As part of the new facility’s grand opening, the Board of Directors will host two special events today and Sunday.

“The reality of having a place where children and adults love to learn, and everyone belongs, was only made possible by the amazing, big-hearted, generous community,” Executive Director Barb Reisner said. “Children will be interacting and engaging in play and learning in activities for many years to come.”

The annual One Big Day For Healthy Kids event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. today on the first floor of the Children’s Museum at 301 W. Hughitt St. in Iron Mountain.

Local families will have access to free bike helmets from BOSS Snowplow, a healthy lunch, along with more than 20 local community partner booths promoting positive lifestyle choices.

The Imagination Factory Children’s Museum has averaged more than 50 Kingsford High School student volunteers annually during the weekends under the direction of Leah Rankin, Student Leader adviser and Spanish teacher. Executive Director Barb Reisner thanked the students and Rankin for their dedication to assisting the museum. From left, in the front row are Caylee Shogren, John Branam, Anja Bradley, Caleb Erickson, Clark Robb, Blake Tomasoski, Cavin Mulligan, Jack Spreen, Karly Trevillian, Kenedi Burrell, Kelsey Allen, Myah Hood, Mya Brunswick, Mara Tripp, Mylee Kreider, Kyle Kass and Natalie Bjorne; middle row are Sofia Wentarmini, Alayna Pietrantonio, Jana Cook, Aalayah Noasconi, Alexis Robb, Jenna Robb, Arianna Fornetti, Kyra Clement, Jonah Doenier, Chloe Blazer, Abby Floriano, Madison Miller, Domenic Fredrickson, Drew Tomasoski, Collin Olsen, Weston Jarski and Michael Covitz; and in back are Mackenzie Kreider, Miley Bray, Aubrey Mortl, Stasha Jarski, Lia Murphy, Elsa Lamirand, Nora Palmer, Madison Mann, Brooklyn Mann, Kieran Hempel, Andrew Kass, Jackson Frost and adviser Rankin. (Contributed photo)

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

A private kickoff for BOSS Snowplow employees will be from 9 to 10 a.m.

The community center will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. for the general public to visit the first floor of the museum at no cost.

Young guests will be able to enjoy six themed exhibit rooms, which includes 10 buildings in Tiny Town.

The celebration continues with the Gus Macker Launch Party from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Guests will also receive free admission to the Children’s Museum.

Anyone who signs up to become a Gus Macker volunteer will receive an official Gus Macker 2026 T-shirt and an invitation to a free luncheon from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Gus Macker Cafe for friends and family.

The 2026 Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament event will be Aug. 15-16 in Iron Mountain.

The Imagination Factory Community Center will be open for guests from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays; and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.

Reisner thanked the more than 50 Kingsford High School students who volunteered their time over the weekends throughout the year at the Imagination Factory Children’s Museum.

“Student Leader advisor and Spanish teacher Leah Rankin does an exceptional job in supporting and inspiring leadership and volunteerism in KHS youth,” she said.

The capital campaign will continue through the summer to leverage funds to finish the second and third floors, which includes the youth, adult and families centers.

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

“Every sunshine is an invitation for Imagination Factory leaders to arise and brighten someone’s day,” Reisner said.

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