DeTour Area
By Barbara Buschbacher 297-8075 bbann@sault.com

At the E.L.F. festival in DeTour Village Saturday, March 1, Landon Bosley participated with this sled entry. (Photograph by Claire Schultz)

Saturday, March 1, was a perfect day for the ELF Festival activities in DeTour Village. The turnout of the children and adults far outnumbered attendance in the past.

This event replaces the former Winterfest in the Village. Debbie Fountain and her group of helpers put together activities that were most enjoyable.

The children loved sliding down Glacier Mountain, and after doing so, enjoyed sitting around a huge bonfire, roasting marshmallows and drinking hot chocolate. Many adults also enjoyed the warmth of the bonfire.

Another outside activity was the frozen fish toss. Macy Nelson was the winner in the children's group. In the adult group, placing first was Amy Micholson; second place, Jesse Calligan, and third place, Rick Polk.

In the youth poker hike, Kia Michalski came in first. In the adult poker hike, Sandy Wytiaz placed first. Other contests included the brownie cook-off; Alora Barbeaux won in the children's category.

In the adult brownie cook-off, Elna VanHouten took the honors for the best. For the best chowder cook-off, Rene North took the honors.

Dave Rhinard's chicken hot wings were the best in that cookoff. Zack Winkelman took the honors for eating the most chicken hot wings.

Everyone had a great time and went home smiling and with a good, tired feeling.

Visiting last Saturday's festivities were Margaret Ecker and Barbara Sykes. Ms. Ecker resides in Los Angeles, California, and chooses to vacation in the winter at her parents' home in Cedarville.

The senior Eckers reside in Cincinnati, Ohio, and summer in Cedarville.

This year, Ms. Ecker invited her friend, Ms. Sykes, from San Antonio, Texas, to spend a few days in our beautiful winter wonderland. Both women have enjoyed snowshoeing after heavy snowfalls, and also saw the beauty of deer lingering around their area.

When not outdoors, Ms. Ecker is working on projects and just relaxing before returning to the big city. We welcome them back to our area anytime.

The Friends of the Library have invited author Arthur Brood to speak at the library Saturday, March 8, at 11 a.m.

Mr. Brood will read two chapters from his book, "Mudhole." This book is for children and adults, as well. The topic is the history of automobiles. There will be an open discussion following the reading.

The DeTour Hunt and Fish Club has announced the winners of their annual fishing contest, held February 16 and 17.

Placing first in the perch contest was Adam Gruno, who also placed first in the walleye contest. Rob Landis won the first prize in the pike contest. Twenty-four fishermen registered, with a payback of 70% of the income to the winners, each receiving a prize of $56. Jim Traynor won $125 from the 50/50 raffle. Many other prizes were donated by local businesses.

A young man to participate as a volunteer is needed in the production of "Kitchen Witches," to be presented this August in DeTour. For more information, call Dawn Hamelink at (906) 297-5808. Scripts are available to read.

A thought: Happiness is like honey - you can pass it around, but some of it will stick on you.