Bob Hendrickson, IOHT

ISHPEMING –This weekend is the annual GINCC Town-wide Rummage Sale taking place on the West End of Marquette County.

Physical copies of the directory are available at Jubilee Foods-Ishpeming, Super One Foods-Negaunee and both Holiday stationstores in Ishpeming and Negaunee.

There are 34 sales happening and is a great opportunity to get out to meet your community along with finding some great deals.

Not into rummage sales? This weekend is also the Free Fishing and ORVing Weekend in Michigan, which includes free access to Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas.

There are some great fishing spots in the local area including the Carp River, Teal Lake, Deer Lake, Greenwood Reservoir and Lake Michigamme. Stop by Wilderness Sports in downtown Ishpeming to get some gear and pointers to get out and enjoy the weekend.

Camping is also a great option with plenty of spots for tents and RVs at Van Riper State Park on the east end of Lake Michigamme. Looking for more of a “Glamping” which is more refined camping. You can set-up at Country Village RV Park & Cabins with amenities that include a pool and hot tub.

With all these outside options, please be careful with any fires or outdoor cooking stoves. Fire danger remains high and hopefully will go down starting next week so we can start enjoying campfires again.

Another event that feels like a summer kick-off is the annual GINCC Children’s Carnival. It will be taking place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday at River Rock Lanes & Banquet Center in Ishpeming. The event features back-yard carnival games, local first responder vehicles, summer educational opportunities and free hot dogs for the kids.

In the event of rain, the carnival location will be moved to Aspen Ridge School gymnasium at the same time and date.

The Children’s Carnival is a free event for elementary age kids and sponsored by GINCC member J-Goods Plumbing and Heating. Also attending will be the Ishpeming Fire Department along with other community service organizations. To register go www.gincc.org.

All kids attending are eligible to register in a free drawing for one of three youth bicycles. If you register early kids get two entry slips. The bicycles are donated by J Goods Plumbing & Heating, the Ishpeming Fire Department and Love & Bicycles.

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

To learn more about the GINCC, visit www.gincc.org or give us a call 906-486-1111. Our hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday and the office is located at 910 U.S. 41 West in front Jubilee Foods & Fuel. Please call ahead as we are out of office from time to time.

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