Emily Geiger, Western Upper Peninsula regional director for the MiSTEM Network, shows Thane Dawson how to make a catapult during Friday’s Kids Day on Quincy Green as part of Bridgefest weekend. (Daily Mining Gazette file photo)

HANCOCK — Physics and puppies share center stage on Quincy Green for one of the first events of Bridgefest weekend.

A large crowd comes out for the Kids Day event, which includes science and engineering exhibits and an obstacle course. While there was no firm attendance number, the 150 hot dogs prepared for the event are usually gone partway through, said Todd Gast, community development coordinator for Hancock.

The event includes activities by OHM Advisors, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers’ Michigan Chapter, Sew Cranky, Keweenaw Community Alliance for Progressive Education, Kaleidoscope and other groups. Kids got to make slime, make origami, do crafts and learn about magnets.

“That’s really what this whole thing is about, building tradition with families and kids,” Gast said. “You just think, ‘Oh, they’re not going to remember that.’ But they do remember those things. And so that’s why we like to do this.”

At the MiSTEM Network booth, kids learned in 2024 how to make things like a catapult using a toilet paper roll and rubber bands, as well as tested Playdoh designs to see if they would float.

By the end, kids could end up making more than 100 catapults, said Emily Geiger, Western Upper Peninsula regional director for the MiSTEM Network.

They also partner with groups like the Lake Superior Stewardship Initiative for an activity in 2024 on watersheds and water filtration.

“I thought it was pretty cool that we were able to partner it with water filtration, make water dirty and then actually show there is a way to go clean it up,” she said. “I think it’s just letting kids experience engineering and science in a fun way.”

Students from the Student Leadership Advisory Council of the Keweenaw volunteer at the booths.

“I’d never done anything like this before,” said Hayley Dossman. “It was fun to see how excited the kids got throwing the Play-Doh into the water.”

After Thane Dawson built a catapult, he and his father, Toby Dawson tested it out. Friday’s visit had been an impromptu stop after running errands.

“We drove by and we saw what looked like a really fun time and decided to stop by,” Toby said.

Thane’s favorite part of the day: “Making Chex Mix.”

Immediately after the Kids Day events end, Quincy Green goes to the dogs. In the Hot Diggity Dog contest, now in its third year, dog owners dress their pets up in costumes and promenade down the sidewalk to determine which is the top dog.

Kayla Michaelson of Houghton and her dog Scout came away with the title in 2024. Scout was decked out in the outfit of an old lady, complete with a wig, glasses, dress and pearls. Scout had last worn the costume for Halloween.

“She actually likes wearing wigs and dressing up, so it was a good fit,” Michaelson said.

(Daily Mining Gazette file photo)

Kayla Michaelson’s dog Scout was dressed for the occasion. (Daily Mining Gazette file photo)

Kayla Michaelson holds her dog Scout, who was dressed for the occasion.(Daily Mining Gazette file photo)

As an excited crowd looks on, Kayla Michaelson walks her dog Scout during Friday’s Hot Diggity Dog contest on Quincy Green. (Daily Mining Gazette file photo)