This year’s 20-person hoop fest committee proved that by blowing away 48 years of Gus Macker statistics.

The 2022 3 on 3 Gus Macker Basketball Tournament, which takes place this weekend, has the backing of 121 sponsors, including 30 major sponsors and three signature sponsors: Kim Webb Leeds Real Estate, IncredibleBank and LiUNA Laborers’ Union.

“This is a national record for Gus,” co-coordinator Barb Reisner said. “Most tournaments have five to 15 sponsors at most — this is a big deal.”

Gus Macker’s goal is to host an entertaining, wholesome and family-oriented fundraising tournament for players, by players.

THE NEW “Welcome to Gus Macker Country! Iron Mountain” banner hangs on the brick wall at the Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce in downtown Iron Mountain. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

Reisner believes it’s so well received because it’s all about children.

“It’s about getting them out, playing and moving while having fun,” she said.

New to the Iron Mountain Gus Macker is the Friday night challenge. Members of the police department will take on the fire department and Leeds Real Estate faces Stephens Real Estate from 5 to 7 p.m. on the main court in front of the Izzo-Mariucci Center.

“It’s going to be so much fun,” Reisner said.

This weekend, 230 teams — 920 players — will participate on 20 courts on Carpenter Avenue in Iron Mountain. Courts will begin on Ludington Street and go down to B Street.

BANNERS OF sponsors supporting the 2022 3 on 3 Gus Macker Basketball Tournament in Iron Mountain line the walls outside the Imagination Factory Children's Museum entrance. Proceeds from the tournament benefit the museum. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

More than 60% of the team players are 5 to 14 years old, Reisner said, adding, “We are proud of that.”

The Dream Court for young players will be on Hughitt Street and Carpenter Avenue.

Opening ceremonies take place at 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, with tip-off at 8:30 a.m.

Three other contests are also slated for Saturday.

Youth can compete from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the three-point shooting and free throw contest, sponsored by the Northern Lights YMCA-Dickinson Center and Tourism Association of the Dickinson County Area. Trophies will be awarded for the top three in each contest.

The slam dunk contest will kick off at the conclusion of Saturday’s games, at about 5 p.m. Cash prizes of $100, $50 and $25 will be awarded to the top three slam dunk performances.

Sunday’s competition will conclude between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. Teams can pick up trophies also on Sunday afternoon.

Reisner expressed how pleased they are with team participation in spite of the economy and other challenges. She also appreciates the 300 volunteers who committed to this weekend.

Spectators are encouraged to check out the competition, as it has no admission fee.

“We also have great food vendors,” Reisner added.

She noted that the committee is already gearing up for the event in 2024, as it will be 50th anniversary of Gus Macker.

“We are fired up. We will have 500 teams — guarantee,” Reisner said.

The annual Iron Mountain event usually takes place the third weekend in July.

All the proceeds go to the Imagination Factory Children’s Museum in Iron Mountain.

“The mission is so positive,” she said. “These funds go for purchasing books as well as finishing the exhibits.”