Author: Keweenaw Roller Derby

Solar System Smackdown 2016

SSS2016

Join us on Saturday, August 6 for fast-paced, hard-hitting roller derby action!

Every year, KRG wraps up the home season with the Solar System Smackdown. Skaters from leagues all over the upper midwest are mixed into two teams to duke it out for control over the solar system!

For the past three years, the Venus Vixens have walked away from the Smackdown victorious. Will this year’s challengers, the Black Holes, sink that winning streak?

Doors open at 5pm
First whistle at 6pm
Tickets $5, Kids 10 and under free

Houghton County Arena
1500 Birch St.
Hancock, MI

There will be food from Habañeros Fresh Mexican Kitchen, drinks (half price until first whistle), activities for the kiddos, and a half time event hosted by the Houghton MI Skatepark!

The Houghton MI Skatepark half time event is the Game of S-K-A-T-E and will be the last and final match between reigning skateboarders with the winners earning the KRG Heavyweight Championship Title. During the bout, Houghton MI Skatepark will be selling 50/50 raffle tickets and Houghton MI Skatepark merchandise, with all proceeds going toward the skatepark.

Tickets are $5 at the door or online (http://krgvsmm16.bpt.me/)

After the stardust has settled, swing by the after party at Bills B&B for a night of fun and dancing with the band, Night Screamer!

KRG features Project HOPE

JULY 9 2016 KRG vs LMM
KRG will feature Child and Family Services of the U.P.’s “Project HOPE” at July 9th Bout

It’s finally Summer in the Copper Country and (despite not having a bout for this month of June) the Keweenaw Roller Girls have been hard at work. The league has decided to focus our energies on fundraising and community outreach this month. We are excited to announce that at our next bout, on July 9th , KRG will feature Child and Family Services of the U.P.’s “Project HOPE!”

Child and Family Services of the U.P. is a local, non-profit agency based out of Marquette, MI, with offices operating out of several Upper Peninsula counties, including our own Houghton County. They offer a slew of community, family, and homeless prevention based services throughout the region.

Project HOPE is a 90-day prevention program for local homeless and runaway youth. It is designed to provide emergency shelter for said youth, reunification services with their family (if applicable), or assistance in finding other stable living arrangements. Their positive youth development approach focuses on existing strengths, encourages leadership and incorporates community involvement and recreational activities. Project HOPE’s goal is to prevent youth from running away and to end youth homelessness in Houghton County.

Currently, Project HOPE is experiencing a lack of host homes for the emergency shelter component of their program. If you are a caring adult (or know one) who is willing to share their time and home, for up to 21 days per youth, call Jim Boggio to inquire about becoming a HOPE Host Home (906) 281-0937. You can also meet Jim and learn more about Child and Family Services of the U.P. at our next home bout at the Houghton County Arena on July 9 th at 5 p.m.

See ya’ll there!
– Starbuck

Keweenaw Path Fundraiser 2016

On Saturday, May 14th, individuals from all over our community made their way to Copper Harbor, MI for the 12th Annual Keweenaw Path Fundraiser. Keweenaw Path was started in order to raise funds and awareness for our local shelter which benefits those who have been affected by domestic violence.

Participants started their journey from all over the peninsula. Some biked from Houghton, some walked the entire length of the road that climbs and descends Brockway Mountain, and others ran and roller skated from Esrey Park along the lakeshore, all to join together in festivities at the Copper Harbor Community Center.

Keweenaw Peninsula Land

When everyone in the Keweenaw woke up on Saturday morning it was hovering around 30 degrees. The wind was taunting and a light dusting of snow attempted to intimidate those who were to be outside for the day. We’re Yoopers though, and born here or not, we’re resilient and prepared, it’s a part of the living.

We bundled in more protective gear that usual and we set off for what was to be a beautiful day. Mittens covering our wrist guards, and knit hats stuffed under our helmets we made our way along M-26 followed by a cool gal in a Chevy El Camino with a sign hanging off the back that read: CAUTION: Skaters Ahead!

KRG Keweenath Path 2016
Within a few strides we heated right up, the snow flurries looked no more intimidating than the down of a duck and the roaring waves of Lake Superior became our soundtrack for the next 9 miles.

We are so very fortunate to live in a place this beautiful and to be able to act to benefit our community in ways like this.  The Keweenaw is home to compassionate people and a community ethic second to none. Since its beginning Keweenaw Path has raised thousands of dollars for the shelter through the efforts of participants, organizers, and donations. Here’s to another successful year!

If you would like to donate – please make all checks payable to the Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter and mail payment to:


Keweenaw Path Fundraiser
PO Box 164, Copper Harbor, Michigan, 49918

Yooper on Yooper Derby – KRG vs Dead River Derby – Saturday May 7th

KRG-2016-Bout-Poster_5-7-FBCoverPhoto

Who can resist the siren call of roller derby? Join us on Saturday, May 7 for some fast-paced, hard-hitting, yooper on yooper roller derby action when KRG goes up against Marquette’s Dead River Derby!

Doors open at 5pm
First whistle at 6pm
Tickets $5, Kids 10 and under free

Houghton County Arena
1500 Birch St.
Hancock, MI

There will be food, drinks (half price until first whistle), activities for the kiddos, and a half time event hosted by the folks from the Houghton MI Skatepark! Tickets are $5 at the door or online (http://krgvsdrd16.bpt.me/)

Already a die-hard derby fan? Check out our VIP Season passes!http://krg16.bpt.me/

Keweenaw Roller Girls vs Mid State Sisters of Skate April 23rd

KRG-2016-Bout-Poster_4-23-FBCoverPhoto

The Keweenaw Roller Girls are ready to rise from the ashes (er, snow banks?) for our 2016 home opener! Join us on Saturday, April 23 for a fast-paced, hard-hitting roller derby bout against the Mid-State Sisters of Skate from Stevens Point!

Doors open at 5pm
First whistle at 6pm

Houghton County Arena
1500 Birch St.
Hancock, MI

There will be food from Habañeros Fresh Mexican Kitchen, drinks (half price until first whistle), activities for the kiddos, and a half time event hosted by the folks from the Houghton MI Skatepark! Tickets are $5 at the door or online.

Already a die-hard derby fan? Check out our VIP Season passes! Perks include merch credit and half priced drinks all night!

Be sure to join KRG and MSSOS at Bills B&B for the after party!

#keweenawrollergirls #butts2bouts