Honoring Annie
Statue to be unveiled in two weeks
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CALUMET -- A statue honoring Anna Klobuchar Clemenc, known colloquially as "Big Annie,” will be unveiled and showcased Saturday, Aug. 22 in Calumet. A prominent figure in local mine union history, Big Annie's legacy has been recognized by the residents of the Copper Country for more than 70 years.
The Big Annie Statue Committee's main goal of honoring the historical figure has been fulfilled and will throw a parade. Committee Organizer Veda Riederich said the project raised over $150,000 and took donations from the Keweenaw and beyond.
"I was surprised at how the community just responded to this so easily," she said. "We had donations come in from all around the country."
Riederich said the project was in the works for more than three years. The project started with her posting a statement on Facebook.
"People know the name Big Annie but don't know what she did or why," she said. "She needs her history to be recognized here. She should not be forgotten."
According to Riederich, part of the funding came from a state America 250 grant, as well as the Keweenaw Community Foundation. Riederich said the project ended up with extra funding, so they are giving it back to the community by throwing the parade at 3 p.m., the unveiling at 4:15 p.m. at the Calumet Greenspace by the Calumet Theatre.
"The parade and unveiling are open to the public," she said.
The statue's sculptor, Andy Sacksteder will appear at the unveiling.
Keweenaw Community Foundation Community Engagement Manager Lauren Clark said the foundation largely handled spreading the word and helping with collecting donations.
"Setting up the special project fund was a big lift," she said. "Once that was created it allowed Team Big Annie and their volunteers to go out and do their fundraising."
Clark said she and the rest of the foundation are enthusiastic about going to celebrate in two weeks at the unveiling.
"We're excited to support the project and the event is going to be a blast," she said.