Ely has taken up a position front and center across the state’s largest media outlets in recent weeks.
Minnesotans across the state have seen permit cancellations for Boundary Waters trips, faced significant air quality impacts, and missed out on shopping opportunities at the year’s largest event — the Blueberry/Art Festival.
We were glad to see the new Blueberry Loop with Babbitt, Tower and Ely working together. The Blueberry Bazaar in Ely, the Birch Landing Art Show in Babbitt and additional shopping opportunities in Tower made for a very nice replacement and possibly a great future addition to what is normally one the busiest weekends of the year.
With its appeal toward folks from all across the country and even world for its amenities and recreation opportunities, Ely is not afraid to be one-of-a-kind.
Wildfires have brought an entirely new spotlight to the community, with positive coverage framing the community’s strength and negative coverage showing empty streets in peak tourism season.
Though the intense media coverage in recent weeks might suggest that the wildfires are one of Ely’s biggest stories for a while, we can’t forget that Ely is so much more than a natural disaster.
The stories that matter are written every single day of the year by the people who walk these streets. This July’s wildfires may be Ely’s most startling event in recent months, but they are far from the most important.
Long-time residents can recall the area’s long and rich history. Local artists and entrepreneurs show up every day, demonstrating amazing talents and contributing to the area’s multifaceted culture. Families make memories every day on lakes, in the woods, on our rivers.
Individuals matter, not headlines. Community journalism is where these stories are told. Though controversial headlines and urban politics often capture public attention above events occurring in a smaller community, the most impactful stories are the ones that emerge between neighbors and in our closest relationships — an area where a small town with a rich culture can shine.
