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Mackinaw City Chamber Hosts Annual Winterfest

Celebrate winter in Mackinaw City during our 17th annual Winterfest. This past winter the event was scheduled for January 14 - 16, 2010. Stay tuned for 2011 date

Please note: Ice fishing & snow sculpting are the only weather dependent events. For updates call the Chamber office.

Most of the activities are free with a Winterfest button that can be purchased from the the Chamber of Commerce, various businesses around town and at each event site during the festival.

Enjoy amateur snow carving, outhouse races, sleigh rides, poker walk, chili cook-off, indoor ice skating, euchre tournament, ice fishing tournament from 8am to 2pm at Carp Lake and many more fun winter activities including games for kids, tweens and adults beginning at 12:00 pm at the Mackinaw City marina open space.

Join in the Outhouse Races Saturday at 2pm on the Shepler Lot located on Huron Ave and Central Ave. This novelty event starts with the parade of outhouses which proves to be colorful and entertaining. Prizes vary but judging for “Best of Show” has to do with design, décor and team theme or “just because”. The races are open to adult and junior teams. This year the prize money is sponsored by the Sons of the American Legion post 159 in Mackinaw City. Rules are as follows: The outhouse must be 4x4x6 on skis. Must have a 5 person team, one inside and 4 outside to push or pull. Must have a toilet seat. Must have material to wipe with. Entry must have a name. Entrants under 18 must have a parent’s signature and all teams/participants must sign a waiver. This event is coordinated by Big G and Friends. Call 231 818-1362 or visit www.mackinawouthouserace.com

The Chili Cook Off competition begins at the American Legion Post on S. Huron Ave. from 11:30am and runs till 1:00pm. Come early, taste and vote for your favorite recipe. To place an entry a registration form is needed and only the first 5 registrations will be accepted due to space requirements. The Legion coordinates this annual event. Tasting and people’s choice awards require a Winterfest Button. Rules and entry forms are available from the Chamber of Commerce 231 436-5574.

Mancino’s Euchre Tournament from 1:00pm to 3:00pm has a $5.00 entry fee with a Winterfest button. Action takes place at 717 S Nicolet St at the restaurant. Registration is 11:00am till Noon. Call Diane Fry for more information on this fun and “warm” event at 231 436-7474.

Weather permitting, Snow sculpting competition will begin on Thursday, January 14th, and continue through Saturday, January, 16th. Judging and awards for the sculptors will be Saturday at 1:15 PM and cash prizes are sponsored by the Mackinaw Area Visitor’s Bureau. Local snow sculptors can register for the competition until January 8th , which is also the sculpting event cancel date.


Other events located on Central Ave. include the warming house at Pancake Chef plus Friday’s Fish Fry, poker walk from 10:30 to 1:30pm at Candy Corner Windjammer Gifts, sleigh/wagon rides 12:00pm -2:30pm sponsored by Marshall’s Fudge & Candy and Mackinaw Clothing Store. Various restaurants and bar’s are offering Winterfest specials and entertainment Thursday through Saturday.

Most of activities are free with a $2.00 Orange Winterfest button/pin. Buttons can be purchased at the Chamber of Commerce Mackinaw Crossings Mall/ behind Teysen’s Gifts location, 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 $1.00 to $20.00 Winning numbers will be posted at the Winterfest Sound Trailer, Chamber of Commerce office and the Ice Fishing Contest at 11:00am during the event. Winterfest button winners must claim their winning envelopes by Friday January 22nd, 2010.

Winterfest is a snow or not event so we adjust the games to the conditions. (The snow sculpting and ice fishing is subject to weather and cancellation so call prior to your visit.)

Audie’s Black Tie Scholarship Ball is on Saturday, January 16 from 8pm to midnight. Enjoy live music, a cocktail reception and Chef Nick’s gourmet hors d’ oeuvres. For more information call Audie’s at 231 436-5744.


* Visit our Winterfest Photo Gallery!
* Click here for a printable Schedule of Events!
* Outhouse Race Waiver Form
* Chili Cookoff Registration form

Check back here for more information or call 888-455-8100.