The grand opening of the center at 301 W. Hughitt St. has been reset for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 2, due to inspector scheduling conflicts.

“While this shift wasn’t expected, it gives us just a little more time to ensure everything is absolutely ready for an incredible community experience,” Executive Director Barb Reisner said.

On May 2, the Imagination Factory Community Center will host the annual One Big Day For Healthy Kids event on the first floor of the Children’s Museum.

Families can take home free bike helmets from BOSS Snowplow, enjoy healthy lunches and visit more than 20 local community partner booths promoting positive lifestyle choices.

The launch party for the Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament will be 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 3, at the Imagination Factory Community Center. Guests will receive free admission to the Children’s Museum. The tournament will take place Aug. 15-16. Shown is the new Gus Macker Cafe. (Contributed photo)

Each year, BOSS Snowplow, Northern Lights YMCA and the Imagination Factory Children’s Museum join together to sponsor this day for children and families.

BOSS Snowplow employees will arrive early at 9 a.m. for a private kickoff.

“This is more than an opening — it’s a celebration of our community’s commitment to children and families,” Reisner said. “Inside the museum, everything is coming together beautifully.”

All exhibits — including the 10 buildings in Tiny Town — are in place across six themed exhibit rooms. Only a few final touches remain, with all inspections scheduled to be finished in April.

“The Imagination Factory Team is hard at work preparing every detail so that opening day is truly unforgettable,” she said.

“We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our generous community partners: BOSS Snowplow (May 2), Iron Mountain-Kingsford Community Federal Credit Union (May 3) and the Rotary Club (May 16) — for providing free day passes for guests. This generous support makes access possible for so many families,” Director Jonathan Ringel said.

The celebration will continue with the Gus Macker Launch Party from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 3. Guests will receive free admission to the Children’s Museum. Those who sign up to volunteer for the Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, set for Aug. 15-16, will receive an official Gus Macker 2026 shirt and an invitation to gather in the Gus Macker Cafe for a pizza and salad buffet for friends and family.

Volunteering for Gus Macker is a great way to get involved, give back and be part of something big, organizers said.

“We are deeply grateful for the incredible support of our 2025-2026 Capital Campaign. Because of community giving, this vision is becoming a reality,” Reisner and Ringel said.

The capital campaign will continue through fall 2026 to support second and third floor renovations and the playground grand opening.

“Let’s all join together and finish the entire community center building project in 2026,” they said. “Seeing everyone on the weekend of May 2 and 3 will empower giving and volunteering. If you’d like to make an impact and be part of this momentum, we welcome your contribution.”

Donations can be mailed to: Imagination Factory, P.O. Box 906, Iron Mountain MI 49801.

To stay connected about the Imagination Factory Community Center, go to the new website at imaginationfactory.us, which is a hub for updates, events and ways to engage.

“Thank you for your patience, your belief, and your continued support. We can’t wait to celebrate this milestone with you — it’s going to be something truly special,” the Imagination Factory Board of Directors said in a statement.