NEGAUNEE — The 2025 Pioneer Days celebration is coming up in early July, and the Negaunee Irontown Association is encouraging everyone to come out and partake in the festivities.

The weeklong event will take place from today through July 12, with local businesses and organizations hosting a slew of activities for all ages, including the annual Fireman’s Tournament and fireworks display. City residents are encouraged to participate, along with former residents of Negaunee who may be returning to the area.

“I would encourage anyone visiting Negaunee during that week to look at our list of events on our website and Facebook,” said Ann Ducoli, Vice President of the NIA. “There is something for everyone to enjoy and make sure to look for the sponsorship signs in local businesses that have donated to the event and frequent that business.”

The alumni games for Negaunee High School alumni begin today and will run throughout the week, including the NHS alumni softball tournament, with a home run derby taking place on July 10 and the championship game set for 7 p.m. on July 11 at LaCombe Field. More information can be found on the NIA website at negauneeirontown.org.

An ice cream social and Model A car show will be at the Negaunee Historical Society from 6 to 8 p.m. on July 8, and the Ishpeming Rotary Club will host an ADA Dock Celebration with a free community picnic from 5-7 p.m. at Teal Lake beach on that same day.

A children’s bike parade on July 9 will end at the Negaunee Ice Arena, where the Negaunee Elks will be hosting a Children’s Fun Day with games, prizes, hotdogs, chips and refreshments.

From noon to 4 p.m., there will be an open house at the United Steelworkers Ronn Hall with free hot dogs, brats, chips and refreshments. Later on in the day, there will be a concert put on by the Negaunee City Band at 7 p.m. in the Breitung Park Bandshell.

July 10 is also full of activities planned at a variety of locations in the community. The Negaunee Eagles Club will host an open house, a cookout and live music beginning at 12 p.m. until close. Pioneer Days trivia will be hosted by the Negaunee Public Library on their west lawn from 3:30 to 5 p.m., with a cash prize and no registration required (event is weather-dependent).

The NHS Class of 1995 will have a 30 year class reunion at the Paltzer residence, located at 203 Pine Marten Road, at 6 p.m. on July 10. It will be $35 per person, which includes dinner and refreshments. Later in the evening at 7 p.m., there will be the 2025 Pioneer Princess pageant at the Negaunee High School auditorium, which is open to kids in first through fifth grades who attend Negaunee Public Schools or live in the city. Questions can be directed to Eliisa Gladwell at emgladwel@gmail.com, and registration is found online at negauneeirontown.org/pioneer-princess-pageant.html. The day will close with a night on the town celebration beginning at 8 p.m. in downtown Negaunee, where folks will have a chance to support the local businesses that are sponsors of Pioneer Days.

The Negaunee Eagles will continue with their offerings of an open house, cookout and live music from 12 p.m. to close on July 11. Two NHS class reunions will also be taking place that day: one for the NHS Class of 1959, who will meet at 10 a.m. at the Negaunee Senior Center followed by Dutch Treat at a local restaurant; and the NHS Class of 2005’s 20 year reunion, which will be from 7 to 10 p.m. at the U.P. Brewing Company at a cost of $20 per person with pizza included.

At 8:30 a.m. on July 12, there will be the Irontown Fun Run/Walk at 141 Rail Street, and registration can be completed on the NIA website at $15 per person. The annual Pioneer Days Parade will take place on Iron Street at 11:30 a.m., and participating organizations will line up at 10:30 a.m. at the Negaunee Senior Center. Those still interested in registering can also do so on the NIA website. Another Negaunee Eagles cookout will take place from 9:30 a.m. to close, and the fourth annual Tom Spencer Memorial Ride will meet at the Negaunee Ice Arena at 1 p.m. before riding to Mama Cows in Chatham for ice cream. The NIA will host Music in the Park including live music, a beer tent, and food trucks from 2 to 7 p.m. in Jackson Mine Park, and the Negaunee Fireworks Display will begin over Teal Lake at dusk.

More events will be added as Pioneer Days draws closer, so be sure to continue checking out the NIA’s website and active Facebook page for the most up-to-date schedule.

“The Negaunee Irontown Association would like to thank all of its sponsors, donations from the community for our fireworks show and High School Scholarships,” said the NIA in a press release. “Pioneer Days would not be possible without your generosity.” Participants and guests are encouraged to enjoy themselves, support and patronize Pioneer Days sponsors while they are in town.

For additional information, visit the NIA website at negauneeirontown.org.

Abby LaForest can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 548. Her email address is alaforest@miningjournal.net.