NEGAUNEE, Mich. (WZMQ) – To celebrate the Upper Peninsula’s deep snow culture, Negaunee’s Heikki Lunta Winter Festival returned Friday. Being one of the more crowded winter gatherings for the city, foot traffic tends to reach an annual high point.
“We do see an influx in people here, especially in the businesses,” explained Negaunee City Manager, Nate Heffron. “There’s people enjoying the festival all weekend long.”
Friday kicked off with the Irontown Rail Jam right outside of the Upper Peninsula Brewing Company, which became a non-stop gathering spot for spectators, just as it has since the birth of the festival.
“We opened our doors during the first Heikke Lunta, and it was incredible,” said Head Brewer, Mason Mathis. “Every year successively, it’s been just as busy, if not more. It brings in a lot of people, its one of our busiest days of the year.”
Other local businesses look forward to the weekend, as it promises an economic boost across the west end. This includes at fishing outfitters like Ishpeming’s Wilderness Sports, as competitors will brave the cold for the Teal Lake Fishing Derby Saturday morning.
“We’re open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for anybody that forgets anything,” said Manager, Ryan Pizziola. “With the weather, we should have plenty of people coming in for some warm stuff.”
The weekend will include returning events like the Negaunee hockey league tournament, Luge club public sliding, the ‘Freeze-Yer-Fanny’ snow bike race, and a pasty eating contest on Sunday.
A full schedule can be found here.
