Snowbuddies are still available to anyone who wants to decorate and enter their contribution to a new Snowsfest community art project. Snowsfest is sponsored by the Les Cheneaux Chamber of Commerce, and will take place in Cedarville Friday, February 16, through Sunday, February 18.

Snowbuddies are wooden snowmen that can be painted or decorated and placed like a sign at homes and businesses. The Snowsfest committee is offering the opportunity to decorate them as an alternative to the traditional snow sculptures, since snow accumulation has not been reliable this year. Residents and business owners can still build snow sculptures and decorate windows, and are encouraged to enter at least one of the three available contests.

Snowbuddies can be purchased for $10 at the Les Cheneaux Welcome Center in Cedarville. Profits from the sale of Snowbuddies will help pay for Snowsfest activities. Snow statues, window decorations, and Snowbuddy entries must be registered at the Welcome Center if they are to be considered by judges in the contests.

Snowsfest entry buttons are also available now, at local businesses, and can be purchased for $4 each. Proceeds from the buttons help cover the cost of activities and prizes over the weekend.

Snowsfest schedules are available at local businesses, and at the Welcome Center. More than 20 activities are being planned for the weekend, and The St. Ignace News will also run a complete schedule of events the week before Snowsfest.

Volunteers are always needed, and can find out where they can help by calling the Welcome Center at (906) 484-3935.

For some of the weekend contests, participants are asked to register early to ensure space in the events and to get an early count, but people are always welcome to register at the events. Poker run registration will be at the Snowsfest tent at Cedarville Waterfront Park on Hodeck Street in Cedarville.

There are still a few spaces left for the craft show, which will be at Les Cheneaux Community Schools commons and cafeteria area Saturday, February 17. Artisans, craft makers, and organizations can register for a space by calling Cathy Hollowell at (906) 484-6821, or by sending e-mail to hollycat@cedarville.net. The craft show will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and exhibitors will set up their tables that morning. Concessions will be served by the Trojan Booster Club at the school.

The second annual Snowshoe Hare Race will be Saturday, February 17. People of all ages and skill levels are invited to participate at their own pace. A course has not yet been determined, but the race is expected to start in Cedarville, and early registration is encouraged. Register by calling (906) 484-4157, or at the Snowsfest tent. Participants can walk, run, or jog, and should bring a pair of snowshoes. Use of a free pair of snowshoes on a first-come, first-serve basis by calling the number above.

The Les Cheneaux Sportsman's Club will again offer its clay pigeon shoot both Saturday and Sunday. Participants need only come to the Sportsman's Club House east of Cedarville to shoot.

Other activities planned for the weekend include a snowmobile ride and hot dog roast, blessing of the snowmobiles by Father Sebastian Chacko of Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church in Hessel, barbecued food, children's games, a cross-country ski tour, and cardboard sled races.

The cardboard sled races will be Sunday, February 18, and participants should register by calling the Welcome Center or (906) 484- 5001. Sleds can be made of plastic or cardboard, and should be covered with cardboard to form vehicles, animals, or anything representing Snowsfest's theme, "Winter Time Fun." Participants are welcome to decorate and bring a cardboard box as their entry for a prize in the "best all-cardboard" contest. Registration is $2 per entry, or $1 each for two or more participants from the same family.

The Snowsfest committee needs help Friday, February 16, to help set up the tent area and for judging snow statues, Snowbuddies, and window decorations. People interested in helping Friday or with set-up or in judging should contact the Welcome Center.