It’s the time of year where many cities and towns are celebrating the joys of Winter. It’s a
great way to get outside, enjoy winter activities with your family, plus see neighbors and friends
who’ve been hibernating since the Holidays.
History has always been a part of Mackinac. In 1976, the very first winter festival took place on
Mackinac Island and we’re proud to be celebrating the 39th Annual Mackinac Island Winter Festival
starting on Saturday, February 7th – Sunday February 8th. Aside from the great fun, it serves as a
fundraiser for Mackinac Island Recreational Development (MIRD). They raise much needed money
through the sale of the annual Season of Mackinac Calendar. Playground equipment, cross-country
skis for use at the school, funding for the purchase of ski trail grooming equipment all the while
continuing to outfit and upgrade Great Turtle Park for the community.
For those of us fortunate enough to live on Mackinac Island year round, it’s fun everyday, but the
real fun begins at 12:00 noon at Great Turtle Park with a warming fire to welcome everyone.
Get ready for tasty grilled hot dogs, brats, chili and s’mores. From noon to 2:00 pm, there’s plenty
of activities for the kids as well as the kids at heart. Get ready for;
- Broom Hockey, Build-a-Snowman (or Snow-woman)
- Sledding, Kid games, Snow Golf
- Snowshoe Races & Skiing Events
- Ice Fishing for the kids, Snow Bowling
- Egg Hunt for kids and a Tug of War
After those great fun activities, a Snowmobile Safari starts at 6:00 pm and from 7:00-9:00 pm
is Middle School Fun at Saint Anne’s followed by Teen Night at Turtle Park at 8:00 pm.
Catch your breath and get a good night’s sleep because there’s another fun-packed day
scheduled for Sunday. Give yourself a break and skip the hassle of making breakfast and join
us at 10:00 am for our Winter Festival Brunch with mouth-watering pancakes, bacon, sausage,
eggs, potatoes, biscuits & gravy, pastries & fresh fruit at the school. There’s a Bake Sale all day at
the school, so stock up with baked goodies, a Cookie Contest, and a Photo Contest for the 2017
Seasons of Mackinac Calendar and a Silent Auction that ends at 2:00 pm.
But wait, there’s more! From 11:00 am- 1:00 pm, there’s a Poker Run. Plus,
- 11:00 am: Face painting
- 12:00 pm: Kid’s Carnival & Kid’s Auction
- 1:00 pm: Archery Contest & Foil Game
- 1:30 pm: Snow Soccer, Cupcake Walk for Kids
- 12:30-2:00 pm: Bowling & Basketball in Big Gym
- 1:30 pm: Bingo!
- 2:30 pm: Raffle Drawing & Announcements
- 3:00 pm: Dart Ball at Community Hall
Plus you can buy Winter Festival buttons individually and in family packs. So, save the dates,
February 7 & 8, join us all for great fun, food, games and activities and best of all, a great cause
that helps our special Mackinac Island community year round. If you’re interested, sponsorships
and donations for event prizes and silent auctions are always needed and much appreciated.
Donations can be delivered to First National Bank on Market Street or to Mackinac Island Public
School. For those who live on the mainland and love Mackinac, (you know who you are), send by
mail to:
Mackinac Island Recreational Development (MIRD)
PO Box 421
Mackinac Island, MI 49757.
So buy a Seasons of Mackinac calendar, get ready and we’re looking forward to seeing you
at the 39th Mackinac Island Winter Festival so until next time……..
George Piliouras for The Lilac Voice