ESCANABA — The month of May for us in the U.P. means we may have a chance to miss out on snowstorms and replace them with showers that will help clean up the area. We will see the grass green up and new generations of flowers will bloom.

That sense of renewal is not lost only on our environment, but in our lives as well. We will see many of our students throughout the education chain graduate and get ready to take on new opportunities. These could be as significant as entering a new career or getting ready for the next educational hurdle in the students long-term plan. While we are blessed in our area with many gifted students that we can all look on with pride! We have a great education system

with many life changing teachers, coaches, administrators and support staff that make a significant impact on our students. A small example of this depth of talent are the 14 area professionals that earned a “2025 Outstanding Persons in Education” awards.

When you look at the quality and experiences the area sports teams and extra circular activities like Robotics, music and the arts give to our students. These life changing opportunities are not possible without the coaches, administrators and volunteers that graciously give their time to support. When you attend a graduation party, sports game or other activity during the month of May, make sure to thank the people that make it possible for our students’ participation.

On Sunday May 4th, the first of the almost 30 planned Victory Cruise Line ships will dock in Escanaba. It is an opportunity to show off our area to many travelers. The experience they enjoy here leads to other opportunities from themselves,

as well as from others that hear the great stories of their visit to the area! The feedback from tourists in the past has been very positive. This is because of the history and heritage of our area, but as important that extreme sense of friendliness from the citizens they interact with.

Our municipalities will be looking to enhance their beautiful assets with the additions of social districts, Farmer’s Markets, musical & other special events that make a visit so memorable! Take the opportunity to clean up your yard, a shared location or public area during May to make everything look great! Enjoy the change in weather & the many outdoor activities that are coming up on the calendar.

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Ed Legault is executive director of the Delta County Economic Development Alliance.