Central UP Events

Bright Beginnings: A Community Celebration at the Marquette Commons Saturday, January 4th from 6:00–7:00 PM The City of Marquette, in partnership with the Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum, invites the community to join in celebrating the arrival of the new year at Bright Beginnings, a free and festive event at the Marquette Commons on Saturday, January 4th from 6:00–7:00 PM. This family-friendly event will feature a variety of activities designed to spark joy and community spirit: *   Discover Oscillation, an interactive public artwork that responds to your movements with colors and sounds, on display through January 5th. *   Warm

Marquette City Manager Karen Kovacs will hold her next community office hours on Wednesday, January 8 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Shiras Room, on the top level of Peter White Public Library (Front Street side). The meeting is intended to provide an informal opportunity to discuss issues within the community, and to give citizens the opportunity for direct dialogue with City staff about interests and concerns.

 The League of Women Voters of Marquette County will hold its membership meeting on Wednesday, January 8th at 6:45 p.m. The meeting will be held in Studio 1, lower level of the Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front, St. Marquette. Social time begins at 6:30 p.m. Marquette County residents are welcome to attend. For more information, send an email message to lwvmqtco@gmail.com. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

Silver Creek Church and Silver Creek Thrift are partnering with Feeding America West Michigan to host the first Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry of 2025. Taking place on Thursday, January 9 Food distribution will begin at 10:00am and continue while supplies last or until 11:30am. Food will be available for approximately 550 families. Due to changes with Feeding America West Michigan, proxy pickup will be limited. This will be a drive-thru event with directions given by parking lot attendants. Guests are asked to remain in their cars and have adequate space prepared in their trunk or back seat in advance

Princesses and Pirates Join us for our Second Thursday Creativity Series at the Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum:”Princesses and Pirates”Thursday, January 9, 2025Experience hands-on craft activities, and FREE Culver’s Frozen Custard. FREE to participate.

  Northern Michigan University’s CO/LAB Dance Company will present Alice in Wonderland: An Immersive Experience, described as a “mesmerizing whirlwind of color and movement that weaves through the audience like a living, breathing dreamscape.” The performance is unique in that it will take place in an intimate downtown Marquette space that allows the audience to be more actively engaged, interacting with the dancers and scenery elements. “Immersive theater experiences are the next big thing,” said CO/LAB Artistic Director Karina Johnson. “They’re taking over New York City, L.A. and many other places across the country. I believe we might be one of the

Trail Talk: Join us on January 16th! The next general membership meeting of the Marquette Area Chapter of the North Country Trail will be January 16, Thursday, at 6 p.m. in the Community Room (downstairs) at Peter White Public Library. We will be hosting a roundtable discussion with area trail leaders, featuring representatives from RAMBA (Range Area Mountain Bike Association), Iron Ore Heritage Trail, Friends of Harlow Lake, Noquemanon Trail Network, and our own North Country Trail. This will be an informative evening where you can learn about the diverse trail networks in our area, hear from passionate trail advocates

The Marquette Area Chapter of the North Country Trail Association will host a roundtable discussion with leaders representing area trails at its next general membership meeting, which is open to the public, at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, in the community room at Peter White Public Library. Representatives of RAMBA (Range Area Mountain Bike Association), the Iron Ore Heritage Trail, Friends of Harlow Lake, the Noquemanon Trail Network and the North Country Trail will participate. Attendees will learn about the diverse trail networks in our area, hear from passionate trail advocates and explore volunteer opportunities to get involved. The meeting

138TH ANNUAL ISHPEMING SKI CLUB SKI JUMPING TOURNAMENT Negaunee, Michigan – Launch into winter action by attending the longest-running, consecutive ski jumping tournament in the country! Ishpeming Ski Club Ski Jumping Tournament, held at the UP Nordic Ski Complex, January 17th-19th, 2024. FRIDAY – JANUARY 17, 2025 137th Annual Ishpeming Ski Club Ski Jumping Tournament/USA Nordic U.S. Cup: The Tournament weekend kicks off on Friday evening with the 137th Annual Ishpeming Ski Club Ski Jumping Tournament/USA Nordic U.S. Cup event on famous Suicide Hill. Watch elite U.S. ski jumpers soar high through the air as you stand by the huge

The Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter is excited to announce Raise the Woof, a comedy night fundraiser to support homeless pets in the community. Taking place on Friday, January 17, 2025, at River Rock Lanes & Banquet Center in Ishpeming, the event promises a night of laughter and fun for a great cause. “We are thrilled to bring the community together for a night of comedy and fundraising to support our mission of providing care and shelter for animals in need,” said Nic Conroy, Fundraising Coordinator for the Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter. – Date: Friday, January 17, 2025 –

138TH ANNUAL ISHPEMING SKI CLUB SKI JUMPING TOURNAMENT Negaunee, Michigan – Launch into winter action by attending the longest-running, consecutive ski jumping tournament in the country! Ishpeming Ski Club Ski Jumping Tournament, held at the UP Nordic Ski Complex, January 17th-19th, 2024. FRIDAY – JANUARY 17, 2025 137th Annual Ishpeming Ski Club Ski Jumping Tournament/USA Nordic U.S. Cup: The Tournament weekend kicks off on Friday evening with the 137th Annual Ishpeming Ski Club Ski Jumping Tournament/USA Nordic U.S. Cup event on famous Suicide Hill. Watch elite U.S. ski jumpers soar high through the air as you stand by the huge

138TH ANNUAL ISHPEMING SKI CLUB SKI JUMPING TOURNAMENT Negaunee, Michigan – Launch into winter action by attending the longest-running, consecutive ski jumping tournament in the country! Ishpeming Ski Club Ski Jumping Tournament, held at the UP Nordic Ski Complex, January 17th-19th, 2024. FRIDAY – JANUARY 17, 2025 137th Annual Ishpeming Ski Club Ski Jumping Tournament/USA Nordic U.S. Cup: The Tournament weekend kicks off on Friday evening with the 137th Annual Ishpeming Ski Club Ski Jumping Tournament/USA Nordic U.S. Cup event on famous Suicide Hill. Watch elite U.S. ski jumpers soar high through the air as you stand by the huge

Dungeons and Dragons @ PWPL  Tuesday, January 21, 2025. 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Community Room. We have partnered up with Iron Golem Games to bring Dungeon and Dragons to the PWPL.  Jordan, from Iron Golem Games and local DM’s, will lead groups of teens on an epic quest with this role-playing game.  For students in grades 6-12.  Registration is required, no admission charge. For more information and to check the status of this program, call 906-226-4321, email Amanda at apierce@pwpl.info or visit www.pwpl.info.

PWPL Board of Trustees Meeting  Tuesday, January 21, 2025. 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Peter White Public Library, Shiras Room. Regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Peter White Public Library. The meeting is open to all.  Meeting agenda, materials, and remote attendance link are available on the library’s website: www.pwpl.info.

Words & Music for Hope  Tuesday, January 21, 2025, 6:30 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Community Room.  Adults, Seniors, Teens, Family Friendly.  Even in the darkest of times, there is hope.  Join local poets and musicians for an evening of poems and songs to inspire hope and joy.  Scheduled readers and performers include:  Brian Wallen, Dylan Trost, Troy Graham, Beverly Matherne, Marty Achatz, Cloverland, Josh Brindle, and many more.  No admission charge.  For more information, contact Marty at 906-226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit www.pwpl.info.

Mind & Body with the Marquette Alzheimer’s Association  Wednesday, January 22, 2025.  6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Shiras Room.  Adults, Seniors, Teens.  In this new monthly series, a representative of the Alzheimer’s Association presents programs on aging, dementia, and health.  Discover helpful information for caregivers and their loved ones dealing with mind/body issues.  This month’s topic: New Advancements in Alzheimer’s Research.  For more information, contact Marty at 906-226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit www.pwpl.info for more information.

The Marquette Regional History Center presents: Legends & Lore 2 – Even more Legendary! Thursday, January 23, 2025, 7:00 pm at Kaufman Auditorium Jack Deo and Jim Koski will share “Legends and Lore II – Even More Legendary,” more stories of amazing individuals and historical quirks from throughout Marquette County’s 170+ year history. From community-defining moments to the people who built the U.P. to moments that may make you go “I remember that!,” the show will bring to light some forgotten aspects of local history with pictures, facts, and a good deal of laughs. This fundraiser will be held on

Block Busting Cinema: Steven Spielberg’s The Post  Friday, January 24, 2025.  12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Community Room.  Adults, Teens, Seniors.  In this Oscar-nominated drama starring Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks, director Steven Spielberg tells the story of a cover-up spanning four U.S. Presidents that pushes the country’s first female newspaper publisher and her editor to join in an unprecedented battle between press and government.  Rated PG-13.  No admission charge.  For more information, contact Marty at 906-226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

Mommaerts and Mahaney Financial Services Noquemanon Ski Marathon presented by Honor Credit Union will be celebrating its 27th Anniversary January 24th-25th. We would like to formally thank our title sponsor Mommaerts and Mahaney for signing a multiple year contract last year and NEW THIS YEAR we would like to welcome Honor Credit Union with a three-year commitment as a major sponsor for the race. Here is a quote from Christy Smith, Marquette Member Center Manager, “On behalf of Honor Credit Union, we are thrilled to be able to support Noquemanon this year. We hope to continue to support long-standing community events such

All Booked Up: Can We Talk?  Tuesday, January 28, 2025.  12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Peter White Public Library Shiras Room.  Adults, Seniors.  Join Marty and Andrea for an in-person, in-depth discussion of Upper Michigan Today’s All Booked Up book of the month.  Come with your questions, insights, and observations.  This month’s book:  Happy-Go-Lucky by David Sedaris.  No admission charge.  For more information, contact Marty at 906-226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit www.pwpl.info.

National Puzzle Day Celebration  Wednesday, January 29, 2025. Drop in anytime and join the fun! Let’s see how many puzzles we can complete in a single day. Enjoy free puzzles, coffee, and hot tea throughout the day. Bring your friends or make some new ones!! No registration or admission charge. For more information call 906-226-4303 or email aing@pwpl.info.

Marquette Senior High School Eighth Grade Orientation  Class of 2029 Wednesday, January 29, 2025 from 10:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. at Marquette Senior High School. Early dismissal at 10:45 a.m. for MSHS students in 9-12th grades on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. 8th Grade Parent Orientation date is on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at 6:00 p.m in the MSHS Little Theater.   Marquette Senior High School students will have an early dismissal on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at 10:45 a.m. to allow the MSHS staff to host Eighth Grade Orientation. Busing will be provided for our 9-12th grade students immediately following our 10:45 a.m. dismissal. Lunch

NMU Presents Immersive ‘Alice in Wonderland’ 1/13/2025 Northern Michigan University’s CO/LAB Dance Company will present Alice in Wonderland: An Immersive Experience, described as a “mesmerizing whirlwind of color and movement that weaves through the audience like a living, breathing dreamscape.” The performance is unique in that it will take place in an intimate downtown Marquette space that allows the audience to be more actively engaged, interacting with the dancers and scenery elements. “Immersive theater experiences are the next big thing,” said CO/LAB Artistic Director Karina Johnson. “They’re taking over New York City, L.A. and many other places across the country. I believe

  Northern Michigan University’s CO/LAB Dance Company will present Alice in Wonderland: An Immersive Experience, described as a “mesmerizing whirlwind of color and movement that weaves through the audience like a living, breathing dreamscape.” The performance is unique in that it will take place in an intimate downtown Marquette space that allows the audience to be more actively engaged, interacting with the dancers and scenery elements. “Immersive theater experiences are the next big thing,” said CO/LAB Artistic Director Karina Johnson. “They’re taking over New York City, L.A. and many other places across the country. I believe we might be one of the

Northern Michigan University WellBeing will hold a grand opening for the new outdoor ice rink, located behind the Northern Center, from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1. The public is invited. The event will include a food truck, ribbon-cutting and hot chocolate bar. Limited free skate rentals are available, with priority given to NMU students. The rink will be open throughout February from 1-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Any closures will be shared on NMU’s WellBeing Instagram here as well as nmu.edu/wellbeing. Volunteers are needed; more information can be found here. “We are excited to offer this new winter outdoor activity option on campus,” said Jessica Corkin,