The Peru Gazette

PLATTSBURGH, NY — October 31st, 2025 — Dannemora Federal Credit Union (DFCU), UFirst Federal Credit Union, the Town of Plattsburgh, and the local Michigan Fest Committee are proud to announce that the first-ever Michigan Fest, held on August 2, 2025, raised an incredible $19,916.19 in support of the Battlefield Memorial Gateway Project (BMG).

The idea for Michigan Fest began years ago when Town Supervisor Michael Cashman andthe Town of Plattsburgh envisioned a celebration of community and local flavor. When The Town of Plattsburgh teamed up with Anna Hewitt-Channell of DFCU and Meghan McGee-Pelkey of UFirst Federal Credit Union, the dream quickly turned into reality. Both credit unions helped lift the ideas off the ground and get it started.

“There are many unknowns when planning an event like this,” said Anna Hewitt-Channell, Co-Chair of Michigan Fest. “Our committee poured our hearts and souls into planning and executing Michigan Fest. When we heard that over 4,000 people came out to support and check it out, I wanted to cry. It was so exciting and made me love our community even more. I don’t think our team stopped smiling the entire day.”

The Battlefield Memorial Gateway Project is a lakefront property owned by the Town of Plattsburgh that is being developed into a military remembrance park in partnership with the Clinton County American Legion. Funds raised from Michigan Fest will help advance Phase 2 of construction.

The event brought together over 4,000+ visitors and 70+ local vendors at the Clinton CountyFairgrounds to celebrate Plattsburgh’s beloved local delicacy — the Michigan. Veterans from American Legion Post 1619 volunteered their time to help construct and coordinate event logistics. The Clinton County Mariners assisted with parking and the local Boy Scouts spent the day doing trash removal. Rentals were donated by Taylor Rental and Party Plus.Events, and restrooms were generously donated by Drapeau’s Sanitation. The committee wants to express a sincere thank you to the Clinton County Fairgrounds for hosting the large community celebration.

“The Credit Union motto is ‘People Helping People’ — and this credit union partnership is a perfect example of that spirit,” said Meghan McGee-Pelkey. “Both DFCU and UFirst wantedto help move the Battlefield Memorial Gateway into its next phase, and we couldn’t have done it without the amazing community response.”

Dannemora FCU & UFirst want to thank all our local vendors that showed up to make the first event a huge success. As we close the chapter on our Annual Michigan Fest’s first year, we are proud and excited to announce we are returning in 2026! Save the Date for Saturday, August 1st, 2026. Details will be announced in the upcoming months.

The Michigan Fest Committee included: Co-Chairs: Anna Hewitt-Channell (DFCU) and Meghan McGee-Pelkey (UFirst FCU) Committee Members: Keith Dyer (Post 1619 & BMG), Alissa Momot (Twinstate Technologies), Jenn Hayes (Taylor Rental & Party Plus), Libby Queguiner (Taylor Rental & Party Plus), Maria Smith (Mountain Lake PBS), Tiffany Garcia (Northern Insuring & Clare and Carl’s), Shelby Gonyo (UFirst FCU), and Michelle Besaw (DFCU), Stephanie Demarais (Rustic Pines).• Honorable Mention: Town Supervisor Michael Cashman for his ongoing guidance and support.

If you are interested in learning more or have questions about Michigan Fest 2026, please send emails to achannell@dfcu.net. 

About the Battlefield Memorial Gateway Project: The Battlefield Memorial Gateway is a developing memorial park located on the shores of Lake Champlain in the Town of Plattsburgh. In partnership with the Clinton County American Legion, the site honors the service and sacrifice of local veterans and serves as a place of remembrance, reflection, and community pride. You can visit their website and donate here: https://www.townofplattsburghny.gov/home_page/battlefield-memorial-gateway/