ESCANABA — Despite continued uncertainty related to COVID-19, a number of events are expected to take place locally this summer.

Special events are normally held around the area in early July to celebrate Independence Day. At a meeting of the Escanaba City Council Thursday, council voted to move forward with a fireworks display on Friday, July 3 at this time. The city’s plans could change in the future if the need arises.

Gladstone’s plans for Independence Day celebrations are being developed. A final decision has not been made (see related story on this page).

In a Facebook post on June 1, the Bark River Lions Club stated that the Bark River 4th of July “Old Fashioned” Family Celebration is moving forward as planned. A parade through the village is set to start at 11 a.m., with festivities at the Bark River Township Park following the parade – including music by the Peltier Brothers until 5 p.m. Fireworks will begin at dusk.

Folk Fest 2020, which had originally been scheduled to take place July 10 and 11 in Manistique, was canceled due to the pandemic. The festival – Manistique’s biggest event of the year – will return in 2021.

Meanwhile, the U.P. State Fair is still scheduled to take place in August. The fair is currently set for Aug. 17-23 at the U.P. State Fairgrounds. In early June, a grandstand entertainment lineup for the fair was announced; acts include country musician Josh Turner, rock bands Hairball and Buckcherry, and tribute bands Heart to Heartbreaker and Crazy Babies.

Several high-profile local events may also be held in September. A decision on whether or not to hold the Rock Lions Labor Day Celebration, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 5, is pending. If it is held, the event will likely be somewhat scaled back compared to previous years. The decision should be announced by the end of July.

A final decision has not been made on the Great Lakes Logging & Heavy Equipment Expo, either. The Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association, which organizes the event, will make this decision after July 1. The expo is currently set for Sept. 12-20 at the U.P. State Fairgrounds.

Currently, the U.P. Steam & Gas Engine Association’s 45th annual show is still on for Sept. 4-7 at the U.P. State Fairgrounds. Sign-ups for vendors and registration for exhibitors are ongoing on the association’s website, which can be found at www.upsteamandgasengine.org.