Island Winterfest Begins Saturday

The two-day 33nd annual Mackinac Island Winter Festival begins Saturday, February 6, with outdoor family activities at Great Turtle Park. Events move inside Mackinac Island Public School for Sunday, February 7.

The warming fire at noon will provide a break for participants in the sledding contest, snow golf, and children's games. The snowmobile parade is set to begin at 12:30 p.m. Other afternoon events include snow bowling, and snowshoe obstacle course broom hockey.

The park's concession stand will sell hot dogs, chili, s'mores, and hot beverages.

A sock hop will be held at Mission Point Resort's Johnson Hall at 7 p.m. Saturday and teen night activities begin at 8 p.m. at Turtle Park.

The festival also includes a snow sculpture contest. Participants can register with Barb Fisher at the school or Brenda Bunker at First National Bank. Sculptures must be registered and finished by Thursday, February 4. They must also be visible from the road. Cash prizes will be awarded.

A Winter Festival brunch will be served at the school at 10 a.m. Sunday, followed by indoor and outdoor games, including snow volleyball. Also planned are a bake sale, a silent auction, and the photograph contest for the 2012 Seasons of Mackinac calendar, sponsored by Mackinac Island Recreational Development (MIRD).

Participants judge photographs taken by residents and visitors. Top pictures will be included in the 2012 calendar.

A poker run will begin at 12:30 p.m. Sunday at the school. Bingo will begin at 2 p.m. in the school's multipurpose room. The festival will end with a raffle drawing at 3 p.m.

Those who would like to participate in the Winter Festival must purchase a festival button for $3 per person or $12 per family. Buttons can be purchased the day of the festival at Great Turtle Park, at the school, or from students prior to the festival weekend.