BARK RIVER, Mich. (WZMQ) – Bark River Township celebrated the Fourth of July with a parade, live music and food trucks in the park, and fireworks. The festivities also included a special competition.
The township held its third annual tug-of-war. One team was made up of residents from the north side of the railroad tracks, while the other was comprised of residents from the south side.
The northside Barksville Oxen won two matches to earn the Buckshot Memorial Trophy, which is named for the late Joseph “Buckshot” Potvin. A member of the Lions Club, Potvin was an active part of the community and the Township government.
“Anybody from Bark River knew Buckshot,” said Matt Hanson, Bark River Township Fourth of July Committee member. “Three years ago when I approached him to captain the north team, he wrapped his arms around it and he ran with it, did a great job, and brought a lot of enthusiasm. The Bark River Fourth is not commercialized as much as it’s a community family opportunity to get together.”
Members of the winning team also went home with gold-plated railroad spikes. The losing team took home steel spikes.
