Houghton-Hancock area celebrates 32nd-annual Bridgefest

HOUGHTON — Summer is finally in full swing, and what better way to welcome the warm weather than with a festival?

The 32nd annual Bridgefest kicked off over the weekend, with fun for the whole family to enjoy.

Keweenaw Chevrolet sponsored the festival, and featured their Touch–a–Truck event.

“We have rock painting, bounce houses, face painting, pony rides, and a petting zoo,” said Tara Arens, chamber manager. “Michigan Tech is here selling hot dogs as well, there’s meet-and-greet the Huskies, and we have vehicles from numerous businesses that kids can climb and explore, and beep the horn, which they really love to do.”

Meanwhile, in Ray Kestner park in downtown Houghton, people gathered for food trucks, vendors, music, and plenty of other games and activities.

However, as one local explains, the festival means so much more than that.

“It’s really kicking off the summer for this area,” added Dale Verran, a support specialist for the festival. “You’ve got Houghton and Hancock; this is their celebration of the beginning of summer, because they don’t do much for the 4th of July. They leave it to the smaller towns, which is really nice, so the smaller towns can get their things going. It’s a really nice event to bring the community together.”

For those who wanted to see the bridge and the festivities from a different view, well, there was one high–flying option.

Helicopter rides were available to adrenaline junkies and daredevils alike.