Theresa Proudfit/Daily News photo FROM LEFT, AUDREY Williams, Kevin Giuliani, Beth Nocerini, Vic Guiliani, Max Nylund, Elsie Williams, Claudia Nocerini, Jon Giuliani and Isaac Williams, all of Crystal Falls, eat lunch at Runkle Lake in Crystal Falls, where they are camping through Bass Festival, which starts Thursday and runs through Sunday.

CRYSTAL FALLS — Get ready to dust off that fishing gear — it’s Bass Festival time.

The Crystal Falls Lions hosts the 53rd annual event that opens Thursday and runs through Sunday.

At the heart of the celebration is the fishing contest. All participants must pre-register at the Crystal Bait and Marine, at 520 Crystal Ave. Entry fee is $5 for adults; ages 16 and younger can enter for free. Fishing contest final entries are due at noon Sunday.

“We encourage all participants to get out to the bait shop and sign up before they freeze their fish,” said Gene Schiavo, Lions Club spokesman.

Thursday, everyone can enjoy a few games of bingo at 6 p.m. at the Nylund building on Superior Avenue in Crystal Falls. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.

Concessions will be available at Nylund’s.

“There is some great cash jackpots and prizes to be given out,” Schiavo said.

Friday’s events features Nylund’s 12th annual Boxing Invitational at 7 p.m. at the Nylund building. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with concessions available.

“Spectators can expect some great fighting,” he said. “They will features amateur boxers from Michigan and Wisconsin.”

The parade kicks off Saturday’s activities at 10 a.m. with the theme “100 Years of International Service.” The procession goes down Superior Avenue and includes a wide variety of float and music entries.

Canoe races shove off at 11:30 a.m. on the Paint River, beginning at the Crystal Falls power dam and finishing just before the M-69 bridge.

This is an event for everyone, from competitive to more relaxed fun.

Schiavo said one of the Lion’s highlight of their fundraiser is their famous barbecue chicken

that will be ready by noon at Runkle Lake Park.

The fun continues all afternoon at the park, with the volleyball tournament and music starting at noon. Jake and the Fireside Band will take stage from 2:30 to 7 p.m. for all to enjoy.

The evening concludes with the popular Wop vs. Swede softball game, with the first pitch at 7:30 p.m.

“This is always a good time with this ethnic rivalry,” he said.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars will host a pancake breakfast from 7 a.m. to noon Sunday at the VFW hall.

The Run Your Bass Off has been a part of the Bass Festival for more than 30 years.

Registration for the 5K and 10K run and 5K walk begins at 8 a.m. Sunday, with the event starting at 9 a.m. at Runkle Lake Park. Registration also is available online at www.runyourbassoff.com.

The annual community picnic at noon Sunday continues the fun at Runkle Lake Park. Concessions will be available on the grounds, including brats, hamburgers, hot dogs, refreshments and more.

Toddlers ages 3 and younger will strut their stuff for the annual baby contest at noon, also at the park.

Games and races for the kids take place at 2 p.m., and everyone can enjoy an afternoon of volleyball and horseshoe competition.

The Boys and Toys band featuring Paul Sundquist will perform from 2 to 6 p.m. at the pavilion.

“Everyone is also reminded to get their drawing tickets at a chance at a $1,000 first-place prize,” Schiavo said.

“This event is always fun for the whole family,” he said. “The Lions Club appreciates all the support from the community every year.”

Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 39, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.