Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

Marty's picnic fun not dampened by rain

BESSEMER - Despite the rain, the annual Marty's Goldenaires Drum and Bugle Corps' town picnic was held on Saturday afternoon at Bluff Valley Park.

Picnic goers stayed dry beneath the tents while being treated to a number of festivities, including kids games, a bake sale and hourly raffles. Raffle prizes were donated by local businesses.

Members of the corps were present serving up hamburgers, hotdogs, brats, chicken sandwiches and corn on the cob, as well as various refreshments for picnic goers to enjoy.

Aside from a performance by the Goldenaires themselves, there was live music by Jim Favero and later by Uncle Fester.

This is the Goldenaires' only fundraiser annually. Funds raised go towards keeping the corps in operation, paying for travel and other necessary expenses.

Marty's is comprised of men ages 16 through 90, and performs primarily in Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota from May to Labor Day weekend.

The corps was founded by Marty Lamoreux in 1950. Upon Marty's passing in 1968, the corps was inactive for several years. In 1976, the corps became active again, and has been performing ever since.

Its next performances will be at the Gogebic County Fair on Aug. 25 at 7 p.m., Festival Italiano in Hurley on Sept. 3, and Laborfest in Ontonagon on Sept. 4.