“The U.P. seems to be one of those wonderland or fairytale places people go to and expect a different experience,” Negaunee City Manager Nate Heffron said.

The city delivered on that sentiment during the annual three-day festival that drew more than 5,000 visitors from Friday through Sunday.

The Teal Lake Ice Fishing Derby, hosted by the South Shore Fishing Association, proved to be a staple event yet again at Heikki Lunta. This year saw 300 adult registrants as well as more than 60 child anglers.

Other events included the Irontown Rail Jam ski and snowboard event that was part of the Meijer State Games, family fun day complete with pony rides, Saturday night fireworks and a pasty eating contest.

The fireworks proved to be a popular activity at the festival. (Photo courtesy of Negaunee Downtown Development Authority)

But despite its popularity, there is still room for the festival to grow in Negaunee, according to Heffron.

“Our goal is to get the word out more and see what we can do about adding more events that make sense for us,” he said.

In the future, the festival will likely expand as far as food options are concerned, including a possible chili cook-off (now may be the time to perfect a pasty/chili recipe) and some additional small games that kids and families can enjoy, Heffron said.

One thing seems sure, come a little bit of snow or even more snow, Heikki Lunta will visit Negaunee each February for some time to come.

“A lot of people want to get outdoors in winter and want it to be fun, not just shoveling their driveways or with their snowplows,” Heffron said.

Once Heikki Lunta decides to take a break from calling out snow for what is sure to be a short slumber, Negaunee will re-establish a summer farmer’s market, and when the leaves become crunchy again, a Negaunee Fall Fest event will return to the city.

Jessica Potila can be reached at 906-228-2500. Her email address is