MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Mushers took off on the 2026 UP200 from Marquette on Friday. During the kickoff event, attendees could warm up inside a number of downtown businesses.
Trenary Toast Cafe partnered with Northern Michigan University to offer free hot chocolate, coffee, NMU swag, and a place to take a break from the cold. The staff also prepared more than a thousand cinnamon rolls for guests.
According to Trenary Toast Cafe General Manager Libby Thill, this was the fourth year the business has teamed up with the university. She says the Warm-Up Party is a special addition to all the fun of the UP200.
“They were excited to have a space downtown close to all the action that was local and a U.P. staple,” said Thill. “It’s been a great working partnership over the last few years, and we’re going to continue to do it for as long as they ask. I hope we have fun tonight! Good luck to all the dogs and the racers, and everybody be safe out there.”
Warm-Up Party guests also had an opportunity to meet new NMU President Dr. Chris Olsen, as well as university mascot Wildcat Willy.
