The 33rd Humongous Fungus Festival takes place Friday and Saturday in Crystal Falls. The 2024 logo contest winner was Lisa Landi of Crystal Falls. Landi, right, is shown with Becky Blazier, owner of Black Dog Printing in Crystal Falls, with the finished product. (Iron Mountain Daily News photo)

CRYSTAL FALLS — The “Morale in Crystal Falls” is building for the Humongous Fungus Festival this weekend.

It’s the 33rd year the city has celebrated the giant Armillaria gallica, which spreads over more than 37 subterranean acres near Crystal Falls.

The large fungus was discovered in the late 1980s by Johann Bruhn, a professor emeritus of plant science. Bruhn came across the “honey mushroom” during an unrelated experiment. It weighs an estimated 882,000 pounds and it’s at least 2,500 years old. It has been noted to be the size of 140 football fields.

Lisa Landi of Crystal Falls was this year’s Fungus Fest logo contest winner. “Her design is great — her depiction really describes what a festival is,” Crystal Falls Business Association President Barbara Luck said.

T-shirts and sweatshirts can be ordered online at blackdogprinting.shop or by submitting order forms to Charlie’s Emporium on Superior Avenue.

Activities kick off with the city-wide rummage sale Friday that continues Saturday.

The CFBA, which plays hosts to the annual event, will have maps available online by 6 p.m. today or at area businesses. The maps will also indicate the location of separate events happening throughout the community.

“We have several new features, as well as bringing back the mushroom pizza,” Luck noted. “We wanted to make it easy for everyone to find where each activity is taking place downtown.”

The 2024 Humongous Fungus Fest parade steps off at 10 a.m. Saturday on Superior Avenue. Parade participants can line up from 9:15 to 9:30 a.m. at the Forest Park School parking lot. No registration is required and everyone is welcome to participate.

The CFBA will present three trophies this year: “Best Fungus Float,” “Best Mushroom Group” and “Best Single Mushroom.”

Sean Ackles of Grouse Acres returns as the guide for the mushroom forage. Two groups will be taken out, and leave from the Forest Park School District parking lot. The first will check in at 8:30 a.m., with the tour to begin at 9 a.m. The second will have check-in at 12:30 p.m. and depart at 1 p.m.

“This is the only time he does presentations,” Luck said. “So anyone interested is encouraged to take advantage of the hike.”

Cost is $60 per person. Forms are available online or people can sign up before getting on the bus.

Anyone taking part is reminded to dress appropriately, including proper footwear, and bring water, snack and bug spray.

The CFBA’s Vendor Village Craft and Gift Show will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. behind the Crystal Theatre and Charlie’s Emporium. Luck said participants again have a wide variety of items for sale this year.

Forest Park Physical Education is conducting a Spore-Tacular Adventure, a mushroom-themed scavenger hunt. Participants can pick up club sheets at the vendor village. Cost is $3 per clue sheet.

The first 40 people to turn in a correct clue sheet will receive a goodie bag. All correct sheets will be entered into a drawing for a grand prize as well.

“That is also new to the event,'” she said. “It’s something everyone can enjoy.”

The Harbour House Museum will serve lunch from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the museum grounds. They will offer mushroom burgers and hot dogs.

A new feature to the festival is a Soap Box Derby, sponsored by Superior Sports & Feed. Racing will start at noon on Marquette Avenue, with line up and inspection starts at 11 a.m.

“All soap boxes need to be approved before racing,” Luck noted.

Three classes will be run: Two children’s groups of ages 8 to 12 and 13 to 16, plus an adult class for ages 17 and older.

Participants are asked to sign up by 6 p.m. Friday. All rules, regulations and a waiver are available at Superior Sport & Feed.

The CFBA is excited to finally have volunteers step up to bring back the mushroom pizza.

Cooking time will depend on weather temperature, but expect it to be ready between noon to 1 p.m. at the Crystal Steel House.

“They will have different toppings,” she said.

Funds raised from pizza sales go to the Locker Lunch program for Iron County.

The museum at 1 p.m. will host a Mushroom Cook-off Contest. All dishes must contain mushrooms.

A public tasting will come after the judging. A donation is asked, with proceeds to benefit the Harbour House Museum.

Businesses will have buckets of chalks outside for anyone interested in doing art throughout the downtown.

That ’70s Music by members of The Nashville Hitmen, under direction of Mark Oliverius, will close out the evening at 7 p.m. at the Crystal Theatre.

In addition to Oliverius, who is a FPHS graduate, the Hitmen will feature vocalist Mia Brown, along with local musicians Larry Ketola and Paul Sundquist.

Tickets are $23 for adults in advance or $27 at the door. Students are $5.

“It’s supposed to be beautiful on Saturday,” Luck noted. “We hope area community members come and enjoy a fun day with us.”