Parade of Nations celebrates cultural diversity in U.P.

KEWEENAW — The Keweenaw celebrates culture and diversity with an annual festival.

Crowds gathered in Houghton and Hancock for the 26th annual Parade of Nations. The event celebrates cultural diversity and international heritage in the U.P. Parade watchers saw floats of mythical creatures and ancient characters for this year’s theme, World of Lore and Legends.

More than sixty countries were represented by community members and exchange students.

“I’m an exchange student at Michigan Tech,” said Fay Graham, a Michigan Tech Exchange Student, Scotland. “So, as part of the exchange program they invited everyone from all the different countries to participate in the Parade of Nations. I’m the only person from Scotland here so I just thought it’d be a good idea to walk in the parade and carry the flag.”

The parade marched through downtown Hancock, across the Portage Lift Bridge and through downtown Houghton to end at the Dee Stadium, where the multiculural festival was held. Performers from cultural groups danced on stage as crowds watched and enjoyed food from all over the world.

The Parade of Nations is definitely a community favorite here in the Keweenaw and it does a great job of showing the diversity among students and residents up here.