It’s time to party like it’s 1999. Since 1969 Baraga County has celebrated the fourth of July with the community’s lumberjack days. Each year the event has a new theme, that attendees will see shown off as parade floats and dancers in the street.
The children’s books were amazing. Board games were another really good one. The float prizes increased quite a bit this year again. So we’re trying to get more and more people out there doing the floats, getting involved in it. The queen competition increased the prices a little bit this year too. So we’re hoping to get more queen candidates out there to help make the festival a little bigger. – Barb McEwen, Committee President, Baraga Lumberjack Days
Lumber Jack Days committee president Barb McEwen says the annual parade and street dance create special memories for families. At the Lumberjack Days queen competition, she adds it’s incredible to hear how young people are getting involved in their community.
The queen candidates help with the children’s parade and the children’s games right before the main parade of the day. So it’s nice to see them out donating some time and getting to see the younger generation. We’re trying to pull them into being a part of us.- Barb McEwen, Committee President, Baraga Lumberjack Days
After the parade wraps up some people might join the beanbag tournament at the VFW hall. But committee member Nick Lozier says many more people will enjoy the afternoon before the fireworks show.
Fourth of July has always been my favorite holiday since I was a kid because in Baraga it’s a big deal. And you know the majority, well I shouldn’t say the majority, but lots of people when they graduate leave here to find jobs and things like that. And it’s a time of year when everybody pretty much comes back to Baraga who’s from here and you get to see a lot of people you haven’t seen in a long time. – Nick Lozier, Committee Member, Baraga Lumberjack Days
And with the reviews, we get afterwards. I mean people come to see me days after and say best show I’ve seen every year. Best show, best show, best show, best show. It seems like they just really enjoy that part of it. – Barb McEwen, Committee President, Baraga Lumberjack Days
Lumberjack days will start next Thursday will Baraga closes Superior Avenue to introduce this year’s honorees, and the community will enjoy a street dance. On Friday the Baraga Lions Club will host the pancake breakfast at Baraga area schools, followed by the kids parade and games. The annual Lumberjack Days parade will begin at 3:30 pm with the theme party like 1999. Those interested in learning more about lumberjack days in Baraga County can find more details online.
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