Weekend happenings include:

NIAGARA LIONS CLUB COMMUNITY PICNIC

A cherished Niagara, Wis., tradition returns this weekend with the annual Niagara Lions Club Community Picnic takes over Heights Park for two days of festivities.

Generations of residents will gather Friday and Saturday for the summer celebration, which once again promises a packed schedule of community activities, contests, music and fireworks.

One of Niagara biggest summer celebrations returns this weekend with the annual two-day Niagara Lions Club Community Picnic. Lions Club member Dan Decker presents Kathie Gardiepy-Strand with raffle tickets for the weekend’s drawing. (Courtesy photo)

The picnic kicks off at 4 p.m. Friday with the opening of the park, with food and refreshment vendors welcome visitors.

Attendees can also register for the popular bean bag tournament before competition begins at 5:30 p.m.

The entertainment continues with music and crowd participation as LoneRiders Karaoke takes the stage at 7 p.m.

Saturday promises a full day of excitement for all ages. The park grounds open at 11:30 a.m., with a bounce house ready to keep youngsters entertained beginning at 1 p.m.

One of the weekend’s highlights, the community parade, steps off at 2 p.m. The crowning of Miss Niagara will follow at 3 p.m. and the First Lady and Mr. Niagara will be announced about 4 p.m. at the park.

The annual Dickinson County Veterans Appreciation Picnic will be Saturday afternoon at Lake Antoine Park in Iron Mountain. Several booths again will be on site at the event to provide information and resources for local veterans and their families. (Courtesy photo)

At 5 p.m., anticipation will build for the 12th-annual Niagara Knights of Columbus Jeff Champeau Memorial Duck Race, a longtime community favorite that sends hundreds of ducks racing for prizes and bragging rights.

This year’s duck race was scheduled to coordinate with the picnic at the park.

Duck are $5 each, six for $25, 12 for $50, or 18 for $75. The public can also purchase 25 for $100 that includes an entry into a special $500 cash prize drawing.

Ducks can be purchased at the race or prior to the event from Bob Burton at 715-251-4714, any Niagara Knight of Columbus member or at various establishments in Niagara and the surrounding area.

The special cash raffle winners will be announced at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 each or three for $20 and are available for purchased at area businesses. Winners do not need to be present. Proceeds help fund the weekend’s fireworks show and live entertainment.

Last year’s First Lady of Niagara and Mr. Niagara winners Jenny and Mike Nickels will crown the 2026 honorees Saturday at the Niagara Lions Club Community Picnic. The couple is shown with their son, Jeffrey, at the 2025 celebration. (Courtesy photo)

The popular local 141 North will fill the park with high-energy country hits and crowd-pleasing favorites starting at 7 p.m.

The celebration will conclude with a fireworks display at dusk.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to bring their families to enjoy Niagara Heights Park for a full weekend of fun and creating memories.

DICKINSON COUNTY VETERANS APPRECIATION PICNIC

Area veterans and their families are invited to the annual Dickinson County Veterans Appreciation Picnic on Saturday at Lake Antoine Park in Iron Mountain.

The picnic will take place from noon to 2:30 p.m., with lunch served on a first-come, first-served basis.

Dickinson County Veterans Service Officer Denise Formolo, the event provides an opportunity for veterans and their families to relax and enjoy an afternoon of connection, appreciation and community fellowship.

In addition to a free meal, attendees can take part in door prize drawings and a 50-50 raffle. Several local organizations, resource providers and vendors also will be on hand to offer information and support services for veterans and their families.

“Footprints of Michigan will be present as well, offering pairs of shoes for veterans from noon to 3 p.m.,” Formolo said.

Following the picnic, the public is invited to join veterans for an afternoon and evening of live music starting at 3 p.m.

Local performer Melanie Rose will open the entertainment line-up with a variety of acoustic selections, followed by a special guest veteran singer.

The Marquette-based band 41 West will then take the stage, with Model Citizens closing out the evening with a mix of popular country and rock hits from the 1980s and beyond.

The American Legion Post 50 of Iron Mountain will offer adult beverages for purchase during both the picnic and concert.

Formolo expressed her appreciation to the many sponsors whose continued support helps make the Veterans Appreciation Picnic a success each year.

FLORENCE 250TH CELEBRATION

Florence, Wis., will bring its parade back to downtown on Saturday as part of its celebration of America250 and the nation’s semiquincentennial.

Parade participants will begin to line up at 11:30 a.m., with the parade stepping off at 1 p.m. and proceeding down Central Avenue.

Organizers are still accepting parade entries. Those interested in participating can register online at florencewi.com/parade or call 906-200-0666 for more information.

A veterans appreciation ceremony will follow the parade.

The celebration will continue at 3 p.m. with a street dance at The Tavern on Central, featuring local musician Melanie Rose.

Attendees also can visit a booth hosted by the Florence K-9 unit and take part in a dunk tank fundraiser.

Food will be available throughout the event, with Hawg Wild Smoked Meats serving barbecue specialties and additional menu offerings available at The Tavern on Central.

The Florence Volunteer Fire Department will conduct its fireworks show at dusk on Thursday, July 2, over Fisher Lake.

FENCE DAY

The Town of Fence invite residents and visitors to celebrate Fence Day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday in downtown Fence, Wis.

Live entertainment will be featured throughout the day, with Cal’s Country Classics performing from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Victorious will take the stage from 4 to 8 p.m. to close out the evening’s festivities.

A variety of family-friendly activities are planned, including a bounce house with a slide, a dunk tank and sumo suit competitions. Face painting will be available for children from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Food will be available from Roadhouse 139’s food truck, which will offer a selection of smoked meats and other specialties.

In addition, several local vendors will be set up throughout the event, giving attendees an opportunity to shop.

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