The 2024 Baraga County Lumberjack Days will be returning Wednesday and Thursday. The fun-filled schedule includes a street dance, pancake breakfast, children’s parade, games and a bean bag tournament. Tickets for a 50/50 raffle will be sold for $5 each, and bean bag tournament rules can be found at baragalumberjackdays.com. 

The annual Lumberjack Days began in 1969, when a group of citizens organized to form a Centennial Celebration for Baraga Township. A gala Homecoming and Celebration was held. The event was so successful, it became an annual affair in Baraga County. 

The name “Lumberjack Days” was adopted in 1970, and has stuck ever since. According to the event’s website, “The logging games have grown in popularity each year for the young and young at heart. A Beard Contest was a Centennial event, as was the 1869 Dress Contest. Horse pulling was enjoyed by many and the Log Rollers thrilled many onlookers as well as a few brave local recruits.” 

Today, the Lumberjack Days is best known for its Main Street Parade. This year, the theme is “Every Era Holds a Good Memory.” Participants can either follow the theme, or opt for a classic, patriotic style for their floats. Organizers will also put on a fireworks display after the parade.  

Wheelchair-accessible and elderly parking for the Main Parade will be designated in the Superior National Bank parking lot. Organizers also noted that, due to a lack of volunteers, there will be no queen competition or military escort this year. Additionally, there will be no motorized vehicles allowed on Superior Avenue on Thursday other than for use during the main parade. Superior Avenue will be closed to through traffic from the Baraga Armory to M-38 beginning at 8 a.m. 

Lumberjack Days Schedule of Events 

Wednesday, July 3

Gates open for Street Dance–6:30 p.m.

Introduction of the Honorees–7:30 p.m.

2024 Grand Marshal Mike Bianco–7:30 p.m.

2024 Prince and Princess Jaxon Picard and Tessa Larson–7:30 p.m.

Community Street Dance with Music by DJ Express–8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

Thursday, July 4

Pancake Breakfast by Baraga Lions Club at Baraga Area Schools–8:00 a.m.-Noon

Children’s Games at the Corner of Girard Street and Superior Ave–Following Pancake Breakfast

Flag Raising Ceremony at American Legion Post #444–11:45 a.m.

Children’s Parade Begins at American Legion Post #444–Noon

Coin Scramble Sponsored by and Held at Superior National Bank–1:30 p.m.

Bean Bag Tournament Registration in Front of American Legion Post #444–2-4 p.m.

Parade Line-up Begins at Baraga Armory–2 p.m.

Float Judging Begins at Baraga Armory–2:30 p.m.

Main Parade–3:30 p.m.

Bean Bag Tournament–5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Fireworks over Keweenaw Bay (Sponsored by Keweenaw Bay Indian Community)—Dusk

*Schedule is subject to change