MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – for over 40 years, Summer’s last hurrah is Harbor Fest at Matson, Lower Harbor Park in Downtown Marquette.
Dozens of food vendors, a beer tent, and, of course, music. Tonight’s performance by the Marquette Symphony Orchestra’s Summer Strings set the mood for a beautiful evening.
“We’ve had great support from everybody, year after year, and the most people coming down here and helping make this successful again. 40 years did not happen without the community, the volunteers, the Rotary Clubs, and the great weather,” said Festival Co-chair, Byan Lopac.
Harbor Fest is put on every year by the Marquette Harbor Rotary Club, with all proceeds going to help our community.
“When you buy a beer or food-wise, you’re helping support the community, because any profits we make go back to the community. We’re approaching $1 million since 1984, giving back out in grants. It’s their 40th year. So that, again, shows a lot of the community,” said Lopac.
A big draw for most folks is the music lineup, which spans generations and different styles.
“Going in tomorrow night, we have our main band, which will be a 90’s tribute band, so I’m all about that right now, and loving it. Saturday, your favorite one will probably be the Cars tribute band, but we have many different bands and genres. We have some country, we’ve got some acoustic, all across the board,” said Lopac.
However, the true star of the show is the venue itself.
“Known as the end of summer festival, and the best part is free admission. So come on down, enjoy this weather. We got the best venue anywhere, next to the lake, next to the ore dock. I mean, what else could you ask for?” said Lopac.
There’s fun for the kids as well, with their bouncy house village and lots of ice cream.