Big Brothers Big Sisters celebrates Pioneer Days with a run/walk

Negaunee’s Pioneer Days are filled with celebratory traditions, and one Upper Peninsula group is planning the latest installment of a tradition of their own.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Marquette and Alger Counties is holding its annual GO BIG for Kids Pioneer Days Classic Saturday morning at Negaunee’s Iron Ore Heritage Trail. Community enthusiasm for the 10-kilometer and two-mile run/walk event has grown throughout the 32 years it has been held.

“Well, running has become so popular, and people really enjoy coming to different running events, so our event has grown, and we hope to have about 300 people this year,” Big Brothers Big Sisters of Marquette and Alger Counties executive director Jayne Letts said.

The run/walk helps raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters, which is also celebrating its 45th year of service to children in Marquette County by serving as Grand Marshal of the Pioneer Days parade.

“We have many, many sponsors, and the community has been very, very generous with donations and sponsorships, and we’re very grateful for the support,” added Letts. “People want to support Big Brothers Big Sisters, they would love to support kids, and they like the fact that we’ve been here for 45 years.”

Registration for the event starts at 7:30 a.m. at Old Towne in downtown Negaunee, and participants will begin their trek at 8:30 a.m. For more information on participating or getting involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters, visit their website.