Over a matter of decades, Ely has become known as an event town.
For a community our size, we doubt that there are many that have the quality and quantity of events that we do.
No matter the season, it seems like there’s always something going on in Ely.
While we may be best known for the Blueberry/ Art Festival each July, the local calendar is filled with happenings that bring visitors from around the region, state and even the nation.
There’s no doubt that the winter is livened up by the Ely Winter Festival, Ely Film Festival and WolfTrack Classic sled dog races, not to mention the annual Fun Run snowmobile event.
The arts calendar is filled seemingly yearround with events put on by the Northern Lakes Arts Association, while summer is about far more than the Blueberry/Art, given Rock the Park, several baseball tournaments held over various summer weekends, and the always popular Watercross snowmobile.
And while some might consider September the start of the “off-season,” it is by no means the off-season when it comes to events.
Let’s start with this weekend’s Harvest Moon Festival.
Started as an offshoot of the Blueberry/Art Festival, Harvest Moon weekend is now an event in its own right.
We’re glad to hear that the festival is growing this year with the addition of more booths.
While no match for the hustle and bustle of Blueberry weekend in July, there’s no doubt the Harvest Moon packs a punch and helps pack the town.
We welcome the vendors and visitors in town this weekend, and Harvest Moon always offers something for local residents who are shopping for arts and crafts, or just want to stop down at the food court for lunch, dinner and snack.
The Harvest Moon has been noticed beyond Ely as well, with its standing as one of the top fall festivals in the nation, as selected by those who vote in an online poll conducted by USA Today.
Just a couple of weeks later comes the Ely Marathon, which in its short history has become a staple on Ely’s calendar.
Hundreds of runners will flock to Ely for the marathon or one of its associated events, be in the half marathon or the unique canoe portage marathon.
Whiteside Park is festive for an entire day and the impact of those in town for the weekend is felt throughout the business community.
During an otherwise uneventful time, Ely is filled with people, spending money and enjoying what we have to offer.
Hats off to those organizing Harvest Moon weekend and the Ely Marathon, and all who work year-round to put on their respective events.
It’s a much-needed shot in the arm for our town.
