Video: Copper Dog 150 starts on Fifth St., Calumet

This team of dogs was impatient to take off on the first leg of the 2nd Annual Copper Dog 150 Sled Dog Race on Fifth Street in Calumet Friday night, March 4, 2011. Keweenaw Now captured some of the excitement in this video clip. Watch for photos, coming soon! (Video clip by Keweenaw Now photographer Gustavo Bourdieu)

Houghton Keweenaw Conservation District to hold 59th Annual Meeting Mar. 8

HOUGHTON -- The Houghton Keweenaw Conservation District (HKCD) will hold its 59th Annual Meeting beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 8, at Michigan Tech's Lakeshore Center (former UPPCO building), 600 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton.

The meeting will feature a presentation by Botanist Janet Marr on the Rapid Response Invasive Plant Intervention Team of the UP (RRIP-IT-UP). Invasive plants impact hunting, fishing, boating, gardening, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and other recreational activities in our beautiful Keweenaw. Marr will help us understand why we need to become aware of invasive plants and take action to prevent their spread.

Botanist Janet Marr shows visitors purple loosestrife on the Nara Nature Trail in August 2010. (Photo courtesy Houghton Keweenaw Conservation District)

RRIP-IT-UP is a UP-wide grant project sponsored by Upper Peninsula Resource Conservation and Development with funding of a $150,000 grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

A regular monthly meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by a Silent Auction and Pot Luck Buffet at 6 p.m.

Copper Country Trout Unlimited volunteers work to improve fish habitat on the Pilgrim River during the summer of 2010. HKCD is awaiting final approval of a Watershed Management Grant through the Coastal Management Program. The grant would assist groups and landowners working together to protect the Pilgrim River and its watershed. (Photo © Gina Nicholas and courtesy Houghton Keweenaw Conservation District)

After the buffet, HKCD will hold an Election to fill two Board positions. Three nominating petitions were submitted: Gina Nicholas, from Keweenaw County; Sandra Palmore, a Hancock resident; and Steve Siira of Kearsarge. Nicholas has been on the Board since 2003 providing her expertise on business, finance, conservation, forestry and grant writing; Palmore has been on the Board since 2002 providing guidance and sound decisions based on her past work experience and love of preserving the Keweenaw’s natural environment; and Steve Siira, a Michigan Tech graduate of Civil Engineering, currently serves on the Keweenaw County Planning and Zoning Commission.

Stewards of the Bete Grise Preserve (SBGP) held their annual picnic at Bete Grise in August 2010. Founded in 2009 as part of a Coastal Zone Management Grant, SBGP supports partners Houghton Keweenaw Conservation District, Keweenaw Land Trust and The Nature Conservancy in raising funds for insurance, easement monitoring and other improvements at the Bete Grise Preserve. SBGP also conducts stewardship activities and events for the public, including the annual picnic. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

A short power point overview on what the Conservation District has accomplished during 2010 and is working on in 2011 will be presented at the meeting.

Everyone is welcome. For more information call Sue Haralson at 906-482-0214.

Carnegie Museum to host Family Engineering Night Mar. 8

HOUGHTON -- The Carnegie Museum is teaming up with the Michigan Tech Family Engineering Program to offer a Family Engineering Night from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 8, at the Carnegie Museum in Houghton.

"Our goal is to expose youngsters to engineering," explains Joan Chadde, education program coordinator for the Western UP Center for Science, Math and Environmental Education. "We're excited to try out some of the new activities we've developed at Michigan Tech, through the Family Engineering Program funded by the National Science Foundation."

Parents and children in grades one to six are invited to participate. Admission is free. Parking is available behind the building or in the city lot across Montezuma Street.

The evening will start with tabletop activities that families can do on their own -- Thrillseekers, Diving Board Dominoes, Turn up the Sound and Who Engineered It.

Next, families will participate in two engineering challenges: "Bright Ideas in Electricity," where family teams design a flashlight, and "Five Points Traffic Jam," where family teams design a safer traffic intersection.

"We are happy to host a Family Engineering Night to go along with this month's engineering theme," adds Elise Nelson, museum director. "It's an opportunity for parents and kids to spend a fun evening learning together."

The Carnegie Museum is located in the former Portage Lake District Library building on the corner of Huron and Montezuma streets.

The Family Fun Night can also be found on Facebook. "Like" the page and get up-to-date information on programs and events at the Carnegie Museum. The Facebook page can be accessed even if you do not have an account.

Keweenaw Krayons' 7th Annual Mardi Gras festival to feature musicians, Cajun food, family fun Mar. 8

MOHAWK -- Keweenaw Krayons' 7th Annual Mardi Gras Festival will host an exciting lineup of local musicians, as well as a Cajun-style feast catered by restaurants throughout the Keweenaw, from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Fat Tuesday, March 8, at the Horizons Alternative High School in Mohawk.

AnnA Sanchez, a former member of Keweenaw Krayons, assists in making masks for a previous Mardi Gras celebration. AnnA now lives in Elkhorn, Wis. (Photos courtesy Keweenaw Krayons, except where indicated otherwise.)

Horizons will be transformed into Mohawk’s very own French quarter, complete with live blues and dancing. This year’s event also features a costume contest, the winner of which will be chosen by popular support. All guests are encouraged to dress up and strut their stuff in the Mardi Gras parade for a chance to win a cash prize.

"We invite attendees to embrace the carnivale spirit with gusto this year!" said Mardi Gras organizer, Diana Langdon. "Wear a costume from home or put it together at our mask making and face painting. What a great way to chase away the midwinter blahs!"

This year's event will combine music, food and art to raise money for three very worthy causes: Keweenaw Krayons; Horizon’s leadership program, S.T.A.R.S. (Success, Teamwork, Achievement, Recognition and Self-Esteem); and Lyanne Stemler, who is working to raise cancer awareness in honor of her late mother, artist Renee Stemler.

Lyanne Stemler, one of the partners of this year's Keweenaw Krayons' Mardi Gras Festival fundraiser, works on an art project in one of the studios of the Horizon School in Mohawk. Lyanne is working to raise cancer awareness in honor of her late mother, artist Renee Stemler. (Keweenaw Now file photo)

The evening will start off with the Backroom Boys, a jazz and blues trio featuring Oren Tikkanen on banjo and guitar, John Munson playing saxophone and clarinet, and Bob Norden on trombone. Singer-songwriter Jonathan Soper, guitarist and accomplished mouth trumpeter, will be debuting new material. The festival will conclude with recent Reach for the S.K.Y. Talent Show winners, March of the Snails. George Butuala is the evening’s MC.

Artist Becky Weeks models one of her original masks for a previous Keweenaw Krayons Mardi Gras celebration.

Mardi Gras revelers will also be treated to a selection of toothsome dishes donated by Keweenaw restaurants. The Keweenaw Mountain Lodge is providing appetizers: crab tarts; andouille sausage in puff pastry with coarse mustard; and beignets with berry sauce. The Mariner North is serving up a delicious pot of hearty gumbo with chicken, shrimp and sausage. The Keweenaw Co-op is serving a vegetarian gumbo, and Carmelita’s is providing jambalaya. Jim’s Pizza and Shelden Grill have also signed on to provide food.

Keweenaw Krayons Board President Darlene Basto models a Mardi Gras mask.

"We’re so grateful to our sponsor restaurants," said event organizer, Elise Matz. "These businesses have really come through for us, and we appreciate their support for this wonderful organization."

Tickets are still on sale through Tuesday, March 8, at retailers throughout the Keweenaw. Sellers include the 5th and Elm Coffee House in both Calumet and Houghton; Nagamoon Gifts of Calumet; Morty's Fresh and Easy of Lake Linden; Mohawk Superette of Mohawk; and the Mariner North in Copper Harbor. Those who wish to purchase tickets can also see Sue Fouts at Calumet Schools to buy a ticket from her; or come to the Horizon's School office during school hours.

Advance tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Infants and toddlers who will not be eating are free. Tickets at the door are $15 for adults and $5 for children.

New slide show: Barnelöpet 2011

By Michele Bourdieu

Skiers head across a bridge on the Maasto Hiihto River Trail during the 2011 Barnelöpet Ski Race on Feb. 13. The 6-km race offers the opportunity to enjoy views of Swedetown Creek, running through the gorge. (Video clip by Keweenaw Now)

HANCOCK -- The 3rd Annual Barnelöpet Ski Race, sponsored by the Sons of Norway, was a great success -- a non-competitive family event attracting about 40 skiers of all ages to the Maasto Hiihto Ski Trails on Feb. 13, 2011.

While parents skied or snow-shoed with younger children, intermediate or more advanced skiers enjoyed the 6-km race that included views of the picturesque River Trail. All participants received a large enameled, dated, BARNELOPET medal upon completion of their race.

A young skier displays her Barnelöpet medal after the race. (Photos by Keweenaw Now)

"About 8 dozen cookies and 70 cups of hot chocolate were consumed," said Wayne Stordahl, event director. "We had 30 adults who helped with registration, as trail monitors and timers, with awards and at the refreshment table. I believe that the event went very well, the weather was good and the kids liked their medals and refreshments. Every one seemed to have had a good time."

Moms and Dads ski with their kids during the 2011 Barnelöpet Ski Race.

Connie Julien, member of the Ulseth Lodge, Sons of Norway, said some of the 30 adult volunteers included some older Ski Tigers (a local cross-country youth ski group).

"We would also like to thank the older Ski Tigers who helped out with the Barnelöpet," Julien said. "These younger skiers really look up to those older skiers so their help was greatly appreciated by all."

Click here or go to our top right column to view our Keweenaw Now slide show of the 2011 Barnelöpet.

Ski, eat at 3rd Annual Glide-N-Gorge Mar. 6

Skiers sample some of the tasty morsels provided by one of the generous sponsors at last year's Glide-N-Gorge fundraiser. (Photo courtesy Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club.)

HANCOCK -- The Third Annual Glide-N-Gorge will take place from noon until 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 6, 2011, at the Maasto Hiihto Ski Trails in Hancock. This family ski and eat event, sponsored by the Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club (KNSC) covers 3 and 1/2 miles of skiing, beginning and ending at the chalet at the Houghton County Fair Grounds.

In between, skiers will have three food stops. The first will be near Tomasi Road, where appetizers will be served. After skiing further down the trail into the Swedetown Gorge, skiers will stop for tasty soups and chili before heading back to the chalet, where they will enjoy desserts and live music. The suggested donation for this event is $15 per person, $40 per family, kids 12 and under free with an adult.

View of Swedetown Creek from Maasto Hiihto River Trail (gorge). (Feb. 2011 photo by Keweenaw Now)

Tickets can be purchased from any KNSC board member, Down Wind Sports and Cross Country Sports and should be purchased by TODAY, Friday, March 4, 2011. All ticket prices will increase $10 if purchased Saturday or Sunday, the day of the event. If you can’t stop by those fine businesses, just email any KNSC board member or arlyn@superiortandems.com. Tickets support the cost of maintaining the Maasto Hiihto Trails.

Tim DeChristopher: "We will not be divided, and we will not back down"

From Peaceful Uprising:

SALT LAKE CITY -- Peaceful Uprising has posted a video of Tim DeChristopher speaking to his supporters after receiving a guilty verdict.

"What the world wanted to see, is how we would react, and you all have reacted with joy and resolve. You’ve shown that your power will not be intimidated by any power that they have, and that's the most important thing that has happened here this week..." Click here to see the video and read the full text of Tim's statement.

UPDATE: Editor's Note: Robert Redford on Tim: "There's something radically wrong with this picture." Click here for Huffpost article.

Climate Activist Tim DeChristopher found guilty

Tim DeChristopher. (Photo © Daphne Hougard and courtesy Peaceful Uprising. Reprinted with permission.)

By Scott Parkin of Rainforest Action Network

SALT LAKE CITY -- "I left with a smile. I knew that I was a convicted criminal, but I was proud of my crime." --Martin Luther King, 1956

Today, after a four-hour jury deliberation, climate activist Tim DeChristopher was found guilty on two felony counts for derailing a Bureau of Land Management auction in December 2008.

Sentencing will most likely be a month or two away.... Read the rest of this article on The Understory (Rain Forest Action Network) and see a video below it that includes an interview with Tim DeChristopher and his attorney, recorded after the verdict today.

Editor's Note: You can vote in a Poll on Adventure Journal -- your opinion on whether Tim DeChristopher should go to jail.

Khana Khazana to offer Thai cuisine Mar. 4

HOUGHTON -- Dishes from Thailand are on the menu Friday, Mar. 4, at Khana Khazana (food treasure), a special ethnic lunch cooked by international students and served in the Michigan Tech Memorial Union Food Court every Friday.

Parawee Pumwongpitak, a graduate student from Thailand, will cook Spaghetti Pad Kee Mao, spaghetti with spicy Thai stir fried chicken and herb (soya balls for veggie dish); Tom Seap Muu, tasty spicy and sour soup of northeastern Thailand served with pork or mushrooms; Khao Niew Sang, sweet sticky rice topped with a slice of creamy egg custard.

A complete meal costs $6 and includes coffee, hot tea or a fountain soda. Items are available à la carte for $2.

Khana Khazana is a cooperative effort of international students and Michigan Tech Dining Services.

White Water to perform Finnish Dance as "Rockland" fundraiser in Brownstone Hall Mar. 5

ATLANTIC MINE -- White Water (Dean and Bette Premo along with Emma, Carrie, and Susan Dlutkowski) will perform for a Finnish Dance from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 5, 2011, at the historic Brownstone Hall, 46925 Huron St. in Atlantic Mine. The dance will be a fundraiser for the Pine Mountain Music Festival (PMMF) New World Premiere performances of its new opera Rockland. The event will feature the rich dance music of composer Konsta Jylhä.

The Brownstone Hall, with its recently remodeled stage and dance floor, is now a favorite dance venue, thanks to owners Susi and Tim Landers, who have spent months remodeling the building. Here dancers do a lively Finnish schottische during the Pasi Cats' Pikkujoulu (Little Christmas) dance on Dec. 12, 2010. Click on photos for larger versions. (Keweenaw Now file photo)*

Rockland will be performed on July 15 and 17, 2011, at the Rozsa Center for Performing Arts at Michigan Technological University. This opera is based on a long-forgotten incident in Rockland (Ontonagon County) when in 1906 sheriff’s deputies confronted a group of striking Finnish copper miners. Shots were fired and two miners were killed. A survivor of the confrontation, miner Alfred Laakso, wrote an account that has served as inspiration for the opera.

Arts supporters John and Pauline Kiltinen championed the project with PMMF. The Kiltinens raised money for the commissioning phase, partly from themselves and partly from Gloria Jackson, who has family roots in Nivala, Finland (where the Old World Premiere will take place in early summer). Jussi Tapola, stage director at Finnish National Opera, was hired as librettist; and renowned composer Jukka Linkola was engaged to write the music.

In offering the fundraiser dance, White Water continues its longtime and diverse relation with the PMMF. Dean and Bette Premo have made music as White Water since 1985. For much of that time, son Evan and daughter Laurel have been part of the band. These days White Water takes on several forms (duo, trio, quartet, and more). For the special fundraiser dance Dean and Bette will be joined by Houghton-based "fiddlers" Emma and Carrie Dlutkowski and their mother Susan (piano). Despite their young ages Emma and Carrie are long-time members of the U.P. classical music scene and for the last three years they have been frequent performers with White Water.

Whitewater band members Bette Premo (far left on stage) and and Dean Premo (right at microphone) are joined by young fiddlers Emma Dlutkowski (second from left) and Carrie Dlutkowski of Stanton Township during the June 2009 Finnish Music Festival in Covington. Dancers include Kay and Hal Seppala (left foreground) of Chassell. Kay Seppala's Kivajat Dance Group also performed during that festival. (Keweenaw Now file photo © and courtesy Susan Dlutkowski)

The White Water ensemble will feature the music of Konsta Jylhä (1910-1984), a folk-virtuoso who made the traditional pelimanni-style folk music a Finnish cultural phenomenon. The current Kaustinen Finland folk-virtuoso violinist, Mauno Järvelä, has made it his life work to document and make available to fiddlers worldwide the music of Konsta Jylhä. Järvelä provided the music to White Water.

Finnish snacks and coffee will be available at the March 5 dance. Tickets will be available at the door for $10. For more information contact the PMMF at (906) 482-1542.

* See more photos of the Brownstone Hall in our Dec. 13, 2010, article "PasiCats' Pikkujoulu warms Brownstone Hall with song, dance."

Celebrate Youth Arts Month at Community Arts Center

Block print by Amber Liimatta, grade 11, Calumet High School. (Photo courtesy Copper Country Community Arts Center)

HANCOCK -- The Copper Country Community Arts Center is featuring artwork from area elementary, middle, and high school students March 5-31. This is an exhibit not to be missed! The Youth Gallery and the Kerredge Gallery will be filled floor to ceiling with amazing youth art. March is a time where our young artists get to shine. It’s a time not only to celebrate youth art, but to appreciate the art teachers who work throughout the school year encouraging and inspiring their students.

A special thank you to the exemplary art teachers who went above and beyond by bringing in their students’ work for Celebrate Youth Arts Month: Houghton Elementary: Melissa Hronkin; Baraga Area Schools: Bob Foster; Lake Linden Hubbell Schools: Danielle Alfafara; Calumet High School: Susan Rosemurgy; Calumet Elementary School: Debbie Mues; Barkell Elementary: Karen Scholie; and Hancock High School: Kris Raisanen Schourek.

Plan to attend the opening reception at the Arts Center from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 5.

The Copper Country Community Arts Center is located at 126 Quincy Street in Hancock. Call 482-2333 for more information.

HUMANSCAPE: Paintings by Tomas Co at Reflection Gallery in March

Mingus by Tomas Co. Click on images for larger versions. (Photo courtesy Finlandia University)

HANCOCK -- The Finlandia University Reflection Gallery, Hancock, will host an exhibit of paintings by Tomas Co March 1 to March 31, 2011. An opening reception and artist talk will take place from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m Thursday, March 3, at the Reflection Gallery. The reception is open to the public and refreshments will be served.

Titled "HUMANSCAPE: Explorations in Sumi-E," Co’s exhibit explores the human condition by combining eastern and western styles of painting and incorporating traditional and modern approaches to the aesthetics of philosophy.

Sumi-e ink and watercolor are Co’s mediums. Describing the use of these two water-based media together, he notes that, "the main thrill of the incomplete control of both these water-based media has given me a terrific and awkward scalpel to explore the genius and imperfections, beauty and ugliness, goodness and evil that surround us."

Amoureux by Tomas Co. (Photo courtesy Finlandia University)

Co believes that art is the most human means of expression and communication. He says, "The purest forms of art stem from the primordial needs to externalize, articulate, and sometimes exorcise the internal struggles, confusion, rationality, and personal essence."

Co says his creative process entails sketching images recalled from the media, memories, and conversations, while drawing inspiration from shapes and brushstrokes that encourage him to explore his subject matter further.

With each sketch, the narrative of Co’s paintings grows and changes. He notes that, especially for subjects and characters that are already well-known, he researches them further, imagining their successes, failures, pressures, and conflicts, and the possible scenarios they might have experienced.

When asked to show his work at the Reflection Gallery, Co was at first unsure of what he could contribute. But after some encouragement, he accepted.

"I have seen some presentations and exhibits at the Reflection Gallery, and I found the artists and audience were very open with fresh enthusiasm and ideas. So I thought, why not?" Co says. "Maybe as an outsider of the art profession, I can offer a naive perspective, and I am sure that the community will be able to give some exciting and interesting perspectives."

The Warrior by Tomas Co. (Photo courtesy Finlandia University)

Tomas Co is an associate professor of chemical engineering at Michigan Technological University, Houghton. He has a bachelor of science and Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the University of the Philippines and the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, respectively.

The Reflection Gallery is located on the second level of Finlandia’s Jutila Center campus, 200 Michigan St., Hancock.

For additional information, please contact Yueh-mei Cheng, Finlandia professor of studio arts, at 906-487-7375, or e-mail FinlandiaReflectionGallery@gmail.com.

"A Peaceful Uprising" mini-doc from opening day of bidder 70 trial

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah -- On Feb. 28, 2011, in Salt Lake City, Utah, hundreds of activists took to the streets to sing, march and do sky art in a display of solidarity with Tim DeChristopher, aka "bidder70," whose trial for civil disobedience in defense of Utah wilderness and climate justice began that day.

Supporters -- about 400-strong -- show solidarity for Tim DeChristopher in Exchange Plaza in Salt Lake City on Monday, Feb. 28, 2011. (Photo courtesy Peaceful Uprising. Reprinted with permission.)

See this inspiring video of the peaceful rally and aerial art, "A Peaceful Uprising," from Daniel Dancer on Vimeo.

Update: Peaceful Demonstrations Escalate Outside DeChristopher Trial

By Flora Bernard*

Demonstrations outside of climate activist Tim DeChristopher’s trial have gently escalated. What began as a permitted, coordinated march and rally in tandem with DeChristopher’s prosecution has crossed legal lines. Shortly after DeChristopher entered Salt Lake City’s federal courthouse, accompanied by his defense team and writer Terry Tempest Williams, hundreds of his supporters who were congregated outside the courthouse since early this morning pushed past the legal line onto the grounds of the federal building.

The demonstrators are now singing, and refusing to leave the premises. Their peaceful and nonviolent action was deliberate and surprisingly organized. Police were already anticipating potential conflict and were at the ready on site. His supporters have expressed intention to remain in place for the duration of DeChristopher’s trial. National and local media were already in place to follow the demonstrations.

See Peaceful Uprising for more updates.

See the New York Times interview with Tim DeChristopher.

*Flora Bernard is a writer, a musician and activist, who has worked with Peaceful Uprising since February 2009.

Updated: Second Annual Copper Dog 150 Race offers events for all March 4-6

A scene from the 2010 Copper Dog 150. The popular Sled Dog Race on the Keweenaw Peninsula -- from Calumet to Eagle Harbor to Copper Harbor and back to Calumet -- is back this year: Friday through Sunday, March 4-6. (Photo courtesy Main Street Calumet)

CALUMET --Bundle up the family and head to the north end of the Keweenaw Peninsula for the 2nd Annual Copper Dog 150 professional and recreational sled-dog competitions this weekend -- Friday, March 4, through Sunday, March 6, 2011. This award-winning Keweenaw backwoods adventure promises fun and excitement for all ages!

The Copper Dog 150 is one of the Midwest’s newest and most inspiring adventures in the sport of mushing. Over 30 Pro-class race teams will compete and pit their and their team's skills and conditioning against other world-class competitors. The best ten times take home a piece of the $20,000 race purse.

Events in Calumet begin at 5 p.m. Friday, March 4, with a Copper Dog Street Party at the corner of Oak and Fifth streets. It includes live music, food, beer, and a fundraiser and is expected to last until 1 a.m.

Fifth and Scott streets in Calumet will be the scene of the Pre-Race Ceremony from 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and the Start of the Race, beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.

At 9:15 p.m. don't miss the Copper Dog 150 Fireworks over Agassiz Park, Calumet.

For those who wish to watch the race teams, check out the spectator locations and times on the Schedule of Events.

On Friday the teams will race from Calumet to Eagle Harbor; on Saturday, March 5, the race continues from Eagle Harbor to Copper Harbor; the final leg is the race from Copper Harbor back to Calumet on Sunday, March 6.

Click here for the Overview Map showing the start and finish times and locations.

Click here for the Trail Map.

On Friday, check out the art events in Calumet, including art openings at the Ed Gray Gallery -- a fund-raising Box Art exhibit -- and at the Vertin Gallery, with K. Carlton Johnson's exhibit "Under Glass." Stop in at the Calumet Art Center between 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Friday to warm up at their Open House. See our article on the art exhibits.

Update: In addition to music groups playing at Fifth and Oak Streets, don't be surprised to hear the Backroom Boys playing old jazz, blues, and whatnot in the Conglomerate Café on Fifth Street starting at about 7 p.m. Friday evening. The Backroom Boys are Bob Norden, trombone and vocals; John Munson on clarinet and sax; and Oren Tikkanen, banjo, guitar and vocals.

"When your sweetie gets cold from dancing in the snow and encouraging the valiant sled dogs, come on in for a hot chocolate, coffee, or something stronger, and enjoy some music with a New Orleans touch," says Oren Tikkanen. "Remember, this is also the beginning of Mardi Gras weekend, so let the good times roll!"

Saturday's events include a Continental Breakfast from 6:30 a.m. - 9 a.m. at the Eagle Harbor Inn, Eagle Harbor; free Sled Dog Rides for Kids from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Copper Harbor; a Mid-Race Banquet (public welcome) from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Mariner North, Copper Harbor; the Copper Dog Weight Pull and Kids' Kick-Sled and Sled Dog Races between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. in Calumet. See the Schedule for details.

On Sunday, the Pines and Tamarack restaurants will be open for breakfast at 5:30 a.m.

The Copper Dog 150 will conclude between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 6, on Fifth Street in Calumet.

Main Street Calumet's Copper Dog 150 Sled Dog Race Committee is again sponsoring the Paw Prints Challenge. Residents and area visitors can show their support for the Copper Dog by buying Paw Print stickers from participating businesses, organizations, and individuals.

For every 150 Paw Prints sold, you’re eligible to receive a free dasher board to advertise your business or promote your cause. The dasher boards will be displayed along the downtown Calumet start and finish route.

For details about how to obtain your Paw Prints, or for more information, contact Main Street Calumet at 906-337-6246 or David Rheault at 906-370-0028.

Check out the Main Street Calumet Web site for more info on the Race.

See a video of last year's Copper Dog 150 Race on the Copper Dog 150 Web site.

Calumet galleries to host First Friday art openings March 4

An entry in the Ed Gray Gallery Box Show Exhibit, a fundraiser opening Friday, March 4. (Photo courtesy Ed Gray Gallery)

CALUMET -- In the midst of the Copper Dog 150 Dog Sled Race opening ceremony and race start, the street party on Fifth Street and live music, Calumet art galleries will hold their March openings Friday, March 4.

Please note because of the Copper Dog activities Fifth Street will be closed to traffic Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There will be 3000 to 4000 people in town, so plan on coming early.*

Ed Gray Gallery to exhibit Box Show Fundraiser

The Ed Gray Gallery, at 109 Fifth Street in Calumet, is excited to announce that it will host a fund-raising show during the month of March. Cigar boxes have been distributed to artists willing to transform a box into an art piece. The boxes will be sold in the gallery, and the profits will benefit the Calumet Art Center. Artists using a variety of media will be represented. They include painters, mixed media artists, potters, fiber artists and others.

The Box Show at the Ed Gray Gallery includes a variety of media, as seen in this entry. During the opening reception on March 4, the box art will be available for sale to raise funds for the Calumet Art Center. (Photo courtesy Ed Gray Gallery)

The gallery show opens with a reception from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, March 4. The box art will be available for sale at that time.

Calumet Art Center to hold Open House / Warm-up

From 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 4, the public is invited to an Open House / Warm-up at the Calumet Art Center, one block from the start of the Copper Dog 150 on Fifth Street.

Vertin Gallery to host K. Carlton Johnson's "Under Glass" exhibit

The Vertin Gallery will present the artwork of K. Carlton Johnson in her exhibit "Under Glass" from March 4 - March 30. A reception will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, March 4. Refreshments will be served.

Question. Monoprint by K. Carlton Johnson. (Photo courtesy Vertin Gallery)

K. Carlton Johnson is a U.P. artist who is known for her work in oil on canvas. "Under Glass" is a departure from these mediums and into the realm of mono-prints on paper.

Johnson explains her draw to this medium: "Prints are a different approach to visual language and expression; unlike works on canvas they perform in a smaller and more intimate environment. The preparation for the print and the inability often to control the product's outcome allow a random nature to the visual elements and thus are highly charged with an immediate energy."

For more information on this event please call the Vertin Gallery at 906-337-2200.

* Editor's Note: For information on the Copper Dog 150 Dog Sled Race, click on the links in our right-hand column and watch for a coming announcement.