February is here, and with a new month comes new winter adventures. My wife always says that February is the longest month of the year, though it has 28 days. My thoughts on February is that if it going to feel like it is long month, then you feel like you have time to have more fun. Accentuate the positive, I always say! With that, here are five fun events I hope you will enjoy as we enter the first full weekend in February…
First, we have the Harbor Springs Ice Fest, a two day event on Friday & Saturday that starts at 11am, both days. This events features more than 50 ice sculptures throughout downtown Harbor Springs, along with multiple live carvings & the Dueling Chainsaws Show. There will also be an interactive ice park in Zorn Park with large sculptures that are perfect for photo ops & play, a scavenger hunt, games & two horse drawn wagons giving free tours. There will be a live drone show on Fri. at 6:30pm, where 100 drones will fill the sky over the bay, flying to the accompaniment of a music sound track you can hear through your phone. A complete schedule of events are at: DownTownHarborSprings.com/ice-fest.
If you enjoy something that is more slowly paced and enjoy shopping, the Farmers Market at the Village at Grand Traverse Commons may be what you are looking for this Saturday, starting at 10 am at The Mercado. You can stay warm, while shopping over 30 vendors who will offer a variety of delicious items from farm fresh eggs, meats and cheeses, to fruits, veggies, homemade breads and more!The market offers easy access and ample parking. Enjoy the ambiance of the retail marketplace. More details at TheVillageTC.com/events.
For those who may wish to have a pre-Valentines date night, consider, “Candlelight: Valentine’s Day Special.” Saturday evening at 6:30PM at The Village at GT Commons, Kirkbride Hall, you’ll enjoy the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience under the gentle glow of candlelight. Featuring the Listeso String Quartet performing songs like “Unchained Melody,” “A Whole New World,” “Tennessee,” “My Heart Will Go On,” & many others. Tickets range from $49 to $57.50. To buy your tickets, visit feverup.com/m/470677
The Wiener Ski (yes, like the hot dog) will be a fun event that takes place this Saturday, from 11am till 6pm at Shady Lane Cellars in Suttons Bay. The events will include free access to two freshly-groomed trails, just steps from the tasting room. Visitors can take the 5K loop for cross-country skiing & hiking or choose a separate 1.5K trail made for snowshoeing on the estate winery’s property. Guests can bring their own equipment or rent skis or snowshoes from Suttons Bay Bikes. Rentals will be arranged in advance. Leelanau Cheese will be serving their beer brats. Go to ShadyLaneCellars.com for complete details.
If you’d like a little competition with the kids, the Parent & Child Race at The Highlands at Harbor Springs will be on Saturday from 1 till 3pm. This fun NASTAR giant slalom challenge is designed for families who love a little friendly competition. Each team is made up of one parent & one child. Each racer takes one run, & the combined handicaps determine the team score. Registration runs from 9am-noon in Brew Bar in the Day Lodge. HighlandsHarborSprings.com on their events page for details.
Have a wonderful weekend,
John Kelly
