Cash registers were ringing, people were smiling and the crowds were overflowing in Ely over the Fourth of July weekend.<BR><BR>The community’s usual Independence Day festivities, combined with the Ely Memorial High School All-Class Reunion, turned Ely’s usually quiet streets and sidewalks into a hub of activity.<BR><BR>Ely’s Fourth of July and park activities drew large crowds while many business owners reported brisk business throughout the weekend.<BR><BR>“It was almost like Blueberry Festival (weekend),” said Steve Piragis, owner of Ely’s Piragis Northwoods Company. “I’m not sure if it was because of the reunion or because of the rain, but we were up significantly from last year. We had a heck of a Monday.”<BR><BR>Many local merchants had similar sentiments.<BR><BR>“I don’t care whether it was lodging, restaurants or tourism, it was a super weekend,” said Linda Fryer, who directs the Ely Chamber of Commerce.