
Bridgefest brings families and fun together for a wonderful four days in the Copper Country. Celebrating the weekend takes many forms. From groups already registered in the Bridgefest Parade on Friday. To pairs of partners getting ready for tennis, pickleball, or cribbage tournaments.
So there’s only one match going on at a time. But it’s just wonderful to see spectators come by, everybody taking it all in. And it’s just really exciting. And the age, the variation in age, we’ve got youngsters playing and we’ve got adults who have been playing for decades. – Mary Kaminski, Tournament organizer, Bridgefest
The quick growth of pickleball in the community brought the sport to Laurn Grove Park in 2023. Since the city converted two older tennis courts at the site to four pickleball courts, groups have been lining up to get in the kitchen.
Betty McGinnis kind of runs that with a few other people, Rick Freeman helping her. Anyway, those four courts are full, and a lot of excitement. Has been, well, everybody has kind of started since the end of COVID, right? We could all get back to things. – Mary Kaminski, Tournament organizer, Bridgefest
Terrace Park in east Hancock hosts a hidden gem says registration organizer Mary Kaminski. The small park includes a play structure for the neighborhood, a basketball court, and a tennis court.
With the tennis tournament, had a family coming up for Father’s Day weekend because the wife is from Baraga, they’re from Midland, and Katzinger is her name. And he just showed up and needed a partner. There was a guy astray here, this was the first year. They ended up, I think they ended up winning it. And then every ensuing year, he’s been playing with his son, Caleb, Josh, and Caleb Katzinger. Last year, they finished in second place after coming from the loser’s bracket. Beating the winner’s bracket once that’s what the epic- tournament last year was just marvelous. – Mary Kaminski, Tournement organizer, Bridgefest
This weekend Nutinis will host the Bridgfest Cribbage Tournament.
And in the cribbage tournament, we had a couple coming there from Minnesota. They were on their honeymoon at Mackinac Island. Just happened to hear about this cribbage tournament. Called, registered, and ended up winning it. So to answer your question, yes, it brings, well, a lot of people from out of town who are already in town. And then when they hear of these various events going on, yeah, if it piques their interest. – Mary Kaminski, Tournement organizer, Bridgefest
Those interested in registering for the Pickleball, Tennis, or Cribbage Bridgefest tournaments should contact Mary Kaminski to get signed up. Saturday includes plenty of activities for families and friends to explore the Houghton and Hancock area. The day starts with tournaments in Laurn Grove and Terrace parks. While Quincy Street fills up with classic cars. And in the afternoon groups can sign up for the Houghton High School Hockey Cornhole tournament, hot dog eating contest with Vollworth’s, or cribbage at Nutini’s.
Another fun part of the day comes later in the evening. While the community waits for the sun to set, Jason Swain and Keweenaw Boat Tours will lead the annual Bridgefest Portage Canal Boat Parade. After the boat parade attendees will settle into their seats to watch the annual fireworks display with music on 97.7 The Wolf with ListenUPRadio.
Those interested in registering for activities during Bridgefest can find contact information on Bridgefestfun.com or below.
Pickleball, Tennis, Cribbage: Mary Kaminski, 906-482-2422
Bridgefest Boat Parade: Jason Swain, 906.281.1556
Vollworth’s Hot Dog eating contest: register online
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