Nate Heffron, city manager, city of Negaunee

NEGAUNEE — We are on the heels of another amazing weekend in Negaunee with the Heikki Lunta Winter Festival 2024.

Heikki Lunta officially kicked off with the lighting of the traditional bonfire and was followed up with the Irontown Rail Jam. The jam offered an enhanced course when compared to last year’s event with many new features that challenged participants.

Saturday was packed with family-friendly events, especially for the kids –with the DDA’s signature gourmet S’mores bar sponsored by Super One Foods and manned by the Negaunee Lion’s Club, a sledding party sponsored by Smarty’s Saloon, miniature horse rides sponsored by the Hee Haw Farm and the Old Coot Veterans’ group. There was also a winter art show hosted by the Knights of Columbus, where local artists from the Negaunee School District displayed their works at St. Paul’s.

Friday and Saturday nights included snowshoe lantern tours of old town. Negaunee’s very own Gary Vidlund led the tours, which were sponsored by the Cliffs Shaft Mine Museum, Ternary Toast, and Midtown Cafe.

Saturday’s fun was capped off with fireworks over old town, a spectacular event sponsored by Jackson’s Pit and UPEA.

Negaunee’s Social District was in full swing, several establishments ran out of cups or nearly ran out. Overall, the district held its own and attendees followed the rules, although there were some minor violations. The DDA will use feedback from the event to find ways to improve education about the district and enforcement for future events.

Heikki Lunta closed out on Sunday with the Freeze Yer Fanny Fat Tire bike race downtown. Racers zoomed from the Tunnel of Lights on Iron Street through parts of downtown and old town. Last, but not least, the first-ever Heikki Lunta pasty-eating contest was held at the Upper Peninsula Brewing Co. The company was also one of the event sponsors. Irontown Pasties, and the Ishpeming Rotary Club also sponsored the contest.

Unfortunately, due to the weather and safety concerns, the Southshore Fishing Association, had to postpone its annual ice fishing tournament. However, it’s rescheduled on Feb. 24.

On Teal Lake. Please visit their website www.southshorefishing.com

EDITOR’S NOTE: Nate Heffron is city manager of the city of Negaunee.