January 19-22, 2012

Come celebrate winter in Mackinaw City during this year’s 19th annual Winter Fest.
Enjoy amateur snow carving, outhouse races, sleigh rides, poker walk, chili cook-off, indoor ice skating, euchre tournament, ice fishing tournament from 8am-2pm at Carp Lake Marina and many more fun winter activities including games for kids, tweens and adults beginning at 12:45pm at the Mackinaw City marina open space.

Weather permitting, snow sculpting competition will begin on Thursday and continue through Saturday. Judging and awards for the sculptors will be Saturday at 1:30pm and cash prizes are sponsored by the Mackinaw Area Visitor’s Bureau. Local snow sculptors can register for the competition until January 16, which is also the sculpting event cancel date.

The activities take place in and around Mackinaw City and are within site of the Mackinac Bridge. A highlight Saturday at 2pm on the Shepler Lot, located on Huron Avenue and Central Avenue: Outhouse races. This novelty event starts with the parade of outhouses which proves to be colorful and entertaining. Prizes vary, but “Best of Show” will be awarded to the best outhouse design, décor and team theme.

The Chili Cook Off competition at the American Legion Post on S Huron Ave. is from 11:30am-1pm. Come early, taste and vote for your favorite recipe. To place an entry, a registration form is needed and only the first five registrations will be accepted due to space requirements. The Legion coordinates this annual event. Tasting and people’s choice awards require a Winter Fest Button. Rules and entry forms are available from the Chamber of Commerce.

Mancino’s Euchre Tournament from 1-3:00pm has a $5.00 entry fee with a Winter Fest button. Action takes place at 717 S Nicolet St. at the restaurant. Registration is 11am-12pm.

Other events located on Central Ave. include the warming house at Pancake Chef, poker walk 10:30am-1:30pm at Candy Corner Windjammer Gifts, sleigh and wagon rides 12-2:30pm sponsored by Marshall’s Fudge & Candy and Mackinaw Clothing Store. Various restaurants and bars are offering Winter Fest specials and entertainment Thursday through Saturday.

Most of activities are free with a $2 2012 Winter Fest button/pin. Buttons can be purchased at the Chamber of Commerce and various businesses around town and at each event site during the festival until gone. Check the number on back of your button and you can win from $2-20.00 Winning numbers will be posted at the Winter Fest Sound Trailer, Chamber of Commerce office and the Ice Fishing Contest at 11am during the event.

For more things to do in Northern Michigan:

Visit Michigan Up North's Calendar of Events

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• Chili Cook Off in Harbor Springs February 19, 2012
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