The Mackinac Island Winter Festival will celebrate its 36th year Saturday, February 4, at Great Turtle Park and Sunday, February 5, at Mackinac Island School.

Saturday’s events include a cardboard sled contest (weather permitting), face painting, snow bowling, and broom hockey. Other games will be available, as well, and a concession stand will be open.

Broom hockey, a popular game, lets everyone join in on the fun.

“It’s pretty easy to throw a team together,” said Barb Fisher. “It’s just ‘Who wants to play?’ and they go out there and have a good time.”

In the evening, the Kids Pajama Party is planned at Johnson Hall, while Kids Teen Night will be at Turtle Park.

The annual brunch starts Sunday at 10 a.m. at the school, and will serve meals until 1 p.m. The meal will consist of sausage, bacon, fresh fruit, pancakes, eggs, and baked goods. Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children. A bake sale will also be hosted Sunday.

“It’s a pretty good deal, and really good food,” Mrs. Fisher said. “For 25 years we’ve hosted this brunch with pretty much the same staff, and the meal is great.”

More games follow the brunch, including a poker run for adults, snow volleyball, archery, and games and a carnival for children.

Returning from last year are the minute challenges, based on the television game show “Minute-To- Win-It.” Competitors have only a minute to complete challenging, yet simple tasks, like moving candies with only a straw, or bouncing as many ping pong balls into a cup as possible.

Attending the festival will also give participants a chance to vote for the Seasons of Mackinac Photo Contest. Winners will be featured in the 2014 Seasons of Mackinac calendar, which is also sold as a fundraiser.

Prizes will be available for many competitions, and are donated through local businesses from both Mackinac Island and St. Ignace.

The event serves as a fundraiser for the Mackinac Island Recreation Development committee, who uses the funds to reinvest in recreational equipment, and works hand in hand with the Recreation Department.

“We fund the hardware for recreation on the Island,” Anneke Myers said. “We help purchase skis and equipment for Turtle Park, things like that.”

The winter festival is focused on bringing the community together to enjoy winter fun.

“We’re out to provide good winter entertainment,” Mrs. Fisher said.