Bob Hendrickson, IOHT

ISHPEMING — The impact of an event, especially in winter, helps develop the character and fortitude of a community. Events help cultivate pride, strengthen relationships, teach teamwork and build the social foundation which makes up a community. It’s a time to celebrate and share what makes our home unique.

It’s impressive to see the volunteer efforts that come forth in preparation and execution of events. The GINCC has hosted an aid station for the Noquemanaon Ski Marathon for several years now. Each year TruNorth Federal Credit Union has stepped up to fill the volunteer need.

They worked as a team to provide water and energy drink to the ski racers and cheered the racers on. They are one of several groups who aid skiers along the trail from Ishpeming to Marquette.

Tradition runs deep on the West End. The Ishpeming Ski Club has been hosting their annual ski jumping tournament for over 135 years. That’s over a century of dedication. This year marked the 136th Tournament and they pulled off one of the most success events in decades.

More recent events like the Heikki Lunta Winter Festival taking place this weekend, organized by the Negaunee DDA, showcase the vast outdoor experiences we have out our back door on the West End and embracing the winter elements. So many activities such as luge, ski jumping, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing will be available to the public.

In addition, events have an economic impact. They draw visitors who participate or spectate and spend money locally.

If the event is impressive enough, those visitors return for the next event or are hopefully drawn to come back to explore the community after the event is done. A few even decide to relocate and call it home.

Upcoming events such as the U.P. 200 sled dog race and the Polar Roll Adventure Race in February will continue to draw local and out of town participants and spectators. There was a time not long ago when winter was the recovery time from the busy summer.

Not any longer. There are almost continuous events throughout the winter season now.

As the saying goes, “If you choose not to find joy in the snow, you will have less joy in your life but still the same amount of snow.”

So, take advantage of all the opportunities available to us on the West End of Marquette County. We’re sure you won’t be disappointed.

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 GINCC business. Please 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.