Bridgefest kicks off the summer in the Copper Country. Kicking off one of the strongest economic periods during the year in the Copper Country.
Throughout the summer many people find ways to shop at mom-and-pop shops and small businesses throughout the region. But for just a few days the community brings small businesses to the center of hundreds people visiting Houghton and Hancock.
But this was a whole new audience. And on Friday, especially, we had other vendors coming up and going, what’s this about? And we gave them information and chatted with them. And then on Saturday, we had a lot more of the general public come through. And it was fabulous. There were all kinds of people. If they bought plants, great. But if they didn’t, they came by and said, what is this all about? So it was sort of a great place for us to spread the native plant gospel. – Marcia good rich
Marica Goodrich with Keweenaw Wild Ones says last year was fantastic to meet so many people in the vendor’s space during the organizations first year at Bridgefest. Other vendors have been involved for several years.
While parking is available nearby Kestner Park throughout the weekend of June 12th-15th. Many people will walk to activities in the park to enjoy the sunshine. Drawing crowds of people pass the vendor’s area.
I think it’s great. I get to see many people who want to get their kid’s face painted. I love interacting with them. That is such a rewarding experience for me to be able to face paint and make somebody’s day just by transforming them a little bit. And also just sharing my story and individual experience with my art. I’m very passionate about my artwork, so I love being in the center of it. – Annie Miller, Annie Rocks Paint
We all know that Bridge Fest is a big deal, but it’s nice to be supporting it in a way. And especially for us, because we’re a little different, we felt like we were bringing something different to this big happy party that, yes, it’s got to bring money into the area. – Marcia Goodrich, President, Keweenaw Wild Ones
Set up begins on Friday morning Bridgefest weekend, and the vendor’s area can get a little hectic with so many businesses and organizations setting up. Bridgefest volunteers and Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce staff keep everything under control despite all of the activity. Annie Miller of Annie Rocks Paint says its easy to find people to help out.
Everybody’s kind of in a collective uniform, so to say. So it’s easy to pick people out that you fin help from. And it’s very well run. People are very helpful, generous, and willing to jump in when needed. I think it’s another great sense of support and community because everybody’s just so willing and knows what we’re here for. – Annie Miller, Artist, Annie Rocks Paint
Bridgefest even attracts many visitors from outside of the Copper Country. Artist Rachel Walls-White says she looks forward to the event setting the tone for a another successful season at summer markets.
I’ve always been a vendor for small events, different things like that. So having a few big events like I do now, I do Bridge Fest, Strawberry Fest and the Houghton County Fair. And they have all make a big difference, but Bridge Fest being the beginning of the summer really does help. It gets my blood flowing for my summer vending since I only do it during the summer. – Rachel Walls-White, Artist, Designs by Nature
Walls-White adds some of her favorite memories over the past four years has to be on Saturday night.
I’ve always loved the timeframe. Saturday night, Saturday evening, everybody’s waiting for the fireworks and it seems like people are just super excited and really upbeat and a lot of people walking around while it’s starting to get dark and it’s just fun to talk to people. – Rachel Walls-White, Artist, Designs by Nature
Bridgefest makes its very easy for people to get organized. Walls-White says the weekend can be overwhelming at times, especially for new vendors.
It can also be a little overwhelming with having so many people around. There’s a lot of times, know, kids are running back and forth. And if you don’t have somebody with you or maybe you’re not used to being a vendor on your own, it can be a little disorienting to have so many people around. So it’s just something to be aware of. – Rachel Walls-White, Artist, Designs by Nature
The space is not just limited to small businesses selling wares, plants, or apparel. Non–profit organizations can also register to set up a table to talk about fundraising opportunities, share resources with the community, or talk about exciting plans for 2025.
Find more information here or contact Chamber of Commerce Manager Katie Schlief.
The Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce also notes that this week is the final opportunity to join the fun as a sponsor of Bridgfest 2025.
Learn more about sponsorship opportunities online.
