JACK McKAIG - (1943-2018) John (Jack) McKaig was an attorney and ran his business in downtown Mancelona. Jack served in various capacities with the Mancelona Chamber of Commerce as President, Vice President, and Board member, and as a Mancelona Public Schools Board Member. In 1977, along with Gus Knopnicki, Jack founded the White Pine Stampede, a point-to-point Cross Country ski race. The race course changed through the years, and now begins at Mancelona High School and ends at Shanty Creek Resort’s Schuss Village in Mancelona, and Summit Village in Bellaire. The WPS drew national media coverage and hundreds of skiers from around the country and abroad. Volunteers from Mancelona and Bellaire communities worked the race alongside Jack each year. Jack served as the Race Director for 42 years, until his passing. The White Pine Stampede continues today, and his wife, Beth, is still actively involved.
NEVA MARCONERI – Neva was born and raised in Mancelona. She purchased the Dairy Queen when she was 18 years old and operated it, later as Dairy Delite, until her retirement 57 years later, in 2020. She resides in Mancelona and winters in Florida. Neva served in numerous capacities with the Chamber of Commerce and was a founding member of the Mancelona Downtown Development Authority. She treated kids’ parade participants and baseball teams to free ice cream cones and sponsored the White Pine Stampede, Bass Festival, and Easter Egg hunt. As an employer, Neva often hired High School kids. “If you have time to lean, you have time to clean.” She was a hard person to work for. This kept the kids structured and taught them good work ethics, responsibility and skills to prepare them for every day life. Neva encouraged shopping local and supporting hometown businesses. She was very vocal and an outstanding advocate for Mancelona. The community continues to benefit today from her leadership and generosity. /2023
BERNIE BLACKMORE (1949-2015) Bernie and his wife, Susan, opened the Pizza Shoppe downtown Mancelona in 1980. He was a Mancelona School Bus driver for 21 years, Antrim County Commissioner for 23 years, and served with Mancelona Chamber of Commerce and directed the Mancelona Buck Pole for 35 years. Bernie was an advocate for education, community development, and mentoring the youth. He volunteered countless hours during his life in Mancelona, created opportunities for kids, and was loved by all the children who rode his school bus. His love for his home town, business community and school system were positive impacts that helped shape Mancelona into what it is today. Bernie took great pride in the Buck Pole. There were no shortcuts. He was consistent, outgoing and social - traits that brought hunters back to Mancelona’s buck pole each year. Today, the Buck Pole tradition continues on, in his memory. /2023