Bridgefest means a lot to many people throughout the Copper Country. For many decades the event has been a fantastic kick-off to summer for residents and visitors. But this year, one family will feel honored to celebrate Bridgefest with the community and remember their father.
The Birdgefest Parade in 2025 plans to honor long-time volunteer and parade coordinator, David Crowley, who passed earlier in the year.
There was, I don’t even know if they still do that, but there were kids’ games that they would do on Saturday morning, then the fireworks. So we were there nonstop from Friday to Sunday. That was just always our thing. Every Father’s Day, all of us all together, all of us celebrating. So Bridge Fest is huge for my memories of my dad and especially for everything that we would do throughout the year. That was always our main thing, and it was Bridge Fest. So, to not have a dad is hard, but that’s just the big memory that I’ll have is just always celebrating Bridge Fest with my dad. -Mallory Wagner
Crowley’s daughter, Mallory Wagner, jokes that her family felt somewhat neglected at Bridgefest time, because of how much he gave of himself to his community.
So it’s going to be great, it’s going to be a huge celebration, and I think it’s going to be a perfect way to end this journey of him passing away. So it’s perfect, but it’s super, it’s his last hurrah. So I’m very nervous about it, but it’s the perfect way. It’s like the last thing too, so there’s so much emotion, but I couldn’t be more happy. -Mallory Wagner
Bridgefest was not the only time residents saw Crowley running around the area. He was an advocate for military veterans as the post-commander of the American Legion in Calumet for many years. And was very involved in encouraging students to pursue their dreams. Before many theater performances, he would invite students to promote shows at local radio stations.
He was very involved also in ROTC programs, trying to get those ROTC kids involved in parades and in the veteran’s dinners and such that he would put on. He just always wanted to put a passion into others for whatever it was that they were doing, whether it be theater, whether it be for service, or volunteering for Little Brothers. He was always hoping other people would get out there and just get involved. Because he felt it was so important that everyone else, not just him be involved. – Mallory Wagner
Wagner and her family will lead the parade as this year’s honored guests. Each year the Bridgefest parade includes more than 60 floats. Often created by local businesses, city staff, and the region’s non-profit organizations. Many often incorporate aspects of the region. But this year’s theme, children’s books, and stories honors David’s passion for working with young people.
It was Dad’s thing and he would call me throughout the parade, how are the gaps? What are the gaps? He was so concerned about those gaps. And then he would be running back and forth. And then I would meet him at the end of the parade because he ran with the parade and made sure everything was okay. So just thinking in my head, I can’t go to Bridge Fest. But then when they said they were doing the parade for him, I was so overcome with emotion and so honored and so happy. My dad was, if anybody knew him, knows he was very eccentric and crazy and fun. And he would always say, when I die, I want a parade and blah, blah, blah, all this stuff. We’re like, yes, Dad, we’ll get you a parade. And then he’s getting his parade. So it’s so perfect and it’s so fitting. -Mallory Wagner
The 2025 Bridgefest parade honoring lifelong community volunteer David Crowley. More than 60 floats will begin to travel down Quincy Hill, through Hancock, and into Houghton on June 13th. Those interested in participating in the Bridgefest parade should contact the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce before June 10th.
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