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

On this episode of the What’s Up Ely Podcast, listeners will join host Lacey Squier in conversation with Scott Stowell, author of Back Road Grace.

Back Road Grace is a collection of essays, memoirs and short fiction about the culture, Wilderness treasures, and the character of the inhabitants in northeastern Minnesota. Scott and Lacey’s conversation is inspired by the spirit of Scott’s writing – it elicits thought and laughter, and educates listeners about year-round life in our northern climate, and the moxie it takes to thrive here.

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
• Tuesday Group featuring Scott Stowell
• Scott Stowell Back Road Grace 
• Sheridan Street Delicatessen holiday desserts: Call 218-504-4036 or email [email protected] to place an order 
• NLAA Call of the Wild Poetry Night
• Well Being Development Recovery Residence 
• Reflections Dance Company Winter Showcase: Water 2.0
• Prospector ATV Club
• Prospector ATV Club Christmas Party RSVP: [email protected] or (218) 235-9969
• Elf: The Musical Tickets 
• New Year's Eve with Ian and Friends
• Great Nordic Shakespeare Festival (January 10 - February 2, 2025) 
• Ely Dark Sky Festival (January 10-11, 2025) 
• Ely Winter Festival (February 6-16, 2025)
• Ely Film Festival (March 13-16, 2025)
• Ely for Ely Playlist 
• Ely Public Library Calendar of Events

Abby Dare is the owner of The Meadows Gallery & Studios on Sheridan Street. She also serves on the Parks and Recreation Board for the City of Ely. Through all of her endeavors she is committed to fostering meaningful relationships, making the world a better place, and having fun along the way.

 Join Abby and Lacey in conversation as they discuss how Abby came to be an Elyite, Abby’s journey to becoming an artist and opening an art gallery and studios, and Abby’s journey to performing comedy on the big stage. They also dig into the value of defining a personal mission statement, and make a case for attending City Council meetings (the imperviousness of gravel being more exciting than it might seem at first glance!). All this and more…

And, of course, Brett and Lacey do an event round up, because, as you know, 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
• The Meadows 
• Abby Dare website
• Meet an Elyite: Abby Dare
• City of Ely Commissions, Committees, and Boards 
• Brooke Pasmick in Concert (NLAA Concert Series) 
• Ely Folk School Thanksgiving Potlucks
• Grand Ely Lodge Thanksgiving Buffet: Call 218-365-6875 to make a reservation
• Sheridan Street Delicatessen holiday desserts: Call 218-504-4036 or email [email protected] to place an order 
• Ely Public Library Calendar of Events
• Well Being Development Recovery Residence 
• Give MN
• NLAA Old Hollywood Soirée
• Apply for a 2025 Tofte Lake Center artist residency 
• Great Nordic Shakespeare Festival (January 10 - February 2, 2025) 
• Ely Dark Sky Festival (January 10-11, 2025) 
• Ely Winter Festival (February 6-16, 2025)
• Ely Film Festival (March 13-16, 2025)
• Ely for Ely Playlist 

While walking 70 miles through the BWCAW on the Kekekabic and Border Route Trails, Ozzie Reif had the opportunity to test the gear he made from natural materials. Along the way he learned a lot about this gear and spent a significant amount of time thinking about how he and other humans interact with our outdoor spaces. 

Listen in on the conversation about what went well, what he learned, and what went poorly!

And, of course, this episode includes a round up of upcoming events in Ely, Minnesota, because –  as you know – 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
• Ely Mitten Project 
• North Country Trail Association 
• Tuesday Group: Update from Ely Northwoods Chapter of the North Country Trail Association 
• Fire in the Village Event featuring Annie Humprhey and David Huckfelt (with bonus fashion show) 
• Creative Kids Sew: Holiday Gifts 
• NLAA Presents: Brooke Pasmick in Concert 
• Apply for a 2025 Tofte Lake Center artist residency 
• Great Nordic Shakespeare Festival (January 10 - February 2, 2025) 
• Ely Dark Sky Festival (January 10-11, 2025) 
• Ely Winter Festival (February 6-16, 2025)
• Ely Film Festival (March 13-16, 2025)
• Ely for Ely Playlist 

Join the conversation as Lacey chats with her new friend and regional neighbor, Bridgit Maruska. Bridgit is the Parks, Trails, & Recreation Director at the City of Chisholm. Her work involves fostering vibrant recreational environments and public spaces to increase community participation and volunteer mobilization. Specifically, Bridgit is here to tell us all about the Redhead Mountain Bike Park adjacent to the MN Discovery Center. 

Lastly, this episode includes a round up of upcoming events in Ely, Minnesota, because –  as you know – there’s always something to do in Ely!



Show Notes:

Ely, Minnesota is not merely a gateway to the pristine Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. It’s also a vibrant community with an engaging schedule of events that are open to tourists. There is truly alway is 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.” 

• Visit Ely Autumn Adventure Guide
• What’s Up Ely Facebook Group 
• Forest North Podcast
• Redhead Mountain Bike Park 
• Reclaimed Film
• Minescapes, Pete Kero Tuesday Group presentation
• Minnesota Discovery Center
• Hello Range!
• 30 West Bike Shop
• Functional Fitness 
• Ely’s 100+ Women Who Care
• Ely's Alliance for Braver Angels
• Something to Stand For trailer
• NLAA’s Ely’s Got Talent
• NLAA’s Call of the Wild Poetry Podcast 
• November Call of the Wild Poetry Night
• Game Night
• Ely Folk School Meat Raffle at Zaverl’s
• Great Nordic Shakespeare Festival (January 10 - February 2, 2025) 
• Ely Dark Sky Festival (January 10-11, 2025) 
• Ely Winter Festival (February 6-16, 2025)
• Ely Film Festival (March 13-16, 2025)

Join the conversation as Lacey chats with her friend and neighbor, Sarah Vogl. Sarah is a relatively new Elyite who made the journey from South St. Paul to Ely, from suburban cubicle to self-employment in the woods. She is also actively learning about the art of homesteading (so y’all can expect to hear mention of gardening and chickens!). And no introduction to Sarah would be complete without mention of her enthusiasm for all things creativity, art, and Halloween! Sarah also happens to be a graphic design professional who creates content for your favorite destination marketing organization – Visit Ely.

Lastly, this episode includes a round up of upcoming events in Ely, Minnesota, because –  as you know – there’s always something to do in Ely!


Show Notes

Ely, Minnesota is not merely a gateway to the pristine Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. It’s also home to a vibrant community and an engaging schedule of events that are open to tourists. There is truly alway is 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 to the Ely.org Events page via this event submission form. Email us at [email protected] with questions or comments. 

• Visit Ely Autumn Adventure Guide
• What’s Up Ely Facebook Group 
• Forest North Podcast
• Ely Dark Sky Festival (January 10-11, 2025) 
• Ely Winter Festival (February 6-16, 2025)
• Travis Novitsky
• Reflections Dance Company Fall Schedule
• Reflections Dance Company Fall 2024 Registration 
• 2024 Sociologists of MN Annual Conference
• Ely Folk School October Story Circle 
• The Sectionals in Concert at the State Theater
• Ely Folk School Root Medicine Class
• NLAA’s Ely’s Got Talent
• Ely's Alliance for Braver Angels

Join the conversation as Lacey chats with a new friend, Buddy Huffaker, the Executive Director of the Aldo Leopold Foundation. They’ll be chatting about Aldo Leopold’s land ethic, made famous via his book A Sand County Almanac. This conversation is taking place in anticipation of a series of events in Ely in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the publication of the book, as well as the 60th anniversary of the establishing of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness via the Wilderness Act of 1964.  

And, of course, this episode includes a round up of upcoming events in Ely, Minnesota. Special guest Ian Lah of the Northern Lakes Arts Association will join Brett in the studio to give us the round up, because –  as you know – there’s always something to do in Ely!

Show Notes

Ely, Minnesota is not merely a gateway to the pristine Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. It’s also home to a vibrant community and an engaging schedule of events that are open to tourists. There is truly alway is 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 to the Ely.org Events page via this event submission form. Email us at [email protected] with questions or comments. 

• Visit Ely Autumn Adventure Guide
• What’s Up Ely Facebook Group 
• Forest North Podcast
• USFS Press Release for Two-day Event on the 'Past, Present and Future of the BWCAW' and 'Evolving Land Ethics' to be held in Ely, MN
• Aldo Leopold Foundation 
• Portageland Music Festival
• Ely Folk School Meal Prep for Absolute Beginners 
• Symposium: A Celebration of Land Ethics & Conservation 
• Gardner Humanities Trust Grants
• Register for the Northern Lights 5K Color Glow Run
• Ely Marathon
• Beaver Tales: Stories from the Wilderness 
• Vermilion Campus Community Day: To reserve a table please call or email Louise Chase at:
• 218-235-2100 or [email protected]
• Northspan Equity Summit 
• Live Music at the State Theater
• Ely's Alliance for Braver Angels

Join the conversation as Lacey chats with her friends and neighbors, Kes Ebbs and Lou Wiggin. Kes and Lou are affiliated with the SAGE Foundation, an Ely-based nonprofit that aims to uplift First-Gen and BIPOC education by offering mentorship, community, and a range of resources to Minnesota North Vermilion Campus students. Additional discussion topics include the allure of the Wilderness, love of trees, fine dining in Ely, and more. 

And, of course, this episode includes a round up of upcoming events in Ely, Minnesota. There’s always something to do in Ely!

Show Notes

Ely, Minnesota is not merely a gateway to the pristine Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. It’s also home to a vibrant, dynamic community. There is 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 to the Ely.org Events page via this event submission form. Email us at [email protected] with questions or comments. 

• Get the essential guide Ely Spring & Summer Guide
• What’s Up Ely Facebook Group 
• Forest North Podcast
• Why We Live Here: Kes Ebbs 
• SAGE Foundation
• Sage Foundation Tuesday Group presentation
• Portageland Music Festival
• Ely Folk School 
• USFS Press Release for Two-day Event on the 'Past, Present and Future of the BWCAW' and 'Evolving Land Ethics' to be held in Ely, MN
• Evolving Land Ethic: Aldo Leopold Foundation Event at Ely’s Historic State Theater
• Register for the Northern Lights 5K Color Glow Run
• Ely Marathon
• Live Music at the State Theater
• Ely's Alliance for Braver Angels
• Ely Area Community Foundation 

• Ely Rotary Club
• Get the essential guide Ely Spring & Summer Guide
• Forest North Podcast
• Live Music at the State Theater
• Reflections Dance Company Constant Changes Tickets
• Ely Watercross Association 
• Ely Folk School Kraftskiva Crayfish Boil 
• Ely Folk School soap making class 
• Ely's Alliance for Braver Angels
• Ely Area Community Foundation 
• What’s Up Ely Facebook Group 

Listen in on Lacey’s conversation with her friends and neighbors, Nick Wognum & Johnnie Hyde. 

Nick Wognum is the owner and editor of the Ely Echo, Ely’s newspaper of record. Johnnie is the owner of Raven Words Press, which publishes the Ely Summer and Winter Times. In 2023 Nick and Johnnie collaborated to establish an Ely Alliance of Braver Angels, a local chapter of a national nonprofit that seeks to bridge partisan division. They currently serve as our chapter’s co-chairs. 

And, of course, this episode includes a round up of upcoming events in Ely, Minnesota. There’s always something to do in Ely!

Time Stamps:

(1:20) Braver Angels
(52:10) Event Roundup

Show Notes:

There is ALWAYS something going on. 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 to the Ely.org Events page via this event submission form. Email us at [email protected] with questions or comments. 

• Get the essential guide Ely Spring & Summer Guide
• What’s Up Ely Facebook Group 
• Ely's Alliance for Braver Angels
• Ely-Area New Neighbor Hike 
• Vermilion Foundation Pickleball Tournament registration form 
• Ely Art & Soul Gallery & Gift House
• Arts in the Park 
• BYOK (Bring Your Own Kayak) Sunset Paddle
• Ely’s Blueberry Art Festival 
• Ely Area Community Foundation 
• RSVP to the North Country Trail Association Potluck Picnic 
• RSVP to Beach Volleyball Tournament 
• Tofte Lake Center
• Northern Lakes Arts Association
• Portage North Paddling Film Festival 
• Ely Folk School
• Forest North Podcast