Marquette, MI – August 26, 2017 – Well, we waited all year for HarborFest and it was not a disappointment! The performanc es have were top notch with Friday night’s headliner, Bumpus, being everything that was advertised and Led Zeppelin Tribute Band, Kashmir bringing it home this evening. The local bands kept things moving both days with a variety of music genres including music from “college favorite” Lumi.
Many members of the community came down to support their local bands and the Marquette West Rotary. Bryan from Great Lakes Wine and Spirits and the Marquette West Rotary stated, “I have attending a number of these events over the years; this is by fair the best turn out we have had yet.”
After trolling the packed streets for a parking spot Friday evening, visitors wandered through Lower Harbor to check out The Wooden Canoe Heritage Association’s antique canoes and kayaks. The craftsmanship of the boats was amazing and the WCHA was available for answer any questions. Rollin’ Smoke BBQ, Copper Crust Co., Superior Mobile Koney, DIGS Gastropub, Outlanders, Señor’s Food Truck, and Sisters Confectionary, LLC were bustling with business during the event. Guests had the chance to try a wide variety of foods from all sorts of vendors!
Growing later in the day visitors enjoyed free bean bag toss games under the big tent hosted by Double Trouble DJs, while some practiced for the Saturday’s tournament. The crowd nearly doubled as the sun set and we welcomed Bumpus to the stage. They took control of the crowd as everyone danced to beat of each song. Playing through until close, this one-night only concert was something to remember!
Things kicked off bright and early this morning with the South Shore Fishing Association’s Marquette Bay Classic Fall Fishing Tournament. With over $12,000 in cash prizes on the “line” as well as 31 awards to be given out, fishermen took this tournament “reel” seriously. Teams joined in later in the day for the weigh sporting names like, Reel Solid and Out of Line.
The classic car show near Double Trouble’s giant inflatables was a real hit with people touring each aisle to study the cars; I may have drooled in front of the two classic mustangs for a bit myself.
The kids seemed to be enjoying the large inflatables including a bull ride and giant slide. The Lower Harbor Park was also filled with kids screaming and enjoying some good outdoor fun.
Sponsored by the Marquette Maritime Museum, everyone had the chance to tour a real 11oft Coast Guard Cutter in the Marquette Harbor! It was a great chance to see how our Coast Guard lives and gave visitors a chance to thank the staff for their service. The U.P. Luge Club had a demo run set up for kids to try their hand at luge.
Closing out the evening, Kashmir stole the show. From the moment they walked onto the stage they have the crowds attention, and with the first cords played, they had everyone rocking out.
Despite the threat of rain today, mother nature held out for HarborFest 2017 giving us perfect weather for the last day of this music festival and community event. We are looking forward to working toward the next HarborFest in 2018!
To learn more about the Marquette West Rotary and the annual HarborFest by visiting our website or follow us on Facebook.
Thanks to all of the sponsors who made this year’s HarborFest possible. A special thanks to Tom Anderson of Window Outfitters located on Us-41 in Negaunee Township for hauling of tables, platforms, electric stands and more. Thanks to Jim from Sombrero Sound Co. for providing an awesome band line up. We appreciate the good gear and work you do. Also thanks to John Prince, of JP Electric for helping with all of the electrical needs of Marquette West Rotary’s HarborFest 2017. JP was involved in the setup and the tear down and without him the festival would not have been possible.
HarborFest – Friday, August 25th, 2017
HarborFest – Saturday, August 26th, 2017
