Every year, reporters from the Northern Express - sister publication of The Ticker - fan out across the region to find 20 average folks dedicating themselves to a not-so-average existence. From Brittany Adams (pictured) - who works as a professional mermaid - to 91-year-old jazz player Harry Goldson to U.S. Marine Travis Snyder, who walked the 800 miles around Lake Michigan in 42 days to raise awareness for veteran suicides, this year's annual Fascinating People issue is filled with the surprising and inspiring stories of northern Michigan's colorful residents.

The people on this year's list covers a fascinating and diverse range of backgrounds, from a retired anthropology department head-turned-mystery writer to a fourth-grade philanthropist to Michigan's first female hunting guide. The stories of northern Michigan's most fascinating residents are wide-ranging, surprising, and deeply inspiring. Check them out in this week's Northern Express - available to read online or at one of nearly 700 spots in 14 counties across northern Michigan.