This year’s Iron County Fair Association raffle quilt is quite delightful, called “Winter Berry.” The double bed size quilt, made by Jill MacPherson (left), would look nice as either a spread or a throw. Dorothy Javoroski (right), member of the Fair Association, noted the quilt is among a number of items included in the raffle. Tickets are $5 each, or five for $20, and can be purchased from Fair Association members as well as at the fairgrounds during fair weekend, Aug. 16-19. The drawing will be held Sunday afternoon.

IRON RIVER—New events, and some schedule changes are in store for you at the 121st annual Iron County Fair this weekend.
 Fair secretary-manager George Brunswick, who has been involved with the Fair Association since the mid-1960s, is enthusiastic about some of the new events, and restructuring of the more traditional venues and anticipates a successful weekend of family fun.

IRON RIVER—Four young women will compete for the 2012 Miss Iron County title during the 121st annual Iron County Fair.
 Contestants will present a three minute speech and share a talent prior to selection on Thursday, Aug. 16.
 Speeches and talent will begin at 4:30 p.m. in the bandstand. The new Miss Iron County will be announced at 7 p.m. in the rotunda.

CRYSTAL FALLS—Summer is winding down. That means plans are being finalized for the 12th annual Crystal Falls Harvest Fest. 
 “If rooting the home team is something you like to do, join the Crystal Falls Business Association on Friday, Sept. 21, for a tailgate party before the Forest Park Trojan football game,” said organizers.

Zach Grant works on his hand-painted dinner plate, which will among several hand-painted dinner plates by Kinship youngsters to be auctioned at the fourth annual Men Who Cook fundraiser for Iron County Kinship. (IC Kinship photo)
STAMBAUGH TOWNSHIP—Iron County Kinship, which provides adult mentoring for young people throughout the county, has scheduled its fourth annual Men Who Cook fund-raiser for Saturday, Sept. 8, at the George Young Recreation Complex from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The wiener dog brigade took to Superior Ave. in Crystal Falls to strut their (short) stuff during the annual Fungus Fest parade Aug. 3. The dashing dachshunds and their proud owners look pretty pleased to be part of the fun. More photos from the parade on page 2.

Sister Wilene will be on stage at the Crystal Theatre Sunday, Aug. 12, at 2 p.m. The performance is part of the theatre’s Gem of a Season offering. (Crystal Theatre photo)
CRYSTAL FALLS—The popular country music band Sister Wilene returns to the Crystal Theatre stage Sunday, Aug. 12, at 2 p.m. as part of the theatre’s Gem of a Season.
 Hailing from Lower Michigan, Sister Wilene celebrates a repertoire of country/bluegrass/Americana songs that have survived the decades.

CASPIAN—Porketta, pizzelli, prizes, paisanos and music will all be part of the Italian Heritage Day celebration at the Iron County Museum on Sunday, Aug. 12.
 Museum doors will open at noon and visiting among the paisanos never ends. Thanks to the sponsorship of MCACA, CCCAC and the Historical Society, the special admission price is $6 for adults and $3 for children.

LANSING—On June 21, Pat Dishaw was one of eight new members inducted into the Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society during the 4-H Emerald Awards Ceremony held at the Wharton Center on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing.
 The goal of the Emerald Clover Society is to identify, acknowledge and celebrate individuals who have had significant 4-H involvement as a youth and who have made significant contributions to their local, state and national communities.

Rodeo ‘Daze’ rides into town for a Wild West Weekend
Tim “Wild Thang” Lepard will entertain rodeo fans during the three performances on Aug. 4-5 at the fairgrounds as the specialty act and rodeo clown. Team Ghost Riders and Lepard provide an action-packed performance, bringing the jungle and the rodeo arena together with three of the best sheep dog riding monkeys in the business. These little wonders work together with Tim and bring the Wild West to life as they feature their special cowboy skills like no other.

CRYSTAL FALLS—The 21st annual Humungus Fungus Fest will be held here the weekend of Aug. 2-5
 The theme this year is “A Salute to Community Pride.”
 Activities get under way Thursday, Aug. 2, with a teen softball game at Runkle Lake Park at 5 p.m., followed by a teen dance at the park from 7 to 10.
 The Paint River Boardwalk band concert takes place at 7 p.m. and the beer-tasting fundraiser is planned at the Contemporary Center from 7 to 10 p.m.
 Other events scheduled include: