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Council approves Log Jam Music Festival street closures for June 27; organizer highlights downtown benefits
Summary
Council approved closing Ludington Street (16th–18th) and part of Stevenson Avenue for the Log Jam Music Festival on June 27, contingent on insurance and sponsor cleanup; performer Bruce Belongi praised last year's turnout and organizers said the site will better serve restaurants and downtown businesses.
The Escanaba City Council voted May 7 to allow the Log Jam Music Festival to close Ludington Street between 16th and 18th and portions of Stevenson Avenue on June 27, 2026, contingent on required insurance and event sponsor cleanup.
The Downtown Development Authority requested the closures and staff recommended approval provided the city is named as an additional insured and sponsors handle labor and materials for setup and cleanup. An organizer summarized staging plans that include three stages and multiple bands, and local performer Bruce Belongi — who introduced himself to the council — described last year’s event as a strong community success.
Councilmembers asked organizers whether adjacent businesses had been notified and about detour plans. Organizers said they had spoken with some, were still contacting others, and that the closure area was chosen to maximize benefit to nearby restaurants (one nearby establishment holds a social‑district permit). Staff said the closure is comparable to previous downtown closures such as the Christmas parade, and that detours would route traffic to 1st Avenue North.
The council approved the closure by voice vote and asked staff and organizers to provide required insurance certificates and finalize logistics.
Organizer Bruce Belongi said: "When you're from this area and you perform in your hometown, you're never sure what to expect... we had a tremendous backing from the community." The council encouraged organizers to continue outreach to affected businesses and finalize safety and cleanup plans ahead of the event.
