MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The UP200 is one of the premier events for the entire calendar year. Its return to the streets of Marquette is good for business.
Any time an event brings 1000s of people together downtown, it’s quite the economic opportunity. Local merchants are hopeful that the return of competition means the return of revenue. Marquette DDA Promotions Director Michael Bradford agrees.
“It has the largest footprint, it sends people right through the heart of downtown. And because of the way that it’s structured, it allows a lot of collaboration and participation from the businesses,” said Bradford.
Even though the Festival of the Sled Dog was an adequate substitute, it didn’t match the excitement or the prestige of the UP200. The race comes at a time of year that’s often slow for businesses.
“This basically keeps them alive. It’s a shot in the arm, getting them to the summer season, where you start to see those outside dollars come into this community,” explained Bradford.
This will be the first time the Social District will be in effect on race day.
This will be the first time the social district will be in effect on race day. Bradford reminds everyone of the rules.
“When six o’clock strikes, do not go onto the trail, and especially with your drink, do not bring your dogs down downtown during this event”, said Bradford
Shane Baker, a longtime chef at Donckers, says the UP200 usually brings in the crowds.
“It’s big because it gets a lot of people in a very centralized location here in Marquette. And it’s amazing to me how many people I do talk to, still to this day, after being here for so long, that people sometimes don’t know of some businesses that are down here,” said Baker.
CEO of Travel Marquette Susan Estler is happy the race has returned.
“I think everybody should just come on down. Enjoy themselves. Have a great time. Go into the different businesses that are open, the different activities that are going on, and most of all enjoy the dogs,” said Estler.
For parking information, please visit: https://www.downtownmarquette.org/
