Houghton County Fair offers fun, education for all ages

Preparing to exhibit her sheep, Licorice, at the Sheep and Goat Show is Eva Halonen, right, assisted by her friends Kyla Strom, left, and Bailey Strom. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

HANCOCK -- The Houghton County Fair at the Fairgrounds in Hancock is a great opportunity for children to exhibit the animals they have worked hard to raise for sale or show. It's also a great learning experience. Keweenaw Now followed one young sheep owner, Eva Halonen, and her lovely black sheep, Licorice, from the livestock barn to the livestock pavilion during the Houghton County Fair on Friday, Aug. 25.

During the Sheep Show at the pavilion, some of the young exhibitors faced challenges in holding on to their lively sheep during the judging:

Some of the sheep are just not too cooperative when it comes to posing for the judge! (Videos by Keweenaw Now)

Licorice and some of the other sheep are still a bit stubborn, but Eva and the other young exhibitors finally get them in line, with a little help from the judge and his assistant.

The Houghton County Fair offers lots of fun and activities for the whole family. Highlights for today, Saturday, Aug. 26, include a Cowboy Challenge at noon, followed by an Open Horse Fun Show in the Horse Arena; Kids' Fun Day from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Indoor Arena; an Educational Demonstration in the Livestock Barn at 6 p.m.; Monster Trucks at 7:30 p.m.; Hypnotist Kerry Sharp at 9 p.m. and more.

On Sunday, Aug. 27, don't miss the John Bishop Memorial Youth Horse Show at 10 a.m.: the Kivajat Folk Dancers on the Indoor Stage at 2 p.m.; a Lyme Disease Educational Seminar at 3 p.m. on the Indoor Stage; Dinosaurs; the Remote Control Car Racing Tournament at 3:15 p.m. and more!

Click here for the full schedule and information.

Keweenaw Land Trust to host Hungarian Falls Hot Spot week Aug. 22-27

Hungarian Falls. (Photo © and courtesy Eric Munch)

From Keweenaw Land Trust:

With more than 11 billion visits to public lands in the United States each year, many outdoor areas across our nation are negatively impacted by recreational use. We are literally loving our land to death. The reason is usually not malicious or intent to harm nature and wildlife, rather it’s simply a lack of knowledge or skills. The end result however is usually the same: litter, invasive species, dog waste, trail and campsite erosion, water pollution, filthy campfire rings, and more.

The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics calls these areas Hot Spots or areas that are damaged but can recover again with a motivated community and after week-long trainings conducted by expert Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers.*

Hungarian Falls was chosen as a 2017 Leave No Trace Hot Spot, one of twelve selected for this special initiative. 

Leave No Trace to host Hungarian Falls activities with KLT

The Keweenaw Land Trust (KLT) purchased the uppermost Hungarian Falls in 2013 with the help of donations from the public. Leave No Trace is partnering with the Keweenaw Land Trust to host community events, trainings, and educational activities from August 22-27, 2017, to address the many issues afflicting the Hungarian Falls gorge. KLT invites the public to learn how to lighten impact on the landscape and help heal special places across the Keweenaw.

Below is a schedule of events planned during this Hungarian Falls Hot Spot week. All events are free unless otherwise noted.

Tuesday, Aug. 22, 6 p.m. -- Guided Hike at Hungarian Falls
Join the Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers and Hungarian Falls champion Clay Hixson for a guided hike to the falls. Learn about Leave No Trace ethics and what inspired Clay to lead the charge to protect this scenic place. Meet at the upper trailhead on Golf Course Road.** (See below for directions.)

Wednesday, Aug. 23, 7 p.m. -- Guided Geoheritage Hike at Hungarian Falls 
Learn about the varied geology found at the Hungarian Falls gorge with Erika Vye from Keweenaw Geoheritage and Leave No Trace techniques from the Traveling Trainers as you hike around this beautiful area. Meet at the upper trailhead on Golf Course Road.

Thursday, Aug. 24, 5:30 p.m. hike, 7 p.m. presentation -- Leave No Trace hike at the Quincy Mine and "History on the Hill" Speaker Series
Join the Traveling Trainers for a hike and discussion on one of the most important Leave No Trace Ethics: Leave What You Find. Meet at the Quincy Mine Hoist off of US-41.

Friday, Aug. 25, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Meet ‘n’ Greet at the Houghton Down Wind Sports
Stop and chat with the Traveling Trainers to learn about how you can integrate Leave No Trace ethics into your next adventure around the Keweenaw!

Saturday, Aug. 26, 7 p.m. - Gathering and music at the Orpheum Theater
Celebrate Hungarian Falls with live music courtesy of Keweenaw Brewgrass and stories from the Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers! $5/person, BYOB.

Sunday, Aug. 27, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. - Workday at Hungarian Falls!
Help out on various projects in the gorge, from invasive species removal to trail cleanup. Bring gloves, water, and grubby clothes. Meet at the upper trailhead on Golf Course Road.

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Nathan Miller at nathan@keweenawlandtrust.org or call (906) 482-0820.

*Click here to learn more about the Leave No Trace Hot Spot Program.

** Click here for directions and a description of Hungarian Falls.