Ice golf tournament enters 20th year

MINOCQUA – You won’t have to worry about losing your golf ball in the woods when you tee off at the 20th annual Lake Minocqua Ice Golf Tournament set for Saturday, March 4. Held on the frozen Lake Minocqua, the 36-hole course (participants golf 9 holes) is laid out on the Aqua Bowl in front of the Thirsty Whale, downtown Minocqua.

The charity-driven gathering draws a large number of players each year. Most comprise foursomes, but others tag along for the camaraderie, the food, the raffles and music (4-8 p.m. featuring Indyclyne). You don’t have to be a seasoned golfer to participate as this fun event welcomes players of all abilities (or none). Most walk the course, but you’ll see snowmobiles, ATVs and even golf carts out there.

Registration begins at 11 a.m. at the Thirsty Whale (the event sponsor) with the shotgun start at 1 p.m. There is a registration fee. All you need is a golf club, as they provide the tennis balls. Proceeds go to local charitable groups and for scholarships. Any questions, call Deanne Kidd at 715-614-7108.

The cold truth is, it’s fun!

PICKEREL – You may not blast out into space, climb Mt. Everest, or wow the crowd by singing at the Super Bowl halftime show, but you can do something that probably none of the aforementioned people have done – jump into the open waters of a northern Wisconsin lake in the dead of winter.

For anyone who wants to bear the unbearable, the Saturday, Feb. 11 Jerry Schuh’s Pickerel Polar Bear Jump-in welcomes any and all to take a dip in the teeth-chattering water of Pickerel Lake. We have it on good authority that the local fish don’t mind and the water is super clean. Thousands gather to watch the polar bears and also to watch the snowmobile skipping that takes place over the open water.

Whether you jump, or prefer to watch (as we do!), the fun begins at 1 p.m. with the signature event at Jerry’s Sportsmen’s Lodge, 8915 Pickerel Lake Road, the headquarters. There will be a food and refreshments tent out on the ice.

The event will be preceded by the Pickerel EMS pancake breakfast 8-11 a.m. at the Pickerel Rescue Station 2 on Hwy. 55, and followed by the Tombstone-Pickerel Snowmobile Club’s chili ride-in.

We’re loving these easy to do snowshoe hikes

TOWN OF SHERMAN – A new year brings snowshoers a couple of fun outings to enjoy with friends and family. We direct you first to the Town of Sherman where the Sherman First Responders are hosting their annual Snowshoe Shuffle on Saturday, Feb. 18. This 5K is a “go at your own pace” event, with sign-in beginning at 9:30 a.m. and the event starting at 10:30 a.m., both at the Sherman town hall, 3053 Hwy. 182. The festivities will wrap up at 1:30 p.m.

Pre-registration is suggested and is necessary if you want to borrow a pair of snowshoes. Early registration begins Feb. 16 by e-mailing tracylmurrin@gmail.com or by calling 715-583-4477. Early registration fee is $20 and on the day of event the fee will be $30. All proceeds will benefit the Sherman EMR-First Responders.

Lunch (featuring award-winning chili) is included with the registration fee. Non-shufflers can drop by for the lunch, with a donation. The after-event party will include a 50/50 raffle and other raffles beginning at 1 p.m.

MONTREAL – The fifth annual Hygge (Hoo-ga) Hike will take place on Saturday, Feb. 25, from 6-8 p.m. at the Historic Montreal Ski Trails. This event is sponsored by NICER and the Penokee Rangers Trail Corps, A $10 suggested donation per family will be collected at the trailhead, with proceeds to benefit NICER and the Penokee Rangers who maintain the Montreal Ski Trails.

Participants will find a variety of luminaries lining the 1.5-mile route along a portion of the Historic Montreal Ski Trails, with multiple bonfires, Swedish torches, hot chocolate, and a few other surprises along the way. Participants are encouraged to wear anything that glows to help light up the night (glow sticks, LED light vests, reflective clothing ... get creative!).

The Extension Iron County office will have snowshoes available to use for free, with kids and adult sizes available. Even though this is a dog friendly trail system, they ask that you leave your dogs at home during this event. If you have any questions, e-mail benicer@nicer715.com.

Parking will be limited. Use the entrance to Number 4 Road when arriving at the event. Do not enter on the south side of Montreal Street, as they will be using it as an exit only for the Rose Wreath parking area. The parking attendants will direct traffic to the Rose Wreath parking lot, with overflow parking directed to Number 4 Road (right side only), or across Hwy. 77 on the north side of Montreal Street.