Can’t Miss Summer Events

July is a great time to head to the Northwoods of Wisconsin and the U.P. of Michigan. The air is warm, the days are long and filled with sunshine, and the nights are cool – perfect for a campfire and roasting marshmallows. Many events featured in this article and in the events tab on this website, are within a short drive of each other. So, the gas gauge needle will stay near the full mark!

Nearly every community has a celebration underway in July or August with county fairs on the top of every kid’s wish list. You can’t go wrong with any of our Northwoods’ events, including the Heritage Days Festival from July 30 to Aug. 13 in Iron County, WI. The Hurley Chamber of Commerce is helping to organize the event, and you can read about it in this issue. The Bayfield County Fair is another event that draws crowds from across the region. It runs Aug. 11-14 at thefairgrounds in Iron River, WI. Monster truck show, Dirt Dash, and so much more! Parking,carnival rides andgrandstand entertainment are included in the gate fee. Four and under admitted free.

When you’ve been in business long enough to have a great following, it’s time to give back. Whether you’re a fisherman, or know one, there’s no better place for gift shopping (including for yourself) than the Musky Shop in Minocqua. On Saturday, July 16, Musky Shop is holding its Summer Bash from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Musky gear vendors will open at 11 a.m. Five renowned fishing guides will host a power panel of fishing advice. Scheduled are Russ Smith, Steve Herbeck, Joe Bucher, Pete Maina and Steve Paul. There will be food and drinks, raffles and prizes, and all followed by Live 360 podcast. Admission is free.

A bit further north in Ironwood, you’re also welcomed to celebrate with Gogebic Country Club, which has a centennial celebration planned for Sunday, July 31. The breakfast and dinner are open to the public, while the golf tournament (includes the dinner) is open to both members and non-members. Throughout the season, historical photos and information will be displayed around the course and on the webpage, golfgogebic.com.

Wouldn’t it be nice to go back in time and witness the “Paul Bunyans” of the time as they competed in lumberjack games and competitions? We can’t take you back in time, but we can take you to Hayward where the Lumberjack World Championships will be held July 28-30. Men and women, both professional and amateurs, will compete in head-to-head competition in logrolling, boom running, sawing, chopping, axe throwing and speed climbing. Food, vendors, foot race/walkand live music add to the allure of this annual event. If you can’t make the World Championships, check out the weekly Scheer’s Lumberjack Shows in Hayward and Woodruff.

If entertainment is what you want, entertainment is what you will get at Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua nearBayfield. Their season runs June through September featuring international headliners, regional talent, and original productions. They bill it as “Music Under the Stars All Summer Long.” During just July, you can select from 20 musical performances, a film and a comedy show, all under the 900-seat theater tent. And in August? Well, it’s jam-packed with similar concerts and performances. There are food and beverage concessions and a merchandise tent also.

Moving across the state we come to the charming community of Turtle Lake, which, on Sunday, Aug. 14 is hosting its 25th annual Cars, Crafts & Rock-N-Roll in the Park. The event showcases beautiful vintage cars in various classes and over 50 craft vendors displaying their latest creations. Rock to classic 50s and 60s rock-n-roll music. Food and beverages will be available. Free admission to the public. Starts at 9 a.m.

If you love bluegrass music, then you don’t want to miss the 33rd annual Midsummer Bluegrass Festival on the Cozy Cove Tavern grounds in Manitowish Waters. Dates of the festival are Thursday, July 28 through Sunday, July 31. You will see and hear a number of well-known bluegrass artists and bands, including four progressive bluegrass bands. Learn more in this issue of Action or visit MidSummerBluegrass.com to see the full schedule and ticket information.

Be sure to return later this summer to Minocqua for the Dragon Boat Festival. The all-day races will take place Saturday, Aug. 20. In addition to the races (sign-ups are still being taken), there will be live music, children’s activities, and beer/food tents.

Artstreet (formerly in downtown Green Bay) is moving to Ashwaubomay Park in Ashwaubenon this year. In one extended weekend, Aug. 26-28, stroll the festival grounds and view and hear original works of hundreds of artists, master sand sculptors turning sand into works of art, numerous acts on the community and main stages and savor an array of specialty foods. Enjoy cultural displays and hands-on family activities. Spend the day or the entire weekend as each day offers something new. More details on the website, mosaicartsinc.org.

The above is a small sample of events that await visitors to the Northwoods. Learn more in this issue of Action, or go to our website: UpNorthAction.com.