Festival Ironwood to offer music, food, fun under big blue tent

IRONWOOD — The weather is getting warmer and that means Festival Ironwood is coming up. Soon, the big blue- striped tent will be set up at Depot Park and sounds of music will fill downtown.

The annual community festival begins Wednesday and continues through the weekend. The event serves as a homecoming for many, as several class reunions are planned for the weekend.

Every year, co-event coordinator Keith Johnson says people “look forward to the event and enjoy socializing with people downtown.”

Music, food and refreshments play a big role in Festival Ironwood. Things kick off Wednesday with an evening of bluegrass music underneath the Big Top by Up North Connection. On Thursday, people can dance to polka music played by Richie Yurkovich and Polkaroity and enjoy music by Vanderhagen Ray. Friday brings Dorothy and The Boys, Red Higgins and Yankee Train Train and Uncle Fester. On Saturday, the evening’s main entertainment will be XTRA.

In addition to live music, there is something for everybody, including games and events. Throughout the festival, folks can participate in a 50-50 raffle. The World’s Largest Duck Pick returns this year and will be open for picking on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. There are $5,000 worth of prizes to be won, all donated local organizations and individual. The fourth annual Foot in the Door silent auction will run Wednesday through Saturday.

New this year, Johnson said there will be an electronic dart tournament Thursday evening and a bean bag tournament on Friday night.

The festivities begin Wednesday with the Fat Tire Club ride at 6 p.m. The opening ceremonies and blessing will take place on Thursday.

On Friday, there’s lots of stuff for kids and adults alike, including a karate demonstration, Kids Activity Day, face painting, the Trike and Bike Kids Show and other activities. People can also shop at the Ironwood Farmers Market Friday.

On Saturday morning, the popular Walk, Run or Roll will take place. There will also be a volleyball and pool tournament, a classic car show and cruise and an arts and crafts sale.

Wednesday

—5-10 p.m., “An Evening of Bluegrass” under the Big Top by Up North Connection.

—6 p.m., Fat Tire Club Ride.

Thursday

—4 p.m. Festival Ironwood Opening Ceremonies and Blessing.

—4-10 p.m., Polka Fest, featuring Richie Yurkovich and Polkarioity.

—4:15 p.m., World’s Largest Duck Pick.

—6:30 p.m., Ironwood Chamber of Commerce dart tournament.

—8-10 p.m. Vanderhagen Ray under the Big Top.

—8-11 p.m., Teen dance under the pavilion.

Friday

—10 a.m., HOPE animals.

—10 a.m.-3 p.m. Kids Activity Day.

—10 a.m.-3 p.m., Trout Pond.

—11 a.m.-noon, Karate demonstration.

—Noon-1 p.m., Trike and Bike Kids Show.

—2 p.m., Sandcastle building contest.

—2-11:30 p.m., Live music under the Big Top.

—5:30 p.m., Friends of Festival Ironwood bean bag tournament.

Saturday

—8:15 a.m., Honor Guard, “Star Spangled Banner” ceremony.

—8:30 a.m., Walk, Run and Roll begins.

—9 a.m., Volleyball tournament.

—9 a.m., Outdoor pool tournament.

—9 a.m., Classic car show, vintage snowmobiles and Tired Iron Club.

—10 a.m-4 p.m., Child ID program.

—10 a.m.-4 p.m., Depot Park arts and crafts sale.

—11 a.m.-3 p.m., Open Stage, free live entertainment under the Big Top.

—3 p.m., Classic car show trophy presentation.

—3 p.m., Leonard Street reunion.

—4-7:30 p.m., DJ music under the Big Top.

—6 p.m., Classic Car Cruise on Wheels begins.

—8 p.m.-midnight, XTRA, live music under the Big Top.