Gay, Michigan

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The sign for the Gay Bar

Gay, is a tiny unincorporated community in Keweenaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is 12 miles from Lake Linden on Copper Island at the western end of the Upper Peninsula. Local government is provided by Sherman Township. As of 2000, its population is 60.

The Mohawk Mining Company built a stamp mill in Gay in 1898. The residual stamp sand dumped into Lake Superior increased the town's area greatly. Today, only the large smokestack and the ruins from the stamp mill still remain. The only remaining business is a bar, which is called The Gay Bar, although it is not a gay bar; it is named after the town.

Gay is locally celebrated for its annual 4th of July parade. The "Gay Parade" as is it is referred to locally, attracts up to 8 times it's population. Up until 1998, the 4th of July celebrations culminated in a ceremonious lighting of the smokestack. Old tires and diesel fuel produced thick black smoke that could be seen for miles out in Lake Superior. This activity was halted due to pollution concerns.

The town was named after its founder, Joseph E. Gay.