For many decades, the old Community Center was synonymous with big Ely weddings.
Those that grew up in the 1970s and 1980s are sure to remember the packed receptions downstairs, very often the Zup’s-catered buffets and trying to squeeze in at tables filled with too many metal folding chairs on so many memorable Saturday nights. As the night continued, one would climb the stairs to the top floor. The music seemed to get louder as did the hundreds of voices who packed the venue.
Those 50 or over have their own unique memories of the historic hall - soon to be rebranded as a hotel. Perhaps their parents’ reception was there, maybe other family members, certainly friends and acquaintances. It seemed, as spring turned to summer and summer moved into fall, there were many a Saturday when the cars stretched for blocks along Harvey and Chapman and toward the Ely Steam Bath as well. One knew it was going to be a special and memorable Saturday night - at least for those fortunate to have an invitation. And at least in those days, it sure felt like anybody who was anybody did.
Weddings have changed through the years and economics probably have something to do with that.
The day of the town-centric wedding has gone by the wayside and the old CC didn’t host as many weddings in its final years of operation before the city shut things down in 2014.
New locations have popped up locally and no matter where one goes, the events seem more intimate than they were when several hundred or more danced past midnight at the CC.
Age and station in life have no doubt changed perspective as well. Now more often than not, there’s a generational shift when it comes time to dress up and be part of a wedding day.
Which brings us to the 2026 season as it relates to weddings.
The first on our lineup card this summer took us south, to a farm outside of Mankato and an event that was straight out of a storybook. It was a first for us, as the stunning bride was the daughter of dear lifetime friends, one who was part of our big day and me his.
Outdoor weddings are en vogue, and this one combined elegance with a barn theme and had all the bells and whistles one comes to expect with today’s weddings - including an NBA-style introduction of the wedding party, specialty drinks, and a whole lot of 20-somethings who all seemed to know each other while climbing the ladder of success.
Staying into the night, it was hard not to be impressed, and equally enjoyable to be in a more senior role at the proceedings. Instead of long shifts on the dance floor, there were long conversations, connecting with those whom we don’t see enough of because of time, distance, jobs, and family.
And in true Ely fashion, we were able to reconnect with some not seen for decades. Perhaps it’s the same for those who hail from other areas, but one can find a fellow Elyite, one not seen for 10 or 20 years, and rekindle a conversation as if they’d never lost touch. It was another heartwarming benefit of a memorable evening.
Several weeks later we were set to take in an Ely destination wedding, this one involving one of my former baseball players at Vermilion with his new bride. These were two small-town Wisconsin kids who met here and thought so much of the town they decided to bring 150 friends and family here for their special day.
This time baseball and a trip to the state tournament got in the way and we were forced to miss out.
Yet fate again had something in mind as a consolation round loss brought us home early from Parkers Prairie and the groom, his bride and five of his former teammates remained in town.
A phone call and a text message or three resulted in a dinner gathering. There were photos shared of the wedding, reception and dance, and both the bride and groom took time to spend with us as part of their still-busy weekend.
And for a couple of hours the former Ironhawks and I stepped back in time and relived old stories and memories while also talking of today and the future. These young men were from Becker and Milwaukee, Eau Claire and Florida, but for all, Ely, baseball and Vermilion reshaped their lives.
Only two nights earlier, there was a Hall of Fame plaque accepted and recognition for 650 American Legion baseball wins, but those two hours downtown were a major victory all to themselves and turned a day that started with a disappointing loss into one that ended with a spectacular win. Thanks, men, you truly made my day and the photo we took holds a special meaning.
Vermilion baseball was responsible for the most recent wedding - one last weekend at beautiful McCarthy Beach State Park near Hibbing.
Given the penchant for outdoor weddings, it’s no surprise that the venue near Big Sturgeon Lake was chosen but odds are no wedding there previously had a groom from Tallahassee, Florida and a groomsman from Anchorage, Alaska.
The two were the first recruits of a new college coach and only the oddest set of circumstances brought us back together eight years later this time for a wedding.
This event too had the bells and whistles of the modern wedding, complete with catering by venerable Valentini’s of Chisholm, a massive tent and even fireworks.
Those bells and whistles however were mere window dressing, as again the night was defined by life experiences and in all reality lives that were shaped and redirected because of Ely, baseball and the relationships that came about.
Wedding season is anticipated now. The participants are younger and we are older, but each event is the result of a connection, a relationship and a bond.
This season is over but the next will start with another in a few months. Who knows, by 2027 or 2028 we may even climb the stairs of the old CC for one. We can’t wait.
