Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

Mercer celebrates 11th annual lupine festival

By ISABELLE KLEINSCHMIDT

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Mercer - Despite the intermittent rain, there was a large turnout for this year's 11th annual Lupine Junefest at Carow Park in Mercer.

The bike tour winds through some of the area's most pristine back-country roads scattered with the iconic purple lupine flowers. There are four route options for bikers to choose from, 10, 26, 28 and 50 miles.

After enjoying the ride, bikers could relax and enjoy snacks and beverages in the pavilion while listening to the classic tunes of the Wolfman Roadshow.

In addition to the bike tour, there was the annual classic car show at the park. The car show offered awards in various categories from kids choice to best in show. Event goers were welcome to cast votes for their favorites.

Arts and Crafts vendors hunkered down through the wind and rain, offering an array of locally made foods, clothing, jewelry, folk art, and more. There were even Lupine plants for sale from the Woods and Blooms Garden Club. Eventually, the sun came out and the festivities went on throughout the day.

"We had about 160 people pre-register and then about 215 turned-out for the ride this morning." said Director of the Mercer Chamber of Commerce, Chelcie Pinsonneault. "We're really happy with how it turned out. We couldn't be happier with the event."