The 906 area code, which spans the entirety of the Upper Peninsula, has inspired business names, colloquialisms and even a holiday. Today, in celebration of 906-Day, local and regional participating businesses will offer special shopping incentives.

Bugsy Sailor, owner of Upper Peninsula Supply Co. of Marquette and founder of Plaidurday, started 906 Day on Sept. 6, 2012 when he realized that the date closely resembled the beloved area code.

Since then, he has developed the day as an economic driver for local business.

“It started as a U.P. black Friday-like-equivalent idea,” said Sailor.

In 2014, Sailor started actively recruiting others to take part in the holiday. He stated that participation “organically grew” as businesses got on board to celebrate.

Another intention Sailor has for 906 Day is to serve as a reminder for people to spend more time engaged in cultural activities.

“The other big part is playing up and encouraging people to do U.P. things, play cribbage, jump off Black Rocks or enjoy a local beer with a friend,” he said.

As residents, we all know that the U.P. offers a very unique type of life, and therefore requires its residents to be equally as unique. Sure, the winters can be a bit on the long side, and the summers only seem to last a few weeks as a result – but it only makes us stronger and more resilient.

All jokes aside, we are very lucky to call this place our home, and see no reason why there shouldn’t be a date set aside to honor it and at the same time, give back to our local businesses.

The Journal would like to wish everyone a happy 906 Day, and hope some of you are able to get out today and enjoy everything this beautiful place has to offer, if even for a little while, weather-permitting.