The Greater Ishpeming-Negaunee Chamber of Commerce is one of those organizations that make this area go.

Throughout the pandemic when a lot of other people were hunkering down, chamber Executive Director Bob Hendrickson was out front on a continuing basis, helping keep the West End’s morale up, helping plan, helping to look forward to the good times that were coming but were hard to see at that point in time.

Now that the pandemic seems to be slowing winding down, GINCC continues to help the West End get back on its feet with the Annual Chamber Children’s Carnival, planned for Wednesday, June 16 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the River Rock Lanes & Banquet Center parking lot.

In a press release, the chamber asks, “What better way to celebrate the beginning of summer than with a fun, free, family-friendly event?”

None that we can think of.

This event is completely free, thanks to J-Goods Plumbing and Heating for being the Title Sponsor.

So, what can you expect at the carnival? There will be fun carnival games to win small prizes or candy, a dunk tank, an inflatable obstacle course, and more. Children 12 and under will get a free hot dog and drink while at the carnival. Food will also be available for purchase for adults.

Sounds a lot like the events all of us used to enjoy before COVID-19 slammed the door.

Registration is required so upon checking in, each family will fill out a COVID-19 wellness check questionnaire and receive slips for games, entering drawings and food.

That’s not unreasonable, given the times we’re living in.

We thank the chamber for staging this wonderful community event and we invite readers to turn out for it.

Sounds like a good time.