Bob Hendrickson

Be it community events or reunions, summer is a social gathering time in the Upper Peninsula.

A perfect example of this was the Independence Day events and Pioneer Week happenings on the West End of Marquette County. This is the first time in two years that these celebrations felt pre-pandemic.

Although not directly chamber events the GINCC supports our member organizations who do.

Specifically, GINCC members: Ishpeming Community Events, Ishpeming Independence Day Committee and the Irontown Association all deserve kudos for the efforts put in to make these happen, and not to leave out the outlining communities of Republic and Michigamme who all make the West End a great place to live.

These summer activities support community ties, but also contribute economic benefits to local businesses.

Unlike general tourism, events typically happen regardless of economic factors that drive visitors to a community. People are driven more for the desire to re-unite with people rather than the physical offerings and attractions in the area. Of course, those favorite landmarks and activities still play an important role once they are here.

Spending trends of reunion and event attendees typically follow that of traditional tourism on lodging, groceries, retail, restaurants and bars. However, buyer loyalty is typically stronger with these visitors with the desire to contribute to small town success and spend money at places general tourism may not venture.

The months of July and August are heavily driven by events and gatherings. The St. Rocco-St. Anthony Society of Ishpeming will be hosting Italian Fest at Al Quaal Park on July 30 which is free and open to the public. While Negaunee will host a ticketed event, Thunder on the Iron Range music festival, downtown on Iron Street the same weekend. Just to name a couple things coming up.

Celebrating our local roots makes this area special, be it those coming back to visit or the people welcoming them back. Reunions are an opportunity to build our communities and it takes the work of volunteers to do this. If you have an interest in helping or contributing toward your community’s efforts contact the Greater Ishpeming-Negaunee Area of Commerce and we will help you get in contact with those organizations.

To learn more about the GINCC, visit our website at www.gincc.org, give us a call or stop in. Office hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. We are at times out of office on chamber business.

Call ahead to confirm a visit, 906-486-1111.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Bob Hendrickson is the executive director of the GINCC. He currently resides in Negaunee with his wife, Laura, and daughter, Sierra. He enjoys mountain biking, skiing, fishing and hunting along with family time.