Bob Hendrickson, IOHT

ISHPEMING –Summertime is a great time for outdoor activities, but sometimes Mother Nature has plans of her own. That was the case with the GINCC Children’s Carnival last Wednesday when we had to postpone to next week.

There are two lessons that we came away with. First is we still need to utilize our skills in pivoting plans when unexpected circumstances intervene; the second, take weather alerts seriously and error on the side of caution.

Putting the brakes on an event can be almost as much work as putting the event on. Media alerts, phone calls, emails and array of social media post notifying the public and participants creates several hours of urgent work. Then shifting to an alternative date that works for the majority of players takes additional coordination.

But we did it, and the GINCC Children’s Carnival is rescheduled for Wednesday, June 22 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at River Rock Lanes & Banquet Center parking lot, weather dependent.

The event features back-yard carnival games, local first responder vehicles, summer educational opportunities along with free hot dogs, chips and drink.

The Children’s Carnival is a free event for elementary age kids and sponsored by GINCC member J-Goods Plumbing and Heating. All kids attending are eligible to register in a drawing for one of two new bicycles.

The bicycle give-away will be drawn at 7 p.m. and families do not need to be present to win. Bicycles are provided by the Ishpeming Fire Department and J Goods Plumbing & Heating.

Registration is re-opened. If you pre-register you get an extra entry for the bicycle give-away. Or just show up and look for our “check-in” tables and volunteers. Please do not attend if anyone in your family is sick or have been exposed to someone who is sick.

All of our events are made possible by the GINCC Rock Stars: Bell Auxiliary, Cleveland-Cliffs, Eagle Mine, My Web Maestro, Northern Michigan University, TruNorth Federal Credit Union and the Upper Peninsula Power Company.

This event leads into an array of other summer events on the docket for the West End of Maquette County. Coming the weekend of June 24-26 is the Ishpeming Gus Macker with over 100 teams registered. The following weekend kicks off 4th of July activities with Festival of Treasures on July 1, Ishpeming Independence Day celebration on July 2 followed by Pioneer Days in Negaunee concluding on July 9.

To learn more give us a call 906-486-1111 or go to our website www.gincc.org. Our hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The office is located at 910 U.S. 41 West in front of Jubilee Foods & Fuel.

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.