In one week, one of the winter’s most iconic events will begin.

It’s not too late to help with this wonderful weekend of fun known as The Noquemanon Ski Marathon.

The Noque is seeking volunteers to help with activities when some 1,000 competitors from all over the country flock to Marquette County. It’s a fabulous chance for this area to show off all the things that make the central Upper Peninsula special, starting with the awesome people who call our area home.

Beginning one week from today, the Noque will be off and skiing, snowshoeing and biking and volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks. These responsibilities are out on the trails, at the start lines, at the finish line and in the Superior Dome.

Noque officials said volunteers are asked to sign up for two-hour blocks of time.

On Friday, Jan. 23, volunteers can help with bag pick up and registration as well as with the Junior Noque competition.

Saturday, Jan. 24, people can sign up to help as race start aides, for bag pickup, as back-up timers from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1 to 3 p.m., with race receipts from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and with awards from 4 to 6 p.m.

On Sunday, Jan. 25, volunteers are needed for the Snow Bike Race and Ski from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m, organizers said.

Also, ongoing office administration help is needed.

Anyone wishing to sign up to help with the race or in search of more information on the ski marathon should go to www.noquemanon.com.

We thank all those involved with the Noque for the hard work that keeps this favorite local event on the schedule each year. We encourage volunteers to step up to help.

And we welcome those who will be visiting our beautiful community for the first time. We think you’ll be impressed not just with the quality of the competition but with the quality of people involved in all aspects of the Noquemanon Ski Marathon.