Autumn brings color and with that the Greater Ishpeming-Negaunee Area Chamber of Commerce is promoting a variety of events and happenings on the West End to reflect that.

Your last chance to get some goods at the Neguanee Farmer’s Market at Miner’s Park is on Sept. 25 from 4-7 p.m. This is the final market of the year. In addition, there will be a car show theme, “Horsepower in the Park.” Stop by and check it out.

With the nights getting colder, even the most-hardy Yoopers are starting to get their home heating systems in line and ready for the months ahead. A perfect opportunity to learn a little more on what you need to do to prepare is by attending our Business After Hours with Cold Snap Heating & Cooling on Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 5-7 p.m. at Jasper Ridge Brewery in the Country Village, Ishpeming.

Leaving September and heading into October, the GINCC will be holding another Business After Hours on Oct. 2, from 5-7 p.m. with the Bell Auxiliary at UPHS Bell Hospital. The Bell Auxiliary is a dedicated group of volunteers based out of Bell Hospital assisting the community with philanthropic support primarily focused on senior citizens and youth education.

There is no better way to embrace autumn than having an Octoberfest Celebration. This event in Downtown Negaunee has quickly become a fall classic. Building a little bigger each year, the celebration has family fun activities throughout the afternoon and goes into the evening for the adults.

Activities kick off at noon on Saturday, Oct. 5 on Iron Street. Live music, costume contests, street vendors, kids’ games, pumpkin painting and of course a beer tent will all be part of the festivities. Find out more information about this event on Facebook, search for Downtown Negaunee’s Octoberfest 2019.

The GINCC will be hosting our Annual Gala on October 10 from 5:30-8pm at the Wawonowin Country Club. This evening is dedicated to celebrating and bringing together the GINCC membership. The highlight of the evening is a special award ceremony for recognizing those in our community who work so hard to make it the great place it is.

This year’s theme is Masquerade. Suggested attire will be semi-formal, but we encourage guests to dress the masquerade part if you wish! GINCC will provide an assortment of complimentary masquerade masks. The event will feature heavy hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, dessert, 50/50 raffle, and the chance to win many great prizes.

For more information on these events and more check out our website at www.gincc.org or call 906.486.1111.

Editor’s note: Bob Hendrickson is the executive director of the GINCC. He currently resides in Negaunee with his wife, Laura, and daughter, Sierra. He enjoys mountain biking, skiing, fishing and hunting along with family time.