed by a street dance in the evening and the culmination of fireworks at dusk.

Celebrations in both Ontonagon communities were courtesy of July 4 committees in each region.