Mackinaw Area Historical Society Accepts Ice Tower Guesses

As water has rained down on a tower-shaped framework in front of the Mackinaw City Village Hall, inch by inch the liquid has frozen over a mechanical timer inside. The device, embedded near the base of the tower and laid flat on the ice, will record the exact time it is released from its icy prison by the sun's warmth. When the tower begins to melt this spring, the unsecured end of the device will drop, recording the time down to the second.

That moment will determine who will win at least $1,000 in the Mackinaw Area Historical Society's Ice Tower Classic. Those who enter the contest to benefit the historical society will submit two guesses for the date and time that the spring thaw reaches Mackinaw City's ice tower. Entries are being accepted now.

Bill Marvin, president of the historical society, said the competition was inspired by a similar one

Alaska.

The historical society decided

give the contest a try in 2008. Mackinaw City erected an ice tower for decoration already, Mr. Marvin said, and it was a perfect candidate for the contest. In its first year, April 24 was the winning date. The second year it was April 20.

Those interested in entering the contest can cut out the form printed in The St. Ignace News and write down the day, date, and time they think the device will drop, not when the tower will completely melt.

Entries may be made at Mackinaw City businesses displaying the Ice Tower Classic poster. The envelopes, forms, and a $5 entry fee may also be mailed to the Mackinaw Area Historical Society, PO Box 999, Mackinaw City Michigan, 49701. All entries must be received by Thursday, April 1, at midnight.

Proceeds raised by the contest will benefit the historical society.