Parading to the pasties
Parading to the pasties
By KAYLA GAHAGAN, DMG Writer
CALUMET — Rain did little to dampen the spirits of PastyFest enthusiasts this weekend. The long line for free pasties from Pasty Central looked much like it did last year, except it formed in the Calumet Armory instead of Agassiz Park because of the weather.
“I think every year has gotten more successful,” said Main Street Calumet Executive Director Tom Tikkanen, who hosted the third annual event. “Pasty is synonymous with Copper Country and so it has a broad appeal ... there are more people from out of the area.” The events began Friday night with a pasty-eating contest and dance and continued through Saturday with events including a fitness walk, parade, polka dance and the PastyFest.
In the armory, saxophone and trombone melodies from the Uptown Swingers echoed across the gym, while vendors doled out drinks, hot dogs and napkins. Rep. Bart Stupak stood to say a few words about the Copper Country and participants milled with neighbors or chased children, but everyone knew what they were there for — a big warm pasty, stuffed with meat, potatoes, rutabaga, onion, carrots, pork, spices and butter wrapped in a flour crust and lathered in ketchup.
Alex Voelker, 8, sat with his grandma and two younger brothers finishing off his pasty. It’s not long before he takes a number and gets in line to get a free pasty. But this one’s not for him, it’s for his mom.
His grandma, June Heinonen of Calumet, said it’s about seeing people you haven’t seen in a long time. But she admits, watching Alex munch, it’s about the pasties.
“They like (them),” she said, shrugging.
Pasty Central, which ran out of their 500 free pasties and sold out of 700 more last year, only brought 500 this year.
“We’re in between local productions,” said general manager Charlie Hopper. “When we run out, the vendors are prepared. They’ll get the business.”
Judy and Ozzie Winquist of Copper City got two of the 500 and made their way to a table, satisfied and smiling.
“We love pasties,” she said. “We go to Florida every winter and the first thing we eat when we come back is a pasty.”
Kayla Gahagan can be reached at kgahagan@mininggazette.com
Previous page: Exhibit: Bay Area Artists light up local school
Next page: Board helps keep the Calumet Theatre thriving