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MARQUETTE — There will be a Fourth of July Parade in Marquette this year.

Jerry Irby, who is chairing the event with Marquette City Commissioner Sally Davis, said the parade will begin at noon July 4 at the Berry Events Center. The parade will travel south on Third Street and finish at Baraga Avenue.

The event, he said, will be sponsored by Marquette Elks Lodge 405 and volunteers.

Irby said music is needed for the parade and more volunteers are requested to help with the event.

Anyone interested in helping may contact Irby at jerrymqt@gmail.com or 906-228-4537.

“We want to get kids involved and we want to recognize our country, our flag and celebrate living in America,” Irby said.

The Marquette Area Fourth of July Committee had previously announced the return of the fireworks display at dusk on July 4, with a rain date of July 5, at Mattson Lower Harbor Park.

The Food Fest will run from noon until dusk July 3-4 at the park, while the boat parade will be in the Lower Harbor before the fireworks display.

Pop-up clinic planned

There will be a pop-up vaccine clinic at the Downtown Marquette Farmers Market at the Marquette Commons from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday.

The market will partner with the Marquette County Health Department to provide Johnson & Johnson vaccines. No appointments are necessary, but a valid operator’s license is required.

Vaccines will be given on a first-come, first-served basis.

Homeownership Month celebrated

With June being National Homeownership Month, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority remind Michiganders of support available to homeowners who have been financially impacted by COVID-19.

“No one should lose their home because of an unprecedented, once-in-a-century pandemic,” Whitmer said in a statement.

The MiMortgage Relief Partnership, launched in 2020, is a cooperative agreement between the state of Michigan and more than 230 banks, credit unions and mortgage servicers to provide mortgage relief to Michigan homeowners experiencing a COVID-related financial hardship.

The deadline to request assistance from participating lenders has been extended to Dec. 31. DIFS has also compiled a list of additional assistance programs to help impacted homeowners struggling to make their mortgage payments.

“The MiMortgage Relief Partnership is designed to help homeowners experiencing difficulty making their mortgage payments, but it is important to know that participation is not automatic — you must contact your lender right away to discuss available relief options,” DIFS Director Anita Fox said in a statement.

Contacting a local mortgage servicer at the first sign of trouble is the best way to help prevent foreclosure, but MSHDA also has resources to help homeowners, said MSHDA Homeownership Director Mary Townley.

“We have an expansive statewide network of nonprofit housing counselors ready to assist homeowners experiencing financial hardships,” Townley said in a statement.

To find a local housing counselor, visit Michigan.gov /HousingEducationLocator.

Homeowners should also take the time to review their insurance policies with their agent or insurance company to understand their coverage and any new discounts available, officials said.

Consumers who need assistance with insurance or financial services issues can contact DIFS from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 877-999-6442 or file a complaint at/Michigan.gov /DIFScomplaints.

Christie Mastric can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net