IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Pine Grove Country Club hosted the official launch party for Iron Mountain’s Gus Macker 3-on-3 basketball tournament. With anticipation building for the upcoming event, attendees gathered to support a worthy cause and celebrate the city’s beloved tradition.
Proceeds from this year’s tournament will contribute to an upgrade for Iron Mountain’s Children’s Museum, known as the Imagination Factory. Barb Reisner, the museum’s Executive Director, highlighted the importance of the fundraising efforts, stating, “We’re trying to leverage about a million…We’re not counting the playground in the back, and we also have the 3-seasons room.”
The Imagination Factory, with a funding goal of a million dollars, has already made significant progress, reaching around two-thirds of its target.
Reisner outlined the ambitious plans for the new community center, which will encompass educational programming, bullying prevention, career development, and youth technological programs.
“We’re going to open the doors on the whole community center in August of 2025,” she informed.
A surprise guest expressed gratitude to the city for accommodating the weekend-long tournament set for July 19-21st. “What a great event. Everybody’s fired up here…the city has really embraced the Gus Macker tournament,” remarked Vice President of Operations for Gus Macker, Mike Fuller (a.k.a. “Coach Mike”).
Fuller emphasized the inclusive nature of the event, stating, “You don’t have to be a superstar to play. Anybody can play, it’s like a family reunion…come to Iron Mountain. It’s a beautiful city, and a great tournament.”
With over 300 teams participating, the excitement for this milestone 50th-year Gus Macker event was palpable. As preparations for the tournament continue, volunteers and officials are being sought to ensure its success.
Fuller urged prospective participants to sign up at macker.com as soon as possible, emphasizing the importance of teams and community support.
“I just want everybody to support the imagination factory…come on out and have fun,” Fuller concluded.
For more information about the tournament, to register a team, or to sign up as a volunteer or officiant, visit:
