Two Winterfest Events this Weekend

In Grand Haven, Michigan, folks have been gathering for winter fun since 1979. Indoor and outdoor events include a family ski night, a sled pull- dog powered, and a popular cardboard sled race. Added this year is a human dog sled race. Teams of two riders and four "dogs" (humans in harness), will show their stuff on Washington Avenue at 8 pm, Friday. The sleds will be actual dog sleds, purchased or borrowed from sled dog groups.

Grand Haven Coast Guard members walked their boat sled up the hill during the cardboard sled race at Mulligan's Hollow as part of Winterfest 2003 in Grand Haven. Chronicle file photo/ Cory Morse

The cardboard sled race will be run at 10 a.m. Saturday at Mulligan's Hollow. It is long known for inspiring creativity. Participants use cardboard, tape and epoxy to create a one-time-use sled; no reinforced sleds allowed. Speed vs design becomes the challenge for competitors.

Adults enjoy the Luau in a heated tent at the marina. This party is for those 21 and older.

When: Thursday through Sunday
Where: Various locations throughout Grand Haven
Admission: Free to $10; cost varies with activity. Free trolley downtown to the Community Center (Kids' Day) to Mulligan's Hollow and back.
More information: Winterfestonline.org has a schedule of events, entry forms and more.

The Izaak Walton League is hosting its first Winterfest near Grand Rapids at the Cannonsburg Ike's (nickname for Izaak Walton League members) Conservation Center.

If there's enough snow ( and it sure looks like it outside my window!) there will be cross-country skiing, ice fishing, sledding, skating, snowshoeing, shelter-hut building, and "Fox and Geese."

No matter what the weather, these events are on the schedule: fly tying, archery, bird-feeding crafts, candle-making, flint and steel fire starting, a nature walk with tracking lessons, and ping pong.

There will be chili, German weiners, hot dogs, cocoa and dessert served.

When: Saturday, 11 am - 4 pm
Where: Izaak Walton Conservation Center, 5641 Myers Lake Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, north of Cannonsburg Road
Admission: Free
More information: www.michiganikes.org

from the Muskegon Chronicle, "Winter events aimed at getting people outdoors", Jan 24, 2008
and the Izaak Walton League
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