Displaced by construction, the street festival held last Saturday was moved to the corner of Ludington Street and Stephenson Avenue to stay in the downtown. The new location placed the festival immediately next to the active construction area at 16th Street.

“Many people asked why LogJam wasn’t moved to Ludington Park but that misses the point,” said Craig Woerpel, director of the Escanaba Downtown Development Authority. “It was important to keep it on Ludington Street in order to bring people to local shops, restaurants and retailers.”

The area chosen included five restaurants, a Social District establishment and several businesses. There were also businesses in the area willing to support the event with electrical hookups including Thrivent Financial, Pop’s Full Serv, Bobaloon’s Cafe and The Lofts on Ludington.

“Ludington Street is very long and it can be difficult to put on events that cover the entire downtown,” said Woerpel. “I really liked where LogJam ended up and hope to be able to provide more entertainment in that part of the downtown.”

Stonewall performs on the Highline stage during the Log Jam Music Festival in Escanaba on Saturday.

Woerpel said he expects the LogJam Music Festival to move back to its original location at 13th Street but says he sees other musical events at Stephenson Avenue, 11th Street and possibly 9th Street. The LogJam committee will be discussing next year’s event at a wrap-up meeting next week.

LogJam featured 10 musical acts and the Great Lake Timber Show. Music Coordinator Mike Canull said reaction to the musical lineup was very positive.

“We had some great bands,” Canull said. “Having alternating music on the Highline and Downtown Stages at opposite ends of the block worked out very well.”

Canull said the layout also allowed them to highlight two young bands that performed at the event.

The three performances of the Great Lakes Timber Show had full audiences. Bruce Belanger said performing his show in his hometown was a proud moment.

Vendor booths are set up on Ludington Street near the intersection with Stephenson on Saturday. (R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press)

“I want to thank the fans so much for coming out to see us,” said Belanger. “We had three really nice shows and great attendance. We appreciate that very much.”

The Bonifas Arts Center worked with the vendors as a fundraiser for the non-profit.

“The vendors did very well, especially the non-food vendors,” said Alex Letts, Bonifas events coordinator. “They were very happy with the number of people stopping by.”

Escanaba Kiwanis also used the LogJam Music Festival as a fundraiser for their organization. They organized the pancake eating contest with the Swedish Pantry and sold 50/50 raffle tickets.

“We have plans next year to make our portion of the event even better,” said Mike Markwell, a member of the LogJam committee and Escanaba Kiwanis. “We are known for pancakes and are happy to run the contest for the community.”

The next LogJam Music Festival will be June 26, 2027.