The Globe - Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

By MEGAN HUGHES

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BESSEMER - This year's Bessemer Blast Fourth of July celebration drew quite a crowd to Sophie Street on Tuesday evening, even as the threat of rain lingered overhead.

Crowds began to gather at 5 p.m. as organizers set up barricades.

After a cruise of the parade by members of the Klassic Kruisers Car Club, the parade officially began shortly after 7, led by the Michigan State Police and Gogebic County Sheriff's Department, followed closely by an honor guard of veterans carrying the American and other flags.

Area high school bands marched and played in...