Trappers Convention starts Friday

ESCANABA — The U.P. Trappers Association is pleased to host its 55th Annual Trappers Convention/ Outdoor Expo which will be held in Escanaba Friday and Saturday. This family friendly event is open to the public and has something for everyone. Admission is only $5.00 for both days and youngsters 12 or younger are admitted free. It will be held at the U.P. State Fairgrounds in Escanaba. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

“It is fantastic to once again have so many famous trappers and outdoor experts coming to our convention to share their knowledge and techniques. Trappers and all outdoor enthusiasts are sure to have an enjoyable experience and gain valuable insights by attending their demos,” stated Bob Steinmetz, longtime member of U.P. Trappers and NTA.

Rusty Johnson of Critter solutions in Georgia will be one of the featured presenters. Rusty runs a full time ADC business and has trapped all over the U.S. He was lead coordinator for one of the largest coyote studies ever conducted. He is also an instructor with Mark June’s Predator Trapping Academy in Texas. Proven by his vast range of accomplishments, Rusty is one of America’s better canine trappers.

Friday’s schedule includes demos by the following: John Chagnon at 9:30 (fox trapping), Rusty Johnson at 10:30 (coyote trapping), Les Johnson of “Predator Quest” at noon (predator hunting), Harry Nestell 1:30 p.m. (making waxed dirt and other winter trapping tips), Lesel Reuwsaat of South Dakota at 3:30 p.m. (coyote trapping). Greg Schroeder of FHA will be doing fur put up demos outside the Ruth Butler building throughout both days. There will also be two mini raffles on Friday.

Saturday’s demo schedule includes: Rich Clark of Willow Tree Furs at 9 a.m. (skinning and fur handling), Lesel Reuwsaat at 10:30 a.m. (bobcat trapping), Les Johnson of “Predator Quest” at 1 p.m. (predator hunting), and Jeff Dunlap (mink and muskrat trapping) at 2 p.m.

Food and refreshments will be available. Many activities will take place for youngsters including the always popular free fishing event at the Pocket Park. The fishing is sponsored by and supervised by the Normenco Sportsman’s Club and the Great Lakes Sports Club. The kids will not only catch a lot of fish, but will be able to win prizes as well.

There will be at least three buildings filled with vendors, and many tailgaters will be on the grounds as well. Lots of outdoor equipment will be on sale at special convention prices and buyers will save on shipping and handling. A special treat this year for knife enthusiasts with 30 tables displaying knives from seven different vendors.

Over 3,000 people are expected to attend.

Camping is available on the grounds.

Further information may be obtained by contacting Roy Dahlgren (906)-399-1960; trapperroy@outlook.com and by visiting www.uptrappers.com.

Independence Day Celebration held

HERMANSVILLE — The Hermansville Independence Day Celebration will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT Sunday, July 2 at Hermansville Lake and Park.

A parade will start at 11:30 a.m. with float line up and registration at 10 a.m. on Earle Drive. Float prizes are $200, $150, $75 and $50. There also are prizes for antique cars, classic cars, best decorated ORVs and best decorated bicycles. Also, all children entering the parade will receive prizes.

The parade prizes will be awarded at the park.

Children’s games and races begin at noon as do the slides and bounce houses. Food, games, music, refreshments and fun will be featured all day. Runaway Train will be providing music all afternoon.

The Hermansville Classic Car show’s registration is from 8-11 a.m., with judging from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Mud run registration is from 9:30 a.m. to noon, with the runs to start at 12:30 p.m.

Fireworks at dusk, no sparklers, fireworks or alcohol at fireworks.

For more information, visit hermansville.com.

Blood drives to be held across U.P.

MARQUETTE — UP Health System-Marquette has announced upcoming blood drives throughout the Upper Peninsula. All times are local:

≤ Monday, July 3 at Helen Newberry Joy Hospital, Newberry, from 2-6 p.m. with the bloodmobile. For an appointment call Mary Nutkins at 293-8438.

≤ Tuesday, July 5 at Pinecrest Medical in Powers from noon-4 p.m. For an appointment call Debbie Seely at 295-1295.

≤ Thursday, July 6 at UPHS-Bell in Ishpeming from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. with the bloodmobile. For an appointment call Nicole Couveau at 485-2656.

≤ Saturday, July 8 at Centennial Park in Chassell from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. with the bloodmobile. No appointments necessary.

≤ Tuesday, July 11 at Aspirus Ironwood Hospital from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. with the bloodmobile. For an appointment call Alicia Cook at 932-7627.

≤ Wednesday, July 12 at Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital, Manistique, from 1-5:15 p.m. For an appointment call Ruth Annelin at 341-7578.

Wine Tasting Party held July 5

NEGAUNEE — The Jeanne Kangas Annual Wine Tasting Party is planned at 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 5 at the Negaunee VFW 3165, Gold Street.

Tickets are $12. The event will include live music by Just The Two Of Us, door prizes, 50/50 raffles, and hors d’oeuvres.

All proceeds go to VFW 3165 Auxiliary, which in turn helps support veterans’ programs at the local and national levels.