‘We’re having a party!’
Hancock celebrates summer\\\'s end
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HANCOCK -- The City of Hancock hosted its 4th Annual End of Summer Celebration Saturday on Quincy Green. More than 30 vendors, along with fun-filled activities for kids and several musical acts highlighted the day.
Community Development for the City of Hancock Todd Gast said since its inception in 2023, the event has only grown in size and scope. "We know summer is coming to an end, but it's hard to say goodbye," he said. "But this is the best way to do it. We're having a party."
Kid’s activities and family fun were one of the highlights of the event. Copper Island Academy Art Instructor Annie Miller painted kids' faces throughout the afternoon and said she's grown closer to the community's youth with this event.
"I see a lot of my students, which helps build connection as a teacher," she said. "The joy I get from face-painting and the joy I get to give to other kids while I'm doing this job is just something I can't describe. I love it very much."
Gast said a key part of the event was the 80-foot high ping pong ball drop, which was sponsored by the Hancock Business Association.
Another way people got involved with the community was the beer garden. Money raised from it went directly to the City of Hancock Volunteer Fire Department. Fire Chief Bill Lepisto said there was no target goal, but anything helps to ensure the community stays safe. "Whatever we get we're happy with," he said. "You get your friends and neighbors out and they support us; we support them and everything works out."
Since the event has grown in the last four years, so has its vendor capacity. Madelin Paycheck of Star House Herbal and Wellness in Pelkie said this is her first year vending at this event, but has already seen extra business because of the large crowd.
"That's why we [vendors] come out to events like this, because we want to interact with our community," she said. "Having those vendors is a great way to get the kids out. We've got so many kids events today."
Vendor Emilie Lancour tabled for her business, Calm Water Writing, and had a create-your-own-bookmark station for kids. She said it is very important to keep kids engaged with their community through events like this. "Kids are the future of our community," she said. "They see that it does take a village to do a lot of different things."
While the arts were not the main focus of the city's celebration. Many vendors and musical acts stressed its importance with keeping the community engaged. Lake Linden resident and art vendor Esmerelda Melhado said since moving to the Keweenaw from Mexico, she has seen the way community comes together and welcomes everyone. "I just got here last year in June," she said. "I've been feeling very welcome in this place."
The music headliner was Chad Borgen and the Collective, who played from 6-10 p.m. Lead singer and titular performer, Chad Borgen said he is grateful the city invited him to perform Saturday. "I'm not from here, but you can see they [Hancock] got a nice, well-knit community," he said. "Lots of people getting together and supporting each other -- just having a good time."
Copper Country residents came from all over to celebrate the end of summer with the local community, like Twin Lakes native Mary Lowney. "Couldn't ask for better weather and the music is great," she said.
Hancock resident Jessica Jones said there were tons of fun activities. "I love all the little crafts and how detailed they are," she said. "It's very cool to see all this, especially for such a small town."