The Friends of City Park two-day fundraiser will run from 4 to 11 p.m. Friday and 3 to 11 p.m. Saturday.

On Friday, gates to the park open at 3:30 p.m. with Daryle Ryan, the former lead singer of Bad Axe Rodeo, kicking off the live music from 4 to 5 p.m.

“I’m super excited to have Daryle (Ryan) coming back here to open for us both days,” said Caroline Sullivan, president of the Friends of City Park.

The Polar Blues Band of the U.P. will play a variety of high-energy blues music from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

One of the bands plays at the 2024 Saturday in the Park music event in Iron Mountain's City Park. The two days of live music, food and other activities raises funds for park improvements. (Contributed photo)

Headlining Friday night is popular local band Next Myle. They will perform a variety of hits from 8 to 11 p.m.

“They (Next Myle) are back after not playing at the park for four or five years now,” Sullivan said. “They are fun and have a great following.”

Gates will open at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, with Daryle Ryan to present his second performance from 3 to 5 p.m.

Moving the crowd into the evening is the Kind of Blues Band of the Iron Mountain, Norway and Escanaba area. They will offer a variety of blues music from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Local acoustic duo Norton & Chartier will close from 8 to 11 p.m.

“I’m pretty excited to have Norton & Chartier this year on Saturday night,” she said. “It’s a great line-up for the weekend.”

Two local food trucks, Mama’s Mangia and The Curious Pig, will offer a variety of their specialties for the weekend.

New this year, the Friends of the City Park will open their own concession stand in the large cabin, offering hot dogs, nachos, soft pretzels, chips and snow cones.

“We purchased equipment from the former Ice Cream Station, so we will be able to serve more kid-friendly items,” she said. “We love our food trucks, but it’s more adult food, as that’s who we are catering mostly to — they are the ones helping us raise money for the kids.”

A variety of beverages will be available for purchase at the tent.

Money from their concession will also go back to the park, Sullivan noted.

She reminds attendees that no carry-ins or other entrance will be permitted to the park during fundraiser hours.

The inflatable bounce house and obstacle course, as well as the inflatable bull, return this year for ages 12 and younger. They will be open from 5 to 8 p.m. both days.

“They will be able to have unlimited access at no charge,” she said.

The Iron Mountain Fire Department will also have The Smoke House on site for young participants.

The committee will conduct 50-50 drawings throughout the two-day event.

The cost of admission bracelets for both days is $15 at the gate, with ages 12 and younger getting in for free.

An ATM will be available on site.

All funds raised at the event goes back into City Park improvements.

“In the future, they plan to remove the pond and replace it with a warming water trough,” she said. “This will eliminate the bugs, slime and mess with the pond.”

Sullivan noted they are looking at several other projects as well, including finishing the asphalt path around the park and extending the skate board area.

“I’m still pushing for a splash pad,” she added. “We will eventually have to look at replacing the larger pieces of playground equipment, as they are over 20 years old.”

The committee still needs volunteers for the weekend. Those interested can contact Sullivan on the Saturday in the Park, Iron Mountain Facebook page.

“Anyone who volunteers two hours of their time will receive free entrance for the weekend,” she said. “Without help we will be unable to continue with future events.”

The event will continue rain or shine this weekend.

Parking is available in the park grounds. They remind those who park on A or B Street need to make sure they park in the direction of traffic flow.

The Friends of City Park thanked their sponsors and those who have made donations toward this fundraiser, including LiUNA Local 1329, RiZE, BOSS Snowplow, First National Bank & Trust and Trident Maritime Systems.

“We hope the community comes down for two nights of great music, food and fun,” Sullivan said.

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Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.