Plenty of Snow Draws Residents to Winter Festival

Cheyla Shunk (left) and Sadie Johnson are bundled against the chill and ready to enjoy Winter Festival at Great Turtle Park. The two friends are second grade students at Mackinac Island Public School. (Winter Festival photographs by Jennifer Bloswick)

The Annual Mackinac Island Winter Festival, say organizers, was the most well attended in its 32 year history. The festival is run by Mackinac Island Recreational Development (MIRD), which reports a record number of photographs entered in the "Seasons of Mackinac" calendar photography contest, the event's largest crowds at Turtle Park, and a record number of breakfasts sold.

"This was the biggest and most well-attended festival that we've ever had," said committee member Barb Fisher.

Summer games turned into winter events February 2 and 3. Taking place during Super Bowl weekend, the theme for this year's winter celebration was the Super Bowl. The Island version of the Super Bowl was played in the snow Sunday. A snow sculpting contest using the football theme was planned, however, snow was icy and not packable and MIRD canceled the event at the last minute.

Top left: Father and son, Jeff Ferguson and Teagan, share a ride and a smile sledding Saturday during the Winter Festival.

A photography contest for the 2010 "Seasons of Mackinac" calendar drew more photographs than ever before, said committee member Leanne Brodeur, with 304 entries. Festival attendees were able to vote on their favorite photographs Sunday. The winners should be announced in two weeks.

At Turtle Park Saturday, a warming fire, sledding, and games for all ages took place, including snow bowling, broom hockey, and snow golf. Skiing and an egg hunt Saturday are among the family events planned. In the afternoon, children worked their way through a winter obstacle course.

An evening hoedown was held in Johnson Hall at Mission Point Resort, followed by music at Patrick Sinclair's Irish Pub and the Village Inn. A teen night took place at Turtle Park.

Sunday events started with a brunch at Mackinac Island Public School, followed by a bake sale and silent auction. In the afternoon, snow volleyball games were played and Mackinac Island's version of the Super Bowl was played as flag football in the snow.

At left: The chicken chuck can be a challenge when the frozen poultry is almost as big as the participant. Wearing thick winter gloves, Brooke Dziabak does her best to toss the chilly bird. She is a preschool student at the Island school.

"It was a really good community event," said committee member Jennifer Bloswick.

Hailey Bean and Jessica Beaune teamed up to make the most money for selling Winter Festival buttons. They were awarded $50 for their efforts of making $192 in button sales. Colton Fisher won second prize for selling $149 worth of buttons and he won $25. Jacob Chambers came in third with button sales totaling $126, and he received a $10 prize.

Elementary students sell the festival buttons each year. Proceeds are used to improve recreation facilities on Mackinac Island.