Marquette, MI – August 26, 2017 – Well, we waited all year for HarborFest and it was not a disappointment! The performances 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, and my favorite, Trailer Hitch!
Many members of the community came down to support their local bands and the Marquette West Rotary. Brian 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, I wandered through Lower Harbor to check out The Wooden Canoe Heritage Association’s antique canoes and kayaks. Stunned by the amazing craftsmanship, I snapped photos of a gorgeous wooden kayak with magenta dyed wood inlaid into its body. I hit up the the awesome food trucks, and of course, the craft brews in the beer tent. Trying out Rollin’ Smoke BBQ for the first time, I settled on “The Potbelly” Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwich. Cooked with a Carolina inspired mustard based BBQ sauce and topped with coleslaw, Rollin’ Smoke quickly claimed first place on my favorite food truck list.
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. Unfortunately, I am too old to jump in the bounce houses so I settled for Mexican Street Corn from Outlanders and some incredible fiddle playing from local band, Trailer Hitch.
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. Kids also got a chance to try out their Luge skills at the U.P. Luge Club demo set up. I must say, some of the runs were pretty good!
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. I can already say I am looking forward to seeing what is to come in 2018 for another great HarborFest.
To learn more about the Marquette West Rotary and the annual HarborFest, check out their website or follow them 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 Us41 in Negaunee Township for hauling of tables, platforms, electric stands and more. Alsot 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.
