Over 1,000 car enthusiasts descended upon Wilco Road for the Dave’s Garage Empire Hill Climb Saturday. Check out the results below.
From one event to the next, as the Empire Hops & Harvest Festival is ready to return Saturday, Sept. 20, marking the first revival of the local festival since 2019.
There will be plenty of food, fun, and libations. Front Street will be closed from noon to 10 p.m. for a celebration that has been five years in the making.
This is the first event since 2019, as it began in 2014, due to the growth of the hops industry in the area, which has since dissipated.
“We ran very well up until COVID it was a little bit of a speed bump in the road for us, but also at the same time, it sort of chimed in of the death knell of the local hops industry, sadly,” Paul Skinner said.
Eventually, the festival would partner with the Cedar Polka Fest Foundation for additional help in putting on the event, especially when it comes to relaunching it.
“It’s that time of year when the locals can enjoy it because the pace of the height of the season has eased considerably, and people can take some time and enjoy themselves,” Skinner said.
Right Brain, New Holland, and Storm Cloud, to name a few, will also be served. Distilled spirits will be available for cocktails. The festival partners with H Cox & Son, based in Traverse City, for supplying local drinks and necessary equipment.
Lisa Rossi of the Cedar Polka Fest Foundation has helped with the event in the past, including the asparagus, to assist with volunteers and logistics, such as vendors, payment systems, and others.
“We love supporting our neighbors and community,” she said.
She admits it’s both exciting and scary to get the word out and let people know that the Empire Hops & Harvest Festival is happening once again.
Check out the result of the Empire hill Climb here: https://furrin.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2025-09-13-Empire-Final-Results.htm?fbclid=IwY2xjawM1Nd1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFPeUM1Qm5zU3lUR213M1pLAR4EM4RkwToSDwisXYNF5HGLa6wfvgppUO_kNIQEzpAelXKbgPFUe61iGaiqBQ_aem_ZuZNQujAHWnOCPRXWLOV-A
