Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority will host the inaugural event from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday at the First National Bank & Trust Downtown Stage, at the corner of Iron Mountain and Hughitt streets, with Bacco Construction Co. serving as signature sponsor.

The event replaces the former Brewfest concept with a broader focus designed to appeal to all ages.

“We are so excited to kick off this festival for the first year,” DDA Event Coordinator Katherine Mentel said. “It’s kind of a celebration of all things small-town summer.”

Mentel noted the feedback from the community helped shape the festival’s direction.

Band members of 141 North, from left, are Robert "Hoss" Hostettler, Matt Harvath, Brent Hostettler, Gerry Pirkola and Brian Whitens. (Courtesy photo)

“The thought process after getting feedback for so many years was that people are really looking for stuff that they can take the whole family to,” she explained. “Brewfest was a great event, but it wasn’t inclusive of everyone in the community. That’s really what we’re here for — to build community connections and positive spaces where people can celebrate together.”

The timing coincides with both Father’s Day weekend and the summer solstice, bringing some of the longest daylight hours of the year.

“Bring the whole family out and we’ll hang out and dance to music all night long,” Mentel said. “If you’re looking for something fun to do with dad, bring him out on Saturday, grab some good food and drinks, and have a good day.”

This year’s inaugural festival carries a country theme and features a lineup of live music and interactive attractions.

Finding Feathers, formerly known as the Seth Brown Duo, will open the event from noon to 3 p.m.

After the performance, attendees can take part in country line dancing from 3:30 to 5 p.m. before local favorite 141 North closes out the evening from 5:30 to 9 p.m.

The full day of music is sponsored by the Tourism Association of the Dickinson County Area, or TADCA.

The line dancing segment is sponsored by The Sandlot and will feature instructors both on stage and throughout the crowd to help participants learn the steps.

“It’s great for all ages,” Mentel said. “This is kind of a fun way to get introduced to it.”

Mentel noted that fest-goers can continue with the line dancing into the night along to the music by 141 North.

“If you missed their great performance at Out to Lunch, you can catch them at Summer Roll Out,” she said.

Those line dancers that catch on and love it can continue at The Sandlot in Niagara, Wis., as they host events throughout the summer and into the fall.

The younger kids can enjoy inflatables provided by ACA Jumps free of charge from noon to 5 p.m., including the popular Ninja Run, a toddler playland and bounce house.

D’s Creative Faces is returning to offer face painting from noon to 5 p.m. Cost is five tickets, with an additional $5 for water-resistant paint.

Ages 7 and older are challenged to take a spin on the mechanical bull from noon to 8 p.m. Cost is three tickets for one ride or five for two rides.

“I think that would be fun to compete against your friends,” Mentel said.

Back 40 Axe Throwing invites participants to try their skill from noon to 8 p.m. Cost is five tickets per round.

Visitors can purchase activity tickets for paid attractions, though unused tickets may also be redeemed for concessions, including beverages and snacks, she said.

Food vendors will include Curious Pig, serving barbecue favorites, and Sugar Jets & Billie’s, offering tacos, nachos, smash burgers, dirty sodas and boba drinks.

“We are excited to have some great food vendors coming in,” Mentel said.

Adult beverages, including beer and wine, as well as soft drinks and water, will also be available

Admission is $5, with children ages 12 and younger admitted free. Cash and cards will be accepted.

The DDA still needs volunteers to assist throughout the day. Opportunities are available for responsible youth ages 14 and older and adults to assist with activities, admissions and beverage service.

Volunteers will receive a DDA volunteer shirt, free event admission, $10 in drink tickets, and $10 in food vouchers to use at the event. Third-shift volunteers receive $15 in drink tickets and food vouchers.

Mentel credited local sponsors for helping launch the festival.

“We thank Bacco Construction Company for believing in the vision of this festival and being the signature sponsor for the first year,” she said.

In addition, she thanked the other sponsors that include Tourism Association of the Dickinson County Area for music programming for the event; First National Bank & Trust as the downtown stage sponsor; line dancing sponsor The Sandlot; platinum sponsors Northern Interstate Bank, American Transmission Co. — ATC; and supporter sponsor Mouw & Celello P.C.

The festival will go on rain or shine. “We’ll be there all day — it’s a perfect way to mark the start of the summer with friends and family,” Mentel said. “It’ll be a great time.”

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