The sun is shining; the weather is warm and we here in Negaunee are proud to celebrate the birth of our great nation on the Fourth of July. But for those of us in Iron Town, this time of year also marks Pioneer Days – the time of year when we celebrate our community’s history and heritage. 

The festivities begins today and will run through July 12. The highly anticipated Alumni Softball Tournament will kick things off — games will run all week long, as teams compete to be the best of the best. Playoffs will be held Saturday, July 12. 

Pioneer Days is a great time for the family to gather, alumni to return home, and for those that have not experienced it for themselves to forge their own adventure during this week-long event.

Anyone who looks for me knows I can be found at my favorite Pioneer Days events.  Tuesday is an Ice Cream Social & Model A Car Show at the Negaunee Historical Museum from 6-8 p.m. Residents and visitors can also participate in the Jeanne Kangas Memorial Wine Tasting with hors d’oeuvres and live music from 6-9 p.m. at VFW Post 3165.

Wednesday’s events start off with the Negaunee Elk’s Kids’ Bike Parade at noon. Participants can start lining up at 11 a.m. at corner of Iron Street and Business M-28. The parade route ends at the Negaunee Ice Arena where families can participate in Negaunee Elk’s Kids Day, which runs from noon to 3 p.m. on the arena grounds. Food games and raffles will be offered.

Pasquali’s 31st annual “Drive In & Cruise.” Take in the classic cars in Pasquali’s parking lot from 4-8 p.m.  The Cruise through downtown Negaunee starts at 8 p.m.  If you are looking forward to the sounds of summer, the Negaunee City Band Concert will take place at 7 p.m. at the Breitung Park Bandshell.

Thursday features a Night on the Town starting at 8 p.m. in Downtown Negaunee following the Negaunee Fire Department Firefighter Races 1:30 p.m. on Lincoln Ave near the fire hall, and the Pioneer Days Market from 3 to 7 p.m. near the trailhead on Tobin Street.

The festivities culminate on Saturday, July 12 with the Pioneer Days Parade at 11:30 a.m. Participant line-up begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Negaunee Senior Center followed by Music in the Park featuring live music, a beer tent and your favorite food trucks at Old Town Park from 2-7 p.m. To top everything off, there will be a fireworks display beginning at dusk over Teal Lake.

These new to Negaunee and those that have not been home for a while will notice some positive changes. Everyone is welcome to experience our new downtown streetscapes and relax in some of our social hubs while enjoying your favorite adult beverage.

And while we know coming home for Pioneer Days always includes visiting your favorite restaurants and stores, I hope you will stop in at some of the new businesses that have popped up over the past few years. They are all worth a look – and maybe you’ll find you next favorite place to shop, eat or enjoy a libation. You know you can also find your friends at our longstanding businesses like Smarty’s Saloon, Jackson’s Pit, Barr’s Barr, and Tino’s, just to name a few; someone you know will be there!

Find more details about Pioneer Days events at www.negauneeirontown.org