Worlds Largest Polio Walk:
On Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., community members in Marquette will unite with thousands of participants across North America for the World’s Largest Polio Walk. This massive, synchronized event marks World Polio Day by raising vital public awareness to completely eliminate polio from the globe. Hosted by multiple local Rotary clubs, the walk serves as a public show of solidarity in the final stretch of a decades-long health battle. While polio has been reduced by 99.9% globally, recent global cases highlight that the final mile to eradicate polio requires both local and global advocacy.
The Marquette walk is free and open to all community members and families. Rotary is proudly sponsoring a FREE day for all to enjoy at Marquette Regional History Center. Join us afterwards for Pints for Polio at several of our local breweries. Followed by Pumpkins Against Polio Costume Party.
Event Details:
- What: World’s Largest Polio Walk
- When: Saturday, October 24, 2026, begins promptly at 11:00am (so be sure to arrive 15 mins early).
- Where: Begins: Lake Superior Theatre. 270 N. Lakeshore Blvd. Marquette, Mi 49855.
- Where: Ends: Marquette Regional History Center. 145 W Spring St. Marquette, Mi 49855.
Pints for Polio:
Your local Rotary Clubs are joining forces once again to raise critical funds and global awareness for polio eradication. The annual “Pints for Polio” event will take place on Oct 24, 2026 at numerous participating establishments across Marquette County. During the event, participating local breweries will donate a portion of sales. To make community contributions go even further, all funds raised through the event will be matched 2-to-1 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, effectively tripling the local impact.
Members of the Marquette community are invited to visit any participating location and buy a pint and pull together for a polio-free world. A full list of this year’s participating venues will be available soon.
Pumpkins Against Polio:
Pumpkins Against Polio is a Halloween-themed costume ball Fundraiser hosted by your local Rotary Clubs.
Event Details
- Date & Time: Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 6:00 PM.
- Venue: Holiday Inn of Marquette, 1951 US-41, Marquette, MI 49855.
- Description: An adults-only costume ball featuring a DJ, hors d’oeuvres, a drink ticket, door prizes, and a 50/50 drawing, preceding earlier community events like a historical walk.
- Cost: Admission prices are typically $35 per person in advance or $40 at the door, with proceeds benefiting the Global Polio Eradication Initiative through The Rotary Foundation.
- Tickets: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/pumpkins-against-polio
- Hosts: Organized by the Rotary Club of Marquette, Marquette Harbor Rotary Club, and Ishpeming Rotary Club.
