ISHPEMING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Businesses, crafters, and over 20 vendors took to Main Street in downtown Ishpeming all the way from Division Street to Hematite Drive Friday to celebrate the annual Festival of Treasures.
“We have vendors that come and set up on the street,” said festival organizer Sara Pizziola. “There’s crafters, all the businesses kind of participate, there’s food and drinks and things like that.”
The over-20-year-old tradition organized by Ishpeming Community Events featured local goods of all kinds, from candy to jewelry, several fun summer food options, and even live music.
“I’m hoping that maybe they play Pink Floyd, you know, I mean, ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ or something like that,” said John Michael, an attending community member. “Other than that though, I like to listen to any kind of music and stuff like that.”
“It just brings the community together,” said Pizziola. “It’s a good day to kind of see what our local businesses have. Seeing all the people, and everybody’s happy and in a good mood generally”
For the vendors and crafters, the festival is a great way to show off their hard work to customers.
“We have a few less vendors this year. I think maybe some canceled out because of the weather in the beginning,” said JoAnn Manty, one of the local crafters. “But we’ve been having enough crowds. Yeah, I’ve been doing pretty good.”
For local businesses, the festival lets them give back to the community, especially one business, Native Nails, which was celebrating its ten-year anniversary.
“I just feel really blessed that I’ve made it ten years,” said Native Nails owner Sarah Garver. “It’s the community and the tourists, and I just wanted to give back to the community on such a big day.”
Though the festival is only one day, Pizziola said they are already looking forward to bringing it back next year.
