Michigan's U.P. embraces 906 Day, uniting Yoopers in annual tradition: What it is
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (U.P.) is often known for its small, charming towns and beautiful nature. Yoopers, those native to the U.P., are proud of their home, characterized by scenic waterfalls and stunning views.
They are proud of their delicious foods, including pasties, jams, and of course, fresh fish. However, they are also just as proud of their area code, 906, which services the entirety of the U.P. and is the largest area code in Michigan. So proud, they even have a day designated to celebrate.
What is 906 Day?
906 Day, taking place on Sept. 6 is a day set aside to celebrate the area code, the U.P., and its residents. It was created by employees at Marquette’s Upper Peninsula Supply Co., owned by Bugsy Sailor, in 2012.
Overall, 906 Day is intended to be a unique way to celebrate the U.P. while also protecting the beautiful location and nature.
“I’ve always wanted to find unique and fun ways to celebrate the Upper Peninsula. I’ve been trying to do that for a long time through various ways and I think this place is so unique, I think it deserves to be recognized, it deserves to be celebrated, and it deserves to be on the map, quite literally,” Sailor said.
Sailor said some businesses in the U.P. participate with discounts or specials, but 906 Day has a huge social media component.
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“There are a lot of businesses who participate in having some type of special or sale. I would love to see more events but really, it’s definitely grown into a big social media day with people posting their favorite photos from the Upper Peninsula,” he said. Social media users are encouraged to use #906day for posts.
Where did 906 Day originate?
Sailor thought up the idea for 906 Day on Sept. 6 of 2011 but didn't put the concept into action until 2012.
“It really started as an epiphany, literally waking up on September 6th and realizing that date looks a whole lot like 906, the area code which is exclusive to the U.P.,” said Sailor. “So, it was really on a whim that I used it as a promo for my business at the time to do a big sale, everything $9.06 off and it really has grown into a day that’s now focused on just celebrating the Upper Peninsula.”
906 Day is now recognized by those all across Michigan, as it's grown over time. “What I’ve loved to see is that it’s not just recognized in the U.P., but a lot of state officials and organizations across the state have recognized it as well,” Sailor said.
The Future of 906 Day
However, Sailor also hopes to see progress and further recognition for it.
“There’s always been this thing amongst Michigan where the Upper Peninsula is often left off the map and this has always been kind of a rebuttal of those kinds of instances,” he said. “It would be great to have official recognition from the governor, which has always been a long-term goal of mine, a proclamation, of sorts, for September 6th. “
Sailor dreams of his “own celebration of sitting down and having a pasty with Tom Izzo or another well-known, famous Yooper."
How do you celebrate 906 Day?
Yoopers are encouraged to participate in a variety of activities to mark the occasion.
“There’s a list of things that I really encourage people to do on 906 Day, and of course, there’s the social media component, but use it as a way to support a local business, eat a pasty, take a sauna, take a swim in Lake Superior or Lake Michigan, all of those U.P things to lean into,” he said.
Other activities recommended on the website include paying for the car behind you at Mackinac Bridge, playing a game of euchre or cribbage, and kayaking, biking, fishing, etc.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 906 Day: Sept. 6 brings celebrations for Michigan's Upper Peninsula
