Labor Day roundup
A child happily operates a tractor under guidance during yesterday's parade at the U.P. Steam and Gas Engine Show at the fairgrounds in Escanaba. The expo continues through Monday. (R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press)
Seen at the U.P. Steam and Gas Engine Association's annual show, a 1947 Maytag was affixed an orchard duster and rigged up to blow bubbles by Kevin Lee-Hesse of Ann Arbor. (R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press)
A child happily operates a tractor under guidance during yesterday's parade at the U.P. Steam and Gas Engine Show at the fairgrounds in Escanaba. The expo continues through Monday. (R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press)
Seen at the U.P. Steam and Gas Engine Association's annual show, a 1947 Maytag was affixed an orchard duster and rigged up to blow bubbles by Kevin Lee-Hesse of Ann Arbor. (R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press)
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ESCANABA -- This Labor Day weekend, communities come together in various ways to commemorate the holiday that honors the workforce while serving as the unofficial end of summer.
Happenings in the area include the following events:
SATURDAY
– A car show in Manistique starts at 10 a.m. and features an awards ceremony at 3 p.m.
– The Steam and Gas Engine Association's annual show continues after kicking off on Friday. Held on the Upper Peninsula State Fairgrounds in Escanaba, the event celebrates antique machinery.
Saturday's special event is a chainsaw competition that begins at noon near the beef barn. A tractor parade is at 1 p.m. The saw mill, steam engines and threshing will run throughout the day.
A gun and knife show is held in the Ruth Butler building.
The gates are open between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., and there is an entry fee -- one cost for a single day's access, and another for a weekend-long pass.
– The 81st annual Labor Day celebration hosted by the Rock Lions Club, found at 14454 State Highway M-35, is scheduled for Saturday. After an "America 250"-themed parade at 11 a.m. ET, activities include kids' tractor pulls, bounce houses, a bean bag tournament, cowpie bingo, a flea market, live music by Crossfire, food, drink and more.
– In Cedar River, the 34th annual “The Biggest Littlest Bridge Walk” across the river will benefit CASA of Menominee/Marinette, an organization serving local children who have experienced abuse or neglect and are involved in the court system.
The event begins at 10 a.m. with music at the Cedarville Township Hall, adjacent to J.W. Wells State Harbor. The walk across the Cedar River ensues at 11 a.m. After, activities and live music will be at the Halfway Bar and Grill.
– Boogie Fest Too continues outside of Rock on County Line G Road. Several musical performances are scheduled for Saturday, including award-winning Brad Lee Schroeder from Nashville. A costume contest is also on the docket.
– At the Highway 2 Community Drive-in Theater in Manistique, a free double feature screening of "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and "The Breakfast Club,” sponsored by Wheaty's Pub, will take place after dusk.
SUNDAY
– A celebration in Nahma Township Park kicks off with an 11 a.m. parade. Live music performances include the Grand Design Band from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET and Stonewall from 4 to 8 p.m.
Multiple food trucks, craft tables, beer and refreshments, a bounce house, cake walk, log sawing, nail-pounding contest, horseshoes, axe throwing, arcade games and more also feature at Nahma's event.
– Day three of the U.P. Steam and Gas Engine Association show features the daily parade at 1 p.m., the shops in the Antique Village, the gun and knife show and displays of antique machines.
– The final day of Boogie Fest includes Rising Phoenix as the headlining band of the night.
MONDAY
– Delta County Trades and Labor Council hosts its Escanaba parade in Ludington Park this year — a shift because of the construction on the main street — starting at noon after an 11 a.m. ET lineup near the bandshell.
At the Municipal Dock — the parade destination — people will find bounce houses, obstacle courses, food vendors, beer tent, raffles and live music.
Grand Design Band will be playing covers of songs from the 1950s and 60s, classic rock and country.
– The final day of the U.P. Steam and Gas Engine Association show requires no gate fee, but reduced activities. A pancake breakfast from 7 to 9 a.m. is reportedly open to all.