MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The UP200 cancellation is not coming to a lot of local shops as the biggest surprise. Some owners have said due to last year’s cancellation, they made preparations well in advance, and because of that, they might have saved their pockets.
The UP200 is prided as one of the biggest winter events hosted in Upper Michigan, bringing thousands to downtown Marquette.
“UP200 is one of our signature events that we have throughout the year, it brings quite a few people downstate and around the state,” said Travel Marquette’s CEO Susan Estler.
She mentioned that UP’s summer and winter tourism is what keeps a lot of local shops afloat throughout the whole year.
“It certainly impacts them as well and it’s anticipated that we’re going to get a lot of people up here,” continued Estler.
“It’s a huge stimulus in a slow time of year and one that helps them get through the slow season until things start to pick back up here around June so it’s a big impact through and through,” commented Marquette Downtown Development Authority Business Outreach and Promotions Director Mike Bradford.
Trenary Toast Cafe commented that even though the two-day pivot to last year’s festival was quick, the sled dogs that were right outside of the shop made for good traffic stoppers.
“You know they had some dogs right out front here and fed them cinnamon rolls so I think we were a pretty hot attraction that night but luckily it didn’t affect us that much we made it though,” commented Trenary Toast Manager Libby Thill.
The DDA noted even though people were trickling in and out of downtown at last year’s festival, the real reason people are coming into town and visiting Marquette is for the race.
