“We couldn’t do it without our tremendous team, sponsors and volunteers,” said Barb Reisner, Gus Macker co-coordinator and Imagination Factory executive director. “We are ‘fired up’ for a full weekend of fun and basketball.”

Reisner noted they still need scorekeepers for the weekend, as they prefer to have two volunteers per court.

Anyone interested in volunteering their time is asked to attend the scorekeepers meeting at 3 p.m. today in the cafeteria at 217 W. Hughitt St. Volunteers will receive a Gus Macker T-shirt at the meeting.

Gus Macker excitement kicks off at 5 tonight with three timed skill contests — Dribble Weave, Around the World Three Point Shooting and “Harder” Hook, sponsored by Kim Webb — in the Dream Court area.

Elliott Trindal, electrical apprentice at M.J. Electric, gets electrical boxes ready for the Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament this weekend in downtown Iron Mountain. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

The official opening ceremony will start at 8 a.m. at the top men’s court.

Reisner said signature sponsor leaders will be introduced at this time.

Games at each of the 15 courts will follow at about 8:30 a.m.

In addition to Saturday’s regular game competition of all ages, other highlights include a free throw contest and three-point shooting contests sponsored by the YMCA; and the Slam Dunk contest sponsored by Flavor Blast.

On Sunday, Macker games will continue into the afternoon, with the championship games to start about 10 a.m. Trophies will be awarded following in the gym.

Players can register and pick up T-shirts from 4 to 7 p.m. today and 7 a.m. to noon Saturday in the gym next to the cafeteria.

Officials will meet at 7 a.m. Saturday in the former school library room.

Reisner said “Gus” himself, Scott McNeal, will make an appearance this weekend, along with Chris Kaman “The Caveman” and several NBA players.

The public is reminded about the road closure that started this morning and continues until 7 p.m. Sunday. Carpenter Avenue from Ludington Street down to C Street will be closed, as well east and west streets off Carpenter.

Court maps will be available for the public Saturday morning.

She encourages the community to come out and enjoy some basketball and grab lunch at one of the food vendors.

Reisner gave special thanks to all Macker sponsors, volunteers, officials, players and community members that help make the event successful each year, adding the event will continue next year.

Proceeds from this year’s event go to benefit the renovation building project of the new Imagination Factory Community Center.

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