MANISTIQUE — The public is invited to attend events tied to the Thursday kickoff of the Haywire Grade’s 50th anniversary year.

Free ATV rides will be available throughout the day; those interested should RSVP to Dennis Serra at Dennis@GreatGetaways.tv.

The evening program starts at 5 p.m. in the auditorium of Manistique High School, 100 N. Cedar St., with presentations on the Haywire’s significance and history.

Four 50th anniversary events are planned for 2020, including a snowmobile event Feb. 29, an equine event June 6, a bicycle event Aug. 22 and an ATV/ORV event Oct. 3.

Established in 1970, two years after the Manistique & Lake Superior Railroad ceased operations, the Haywire Grade runs 32 miles from Manistique to Shingleton.