Here we are… coming up on the first full weekend in March. There is still plenty of snow on the ski hills, so there will be some great festivities at a few resorts, plus the maple sap is running, so it is time to think about maple syrup. St. Patrick’s Day is still over a week away, but there are already places that will be celebrating this weekend. Let’s check out what kind of fun there will be this weekend.
For those who enjoy hops and highland skiing, the Hops ‘n Highlands will be this Saturday, starting 12PM, at the Highlands at Harbor Springs. It will be a day of Michigan craft beer, music, friendly competition, & après-style fun – all served slope side. Take on the IFOSH Stein Hoisting Championship at 2pm for bragging rights and a $150 Highlands gift card. Then keep things going with live music from Yankee Station at the Zoo Bar. For ages 21 and over. Tickets are $25 & include 4 sampling tickets. Complete details are at HighlandsHarborSprings.com on their events page.
Mardi Gras may be over in New Orleans, but not in Northern Michigan. Kids and adults will have fun at Mardi Gras on the Mountain this Saturday, starting 10AM at Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville. There will be Lift ticket discounts, Slopeside DJ, On-Slope Scavenger Hunt, & much more. Complete details and pricing at: CrystalMountain.com on their events page.
And if there weren’t enough fun at the ski resorts, the ever popular Slush Cup will be held on Saturday, starting 2PM at Shanty Creek Resort’s Ivan’s Alley in Bellaire. Watch the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat as skiers and riders attempt to cross an icy 40′ pond. Some take it to another level with crazy costumes. Registration begins at 9am on the stage at Ivan’s. Be sure to sign up early because spots fill up fast! Here are some of the events…
• 9am: Registration | Ivan’s
• 9am-4pm: Yard Games
• 1pm: Costume Contest | Ivan’s
• 2pm: Slush Cup | Ivan’s Alley
• 3-6pm: DJ | Ivan’s
• 4pm: Awards | Ivan’s
• 8-11pm: Live Entertainment – Collision Six | Ivan’s
St. Patrick’s Day is still a way’s off, but not in Gaylord. Whether you are Irish or not, head over to the 29th Annual Hibernian St. Patrick’s Party on Saturday, The fun start at 7PM at K of C Hall in Gaylord. There will be Irish music by The Pub Runners. Irish dancing by Hubbardston Dance Troupe. $20 for tickets. Go to GaylordChamber.com for more details.
And if you have a sweet tooth for syrup, Maple Sugaring Days takes place on Saturday and Sunday… 10AM Saturday; 11am Sunday at Olsen Farm, located on 3164 W. Harbor Hwy. in Maple City. Experience the sugaring process through time. Learn the history of maple sugaring from the Anishinaabe, & then travel to the present day at the Olsen Farm. End your adventure by sampling warm syrup or making maple taffy. The event is free with a park pass.
Have a fun, safe weekend!
John Kelly
