Snow Is Only Thing Lacking at Mackinaw City Winterfest

There may be a lack of snow but no lack of things to see and do at the 14th annual Winterfest in Mackinaw City Thursday, January 18, to Saturday, January 20. Among the many events to be held are snowsculpting, a euchre tournament, chili cook-off, a poker walk, and indoor skating.

Amateur and professional snow sculptors will begin work Thursday at the Mackinaw City Marina parking lot and continue through Saturday until 3 p.m., when judging starts. Local snow sculptors can register for the competition at the Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce until January 10.

Winterfest buttons can be purchased at the Chamber of Commerce or at a variety of businesses throughout Mackinaw City for $2. Most activities at Winterfest are free with a button. Those who purchase the numbered buttons also qualify to win raffle prizes up to $20. Winning numbers will be posted at the ice fishing contest, at Pancake Chef Restaurant in Mackinaw City, and at the Winterfest sound trailer, which will be at the Chamber of Commerce office. Prizes must be claimed by January 30.

Indoor skating will be held at the Mackinaw City Recreation Center Thursday, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Outdoor ice skating at the Recreation Center is scheduled from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, January 19, weather permitting.

An ice fishing contest will be held on Paradise Lake from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Entry fee is $15 with a Winterfest button. Participants can register at the Paradise Lake Marina in Carp Lake.

Other Saturday events include sleigh or wagon rides from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m, leaving from Marshall's Fudge, a chili cook-off from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the American Legion next to the Village Hall, and outdoor children's games from noon to 1 p.m. for ages two to eight.

Games for older kids and adults will begin at noon at the marina parking lot and lawn. Games include sushi toss, coconut bowling, and Hawaiian hockey. Outhouse races will be held between 1:30 and 3 p.m. at the Shepler's dock. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m.

Aeuchre tournament will be held from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Mancino's. Entry fee is $5 with a Winterfest button. Registration begins at noon.