More than 80 people turned out Tuesday at Pine Grove Country Club for the fourth-annual official launch party of the 3-on-3 basketball tournament that will take place July 19-21 in Iron Mountain.

“We had a really good turnout,” said Barb Reisner, Imagination Factory Children’s Museum executive director. “We are unique in that we are one of the few teams to do the kick-off.”

Vice President of Operations for Gus Macker Mike Fuller — known as “Coach Mike” — was present to get attendees geared up and ready.

Reisner believes the launch party is a great way to raise public awareness about the upcoming fundraiser that will benefit building renovations for the new Imagination Factory Community Center in Iron Mountain.

Teams, volunteers and sponsors are now being recruited for the July event. They hope to secure 500 teams for the weekend tournament.

“We had about 300 teams last year participate — we really hope we can reach our goal,” she said.

The tournament welcomes players of any age and any skill level.

“This is for the entire family to enjoy,” Reisner said. “Whether you are playing or watching, it’s great entertainment.”

She stressed that it takes more than 200 volunteers to make the event a success. Tournament sponsorships are also being sought, with a goal of 200.

The current major sponsors for 2024 includes incrediblebank, Bellin Health, Ink Design and Apparel, Kenneth James Salon, LiUNA Local 1329, Leeds Real Estate and Bacco Construction.

The Gus Macker event team is made up of 46 leaders. “With this type of dedication to Gus Macker 3-on-3 basketball, we once again guarantee a weekend of fun and great entertainment,” Reisner said.

In honor of the 50th anniversary, they have added some special events for tournament weekend.

On Friday night, everyone will be able to take photos with Scott McNeal “Gus Macker” in the registration gym. A photo machine with “cool backgrounds” will be on site as well.

Another highlight will be “Gus Macker” autographing the new IM Gus Macker children’s book, which will be published in a couple of months.

Reisner noted that the regular special competitions are also coming back, including the three-point shooting, slam dunk and free throws contests.

In May, the Macker Man will visit all the area schools to promote signing up. The Iron Mountain tournament is one of the few Gus Macker’s that has 8 and younger and 9 and 10 age brackets.

“We are really focused on bringing in a lot of youth teams of all ages,” Reisner said.

A new incentive opportunity Team 50 has been added. Any area school, business, organization or group that recruits 25 teams will receive free admission to the Imagination Factory Community Center in 2025.

She noted that only one member of the team needs to be affiliated with the group, not all four members.

“It’s a big deal,” she said. “We are excited about it.”

The Gus Macker team will make an appearance in the Fourth of July parade in Iron Mountain, adding something a little extra special for the 50th, she added.

Reisner stressed how passionate founder McNeal is about the mission of Gus Macker, as they continue to promote the values of teamwork, sportsmanship and community engagement.

“He works so hard with the 40 to 50 tournaments each year,” she said. “His excitement gets us motivated.”

McNeal’s favorite saying of “fire it up,” combined with The Imagination Factory’s favorite of “think big,” has them “fired up to think big,” Reisner said.

The 3,000-square-foot children’s museum will be moving into a 36,000-square-foot, three-story building.

The plans for the new Imagination Factory Community Center features educational programming, career development and several other youth programs.

They are also excited about the new Gus Macker Cafe. “People will be able to come and enjoy lunch and have the capability of catering,” she said.

Reisner said the committee will conduct a capital campaign for the construction project in November and December. More details will be announced in coming months.

The Imagination Factory Community Center will not open to the public until August 2025.

“We originally planned to open in phases, but we want to make a big impact with the completed project,” Reisner said.

To sign up a team for the Gus Macker event or to become a volunteer, official, scorekeeper or event sponsor, go to gusmackerim.org. Deadline to register a team is July 1.