Kelsey Reyes, executive director, Greater Ishpeming-Negaunee Area Chamber of Commerce

It’s that time of year again — time for Negaunee’s Pioneer Days celebration! This year’s Pioneer Days will take place July 6 through July 14 throughout Negaunee, beginning with the fun-filled alumni softball games and concluding with the fireworks over Teal Lake.

The parade theme this year is “Our Local Service Organizations — The Heart of Our Community!” The theme highlights Negaunee’s dedicated volunteers who serve and work to make our community a better place. The parade will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 14 at the corner of Iron and Tobin streets. Line-up for those involved begins at 10:30 a.m. Those participating in the parade may report to any Negaunee Township fireman along the side streets to receive their line-up assignment. The parade route will head east on Iron Street to Pioneer Avenue, then north on Pioneer to Main, then east on Main to Brown, Brown to Mitchell, then dissipate. There will be four Trophy Categories for those who are involved in the parade: “Best Commercial Entry,” “Best Non-Commercial Entry,” “Best Marching Unit Entry” and “Best Overall Entry.”

Following the parade, the community picnic will take place from 1 p.m. until dusk at Teal Lake. The community picnic will feature food vendors, live entertainment, children’s activities and much more! At dusk, the Negaunee fireworks display will begin over Teal Lake. Bring a chair or blanket to sit down and enjoy the show!

There are several events happening from July 6-14 in addition to the parade, picnic and fireworks. A full listing of these events and the alumni games schedule and brackets can be found on the Negaunee Irontown Association’s website, www.negauneeirontown.org/pioneer-days.

Editor’s note: Kelsey Reyes is the executive director of the Greater Ishpeming-Negaunee Area Chamber of Commerce. She currently resides in Negaunee with her husband, Cody, and son, Holden. She enjoys reading, the outdoors, and spending time with family.