ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – On Friday, an Escanaba brewery hosted a 906 Day party to celebrate all things U.P.
In honor of the U.P.’s area code, Upper Hand Brewery re-released its fan-favorite 906 Ale, along with its Escanaba Black Beer on nitro. Attendees enjoyed live music by Jack Neumann and food from La Catrina.
While the wind made for a bit of a chilly evening, it couldn’t keep Yoopers from coming out to celebrate 906 Day. As Yoopers themselves, Upper Hand Brewery staff say that spirit is what makes the Upper Peninsula and its residents so special.
“It’s a very sparse population, but you can always find friendly faces and people willing to help,” said production manager Dakota Soule. “Just the fact that you are a Yooper goes a long way with people up here, whether you’re in Houghton or Escanaba or Sault Ste. Marie. It’s a huge territory, but we’re all collectively Yoopers and I love that community feel.”
The 906 Day party also served as a fundraiser for a worthy cause. Through Saturday, Upper Hand Brewery is donating $1 from every Deer Camp and UPA sale to the Upper Peninsula Honor Flight, which is taking dozens of veterans to Washington, D.C. on September 18.
“We thought it was a good way to do what we can just to say ‘thank you’ and honor the veterans that allowed us so much freedom to enjoy and celebrate everything about our beautiful home,” Soule said.
Upper Hand Brewery is located at 3525 Airport Road and will be open from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday. Follow Upper Hand Brewery on Facebook for updates on future events.