On this episode of the What’s Up Ely Podcast, listeners will join host Lacey Squier in conversation with Bill Erzar, a born-and-raised Elyite. Bill is the grandson of a Slovenian immigrant who arrived in Ely in 1909 and worked underground for 45 years. Bill himself worked in local mines for over 30 years, and now serves as a volunteer tour guide at the Pioneer Mine. Bill and Lacey will reminisce about Bill’s family history in Ely, as well as Christmas traditions past and present.

And, of course, this episode includes an event round up. There’s always something to do in Ely!

Show Notes

Ely, Minnesota is not merely a gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. It’s also a vibrant community with a dynamic schedule of events that are open to tourists. There is truly always something fun to do in town! We encourage listeners to consult the resources below for additional details. 

If you’d like to have your event featured on the What’s Up Ely Podcast, a great place to start is by submitting your event via email to [email protected] with the subject line “Event for What’s Up Ely Podcast Promotion.” 

• What’s Up Ely Facebook Group 
• Forest North Podcast
• Purchase your 3rd Annual Ely Film Festival pass(es)
• New Years Eve with Ian & Friends
• Call of the Wild Poetry Podcast 
• Animal Tracking in the Snow Registration 
• Northern Grounds Wine Tasting Registration 
• Great Nordic Shakespeare Festival (January 10 - February 2, 2025) 
• Ely Dark Sky Festival (January 10-11, 2025) 
• History Happy Hour in Ely
• Ely Winter Festival (February 6-16, 2025)
• Great Nordic Beardfest (February 7-8, 2025)
• Ely Film Festival (March 13-16, 2025)
• Ely for Ely Playlist 
• Ely Public Library Calendar of Events