A music festival that has spent eight years improving one of the Copper Country’s most beloved public spaces returns this weekend.
Dam Jam 8 takes over Calumet Lyons Park on June 26-27, bringing two days of live music, camping, art vendors and activities for all ages. Organizers say the event’s partnership with Calumet Township has made a lasting difference at the park.
“$20 to go camping at the beautiful Calumet Lyons Park is a heck of a deal, and that park is really coming along,” said Dam Jam organizer Jeff Harju. “Hats off to Calumet Township and the Calumet Lyons Park for keeping that up. There’s stuff for the kids to do — there’s going to be a Strider course. We’ve got a lot of vendors, some jewelry and slime, and a lot of Dam Jam merch.”
Calumet Township Supervisor Tim Gasperich says revenue from the festival helped fund a new electrical hookup that now powers the park’s stage.
“We’ve been able to bring in power, and that helps out Dam Jam with our stage, the pavilions and our maintenance shed,” Gasperich said.
Gasperich says Calumet Lyons Park draws visitors year-round, particularly in summer. He has spotted area kids fishing at the park, residents playing disc golf and members of the Calumet Horseshoe League competing on the grounds.
“We have some areas where people can picnic — a picnic table, a fire ring — so people can go there and enjoy themselves,” he said.
Early bird ticket sales close at midnight Thursday. General admission weekend passes are $60. For more information on Dam Jam 8 and its support of Calumet Lyons Park, visit the festival online.
