Grand Marais keeps the party going

GRAND MARAIS, Mich. (WZMQ) – The turnaround checkpoint for the UP 200 has been known, for some time to throw quite the party, right here, in Grand Marais. And for the first time ever the event will be missing its main attraction, mushers and their sled dogs. Never in the history of the race has there been a cancellation until now and the moment those devastating words were uttered, this town sprang into action.

Maura Johnston, “When they cancelled the dog sled race, we all understood that that’s what was needed to happen for the dogs, but we still wanted to have a community event something had to happen this is a three-day weekend, people are coming to town.”

And this little town with a population just over 400 residents came together putting to the side any differences uniting as one. Making the best out of sad affairs.

Cathy Egerer Grand Marais Checkpoint Coordinator, “I’m going to call these collectables now, we have never cancelled a UP 200, this will be the only year hopefully that ever it was done. So, if you want to support the race come in and get a goodie to take home, a nice souvenir, we’ve got trapper caps, these are a hot item. Nice, huh?”

Continuing forward with the schedule at hand this community is making the best of what they have been given even finding something more than they were anticipating.

Jenny Irving, Planning Commission Member, “Obviously we love when the dogs come, you know its super exciting to see them roll into town and just to know how much work that they put into you know all year long, but the real actual event is here, it’s here it being together.”

And for this town the heart of the people is really the core of every event.

Michelle Duder WZMQ 19 News Grand Marais