As we ring in 2025, we can’t help but look back with wonder and gratitude for the things we’ve accomplished in 2024 and the amazing people who were part of it!
The Midwinter Ball
In the depths of winter, Marquette Fringe’s 2024 fundraising season began. On January 12th, adorned in furs and gowns, we braved the drifting snow for a magical evening ball. Beings from across realms gathered together at Ore Dock Brewing Company to dance and dream. Guests were treated to body art, fortune-telling, delicious pastries, and a silent art auction. The costumes were stunning and the music stirred us out of our boots.
Lucid Fyrë Bellators at Rippling River Resort
Founded in 2023, the Lucid Fyrë Bellators have quickly become a staple of the Marquette art scene. We’ve had the great privilege of working with these fire artists at Fall Phantasm and during their stand-alone performances. Their dazzling flames lit up Rippling River Resort on February 17th for the Fire & Ice Fundraiser. The embers were again rekindled at Rippling River on August 22nd, for a Late Summer Night’s Burn. We’re grateful for the Bellators sharing their talents to help ignite the spark of the Phantasm again and again.
Drag Menagerie
On May 2nd, Queen City Drag and Superior Expressions came out and brought the heat to Ore Dock Brewing Company. A panoply of divine Queens and Kings colored this wonderful night we called Drag Menagerie. Ten entertainers donned their regalia to stun and amaze. Their fabulous and fierce performances were the jewel in the crown of our 2024 fundraising season. The electronic bard, DJ CONWAY ended this night of glamor with a dance party.
2024 Fall Phantasm: Journey Through the Underworld
We gathered again among the sacred pines and contrivances of Lakenenland to summon forth other worlds. The lifting of the veils brought forth multitudes of creatures, magic beings, and other such denizens to celebrate the changing of the leaves and the joining of hearts. 2024 was a community catabasis that led us through mind-altering art installations and stories told through the elegant motions of dancers. Phantasm continues to grow and connect us to new friends and loved ones of all ages and backgrounds. The magic we all created together was evident as the festival closed to awesome displays of distant storms across the sky.
27th Annual Art Awards
On October 13th, Marquette Fringe was recognized as Marquette’s 2024 Arts Organization of the Year at the 27th Annual MACC Art Awards. Fringe is honored and humbled to join this distinguished sisterhood of organizations; including the DeVos Art Gallery, Revolve Creative Conference, Marquette City Band, and Fresh Coast Film Festival. The awards ceremony was held at Ore Dock Brewing Co., and eight of Marquette Fringe’s board members and founders attended to accept the award. In his acceptance speech, President Michael Bradford recounted the early days of Marquette Fringe and expressed thanks to the many community members that have helped Marquette Fringe flourish into the vibrant and inclusive organization it is today. As the Fringe looks ahead to plans for 2025, our hearts are full with the love and support our community has shown us.
Thank you to all of the volunteers, crew, performers, sponsors and Fringe members who made these events possible! With your support, we’re preparing for even bigger and better things in 2025.