IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Dickinson County Library is embracing the spirit of the Kentucky Derby with an array of themed programs inspired by a local connection to a Derby winner. Emily Cummings, the library’s Local Historian and Youth and Adult Program Coordinator, is in the starting gates with the program.
“The two weeks before the derby they have these huge festivals. And so I have Pegasus pins and people can be put in drawings for that, too. So if you attend, you might win one of the Pegasus pins from one of the past years. Just fun stuff to enjoy, and then learn the history of. It was really interesting to see how it started,” Cummings exclaimed.
The library kicks off its Derby-themed events with a presentation tomorrow morning at the Solomonson Branch in Norway. Tomorrow’s presentation starts at 10 a.m.
Cummings highlighted the connection to the 2014 Derby winner, California Chrome, owned in part by a family from Iron Mountain.
“So the hometown connection is with California Chrome, who was the 2014 derby winner; he has co-owners, and one set of them, his mom is from Iron Mountain. So he spent lots of his summers here. Enjoyed getting to know the area, and went up to Michigan Tech actually as well. So we have those connections, and we can claim California Chrome,” remarked Cummings.
“The Derby itself is just a really fun event,” Cummings added. “We’ll have fake betting where you can pick your horse and see if you’re a winner.”
To ensure everyone gets to try a non-alcoholic mint julep, the library encourages attendees to register in advance.
“So I’m doing two different presentations. One of them is at our Solomonson branch in Norway tomorrow. The other one is going to be on Derby day. That one’s going to be at our main branch. Anybody who wants to can come. It’s mainly geared towards adults and teens, but anybody who is interested is open to coming. I am asking that people register, because I’m going to be making some nonalcoholic mint juleps to have while they’re watching the presentation,” informed Cummings.
Tomorrow’s presentation at the Solomonson Branch in Norway starts at 10 a.m. CST
“The one at the main branch on Derby day, after the presentation is done, we’re going over to the Wild Horse Saloon, where we’re going to enjoy some derby dishes, with our Friends Of the Library. They are covering that, and we’re going to watch the race. So, it’s the fastest, most exciting two minutes in sports history.”
Next Saturday’s presentation at the main Iron Mountain Branch starts at 3:00 p.m. CST.
‘Run for the Roses’ – Solomonson Branch. To register, call – 906-563-8617
‘Run for the Roses’ – Main Branch. To register, call – 906-774-1218
