Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
AT LEFT, AFTER decorating tables and placing plates of homemade cookies and other treats at Ironwood's Aurora Club, Sharlene Shaffer (head turned at left) and Carol Erickson enjoy a break during the annual Candlelight Snowshoe and Ski at Miners Memorial Heritage Park in Ironwood on Dec. 28. I
By BRENDA MOSELEY
Ironwood - Sweet treats, a crackling bonfire and a beautiful one-mile candlelit trail were the rewards that participants received at a Dec. 28 Candlelight Snowshoe and Ski by Friends of Miners Memorial Heritage Park.
The all-volunteer organization offers the fundraising event annually in order to support trail grooming and maintenance and upkeep of related equipment.
Snowshoes are provided for those needing them.
Friends president Rick Semo said the park is often the first place in the area to open for cross-country skiing.
The site offers three miles of groomed ski trails and 10 miles of trails open to snowshoeing, hiking and mountain biking.
Semo described this year's fundraiser as a "great event" despite a low turnout due to inclement weather.
Although it had rained earlier in the day, snow still covered the trails.
Beyond the opportunity for exercise, the inside of Ironwood's Aurora Club - from which participants started - provided friends and families homemade cookies and warm drinks as children laughed, danced and played games.
A donation box is also at the park's main trailhead on Ayer Street.
Trail maps and other information are available at minerspark.org.
