18 minute read
Ski, bike, and run at the second Gaylord Tri45 Winter Triathlon
There’s no swimming, we promise
By Deb Dent
The Gaylord Tri45 Winter Triathlon, aptly named because the town sits on the 45th parallel, includes a 5K cross-country ski, a 10K fat tire bike ride and a 5K run, and is set to take place on the grounds of Treetops Resort in Gaylord on March 4.
It’s Michigan’s first ever winter triathlon and only the fourth in the United States.
Race director Meagan Rinck grew up in northern Michigan and has always had a passion for triathlons. She has competed in several over the years, including the Cheaha Extreme Triathlon in Delta, Alabama, and the half IRONMAN triathlon in Traverse City. She even placed first in her age group in Middleville’s Dirty Mitten Gravel Triathlon in 2021. And although she admits to not liking being cold, she enjoys being active with her two children— who have also both competed in triathlons—and staying fit all year long.
Rinck says that she had the idea for the winter event after missing summer triathlons and not wanting to take any down time away from the sport in the colder months. She shared the idea with her friend, Paul Beachnau from the Gaylord Tourism Bureau, and it wasn’t long before the ball was rolling. Treetops Resort was more than willing to add something new and exciting to their existing roster of winter activities. So, in 2022, the inaugural race was born.
Last year the event attracted 33 competitors, and Rinck fully expects that number to continue to grow with each year. And although most of the racers were relatively new to the sport, she says they did have a couple fierce competitors.
“This race proved to be exactly what they needed for a good challenge to get them through till summer triathlons started,” Rinck says. She adds that this is the perfect race for anyone who considers themselves a winter enthusiast and wants to push themselves and try something different…or for someone who just enjoys triathlons in general and is looking for a new challenge.
“Since a winter triathlon is a fairly new thing for the area, people have a hard time realizing what it is and think there is a swim involved, and that scares people away,” she explains. “I have to do a lot of reassuring that no swimming is involved.”
When asked what her opinion was on the most competitive piece of the race, Rinck says, “From my perspective, the bike is the most competitive. The cross-country ski people are setting their tone for the race and finding their pace. They are warming up and getting into it. The bike, you can really make and able to finish strong.”
Alison Sklarczyk was one of the participants in the inaugural triathlon last year. Up until the event, she had never even ridden a fat tire bike before but knew it would be a great experience and was up to the challenge. She enjoyed the fun and supportive atmosphere of the race and is looking forward to competing again this year.
Sklarczyk says of the experience, “It is truly an event for everyone, regardless of to sign up and join everyone. There was no shortage of laughter last year!”
Due to the fickle nature of a northern Michigan winter, Rinck says there always needs to be a Plan B in place for poor weather conditions—whether that means too much snow or not enough. She says that the race has back-up options if the weather decides it doesn’t want to cooperate with the event. In case of a big snowstorm, they would consider postponing. And if there is warmer weather causing a big melt, they would probably remove the cross-country ski part of the race.
As far as race swag goes this year, all participants will receive a ski boot bag. The top finishers will also get awards, with the overall first-place male and female receiving a trophy stein.
Rinck says that she is also including something that she experienced while participating in a race in Alaska: “One thing that was fun from last year that I am bringing back is the Hot Gatorade. Everyone was really skeptical about it and rightfully so. I tried it and it was perfect for the cold temps. However, I won’t be using yellow Gatorade this year,” she jokes.
Learn more, view race maps, and register at gaylordalloutdoorswintertriathlon.com.
Saturday
INTER-LOCH-NESS
3-COUNTY ICE FISHING
DERBY: 6am, Long Lake Grocery, TC. Pre-register at Long Lake Grocery, TC & then fish in any body of water in Grand Traverse, Leelanau or Benzie counties. All legal types of fishing are allowed including fishing from a boat in Lake Michigan. There will be five divisions - lake trout, pike, perch, walleye and bluegill. You may enter as many divisions as you like. Fish can be weighed in at the Long Lake Grocery during store hours throughout the tournament. For more info on the official rules, call 946-4249. Awards ceremony on Sun., Feb. 19 at 3pm at Long Lake Grocery. $20 registration fee per division.
SLEDDING & S’MORES: Noon-3pm, Kiwanis Park, Harbor Springs. Free sledding, food, hot cocoa, & s’mores. Rides uphill from fire department. 231-526-2104.
42ND ANNUAL SNO-BLAST WINTER
FESTIVAL: East Jordan, Feb. 17-19. Today includes the Classic & Antique Snowmobile Show, Blessing of the Sleds & ORV’s, Chili Cook-Off, ORV & Snowmobile Obstacle Course, Radar Runs, Scavenger Hunt, Comedy/Variety Theater Show, Party at the Foundry Bar & Grill, & more. ejchamber.org/ wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2023-Schedule-of-Events-Brochure.pdf
FROSTY 5K: 9am, under the pavilion, 170 South Court Ave., Downtown Gaylord. $35 before Feb. 12; then price increases. runsignup.com/Race/MI/Gaylord/ AlpenFrostFrosty5K?aflt_token=vkmwDmw eQ4iCYn8otSOOnKQ3vCO8buOw
PETOSKEY CHILI TRAIL: 2-4pm, downtown Petoskey. Visit each participating store for chili samples & fun. petoskeyarea.com
WINTER WONDERLAND WEEKEND: Downtown Petoskey, Feb. 17-20. Featuring ice carving demonstrations in the Park, Downtown shopping & restaurant specials, creative activities for children, a scavenger hunt through the Downtown shops, a Downtown Dollars shopping contest, & Winter Carnival events held at the Winter Sports Park - Bump Jumping & the Cardboard Sled Race. petoskeydowntown.com/events/winter-wonderland ----------------------
INDOOR SIDEWALK SALES: Downtown Charlevoix, Feb. 17-20. Enjoy bargains & more on a variety of merchandise at participating stores.
KIDS CODING CLUB: 10am, Bellaire Public Library. Kids ages 5-18 are welcome to join for coding games, building robots, & creating 3D objects using a 3D printer. Free, but registration required: 231-533-8814. bellairelibrary.org ----------------------
OPEN STUDIO: 10am-1pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Visual Arts Room, Petoskey. Drop-in free arts & crafts for the whole family. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/openstudio-february-18
PRESIDENTS’ DAY WEEKEND SALE EVENT: Downtown TC, Feb. 17-19. Enjoy sales at participating businesses. downtowntc. com/presidents-day-weekend-sale-event
“THE BEST YETI FEST THIS SIDE OF THE HIMALAYAS”: 10:30am-5:30pm, Suttons Bay. Featuring a Chili Cook-off, Interactive Scavenger Hunt, free screening of “Happy Feet” at the Bay Theatre at 2:30pm, Yeti Exploration & activities for children at the Sut- tons Bay Library, Yeti Cup Hockey Tournament at Ice Rink Park, face painting & hot chocolate at LIFT Teen Center, live music, & an Award Ceremony at Yeti Central at 5pm. suttonsbayarea.com/yetifest
----------------------
TEDDY KNAPE FEST: Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville. Hit the slopes for raffles & giveaways. Held slopeside from 11am4:30pm near the Crystal Clipper, with raffles at 3pm. Raffle items include a paddle board, new skis, goggles, helmets, ski luggage plus endless amounts of ski gear & swag. The Teddy Knape Fest benefits adaptive winter sports which allows special needs participants the ability to ski. crystalmountain.com/ event/teddy-knape
6TH ANNUAL CHILI COOK-OFF IN ELK
RAPIDS: Noon-3pm, River St., Downtown Elk Rapids. Taste chili at 11 participating businesses & vote for your favorite. Tickets are available at The DAM Shop, Nifty Things! or Happy Camper Coffee. $5/person. facebook.com/downtownelkrapids
6TH ANNUAL WALLOON LAKE WINTERFEST: 12-4pm, Walloon Lake. Takes place indoors at The Talcott, Barrel Back Restaurant & Tommy’s Walloon. There will be complimentary snowshoe & cross-country ski rentals available at Tommy’s to explore local hiking trails. Enjoy the free Hot Chocolate Bar provided by Walloon Lake Inn. There will be giveaway prizes & drawings at businesses, & live ice carving in the Village Green Park from the Ice Brigades. The Petoskey Snowmobile Club will be holding their 5th Annual Vintage Snowmobile Ride beginning at the Petoskey Snowmobile Clubhouse. Free. eventbrite. com/e/6th-annual-walloon-lake-winterfesttickets-510948830707?aff=erelexpmlt
WINTERFEST: 12-3pm, Boonedocks, Glen Arbor. Featuring a Perch Fishing Contest, followed by a Chili Cook-Off. $10. visitglenarbor.com/events/category/community-events
----------------------
FEBRUARY FROLIC: 1-3pm, Whiting Park, Boyne City. This is part of Whiting Park’s Centennial Celebration. There will be snowshoeing (8+); snowshoes provided by Little Traverse Conservancy, story walk & animal homes discussion (ages 2-7+), a fire pit & hot chocolate. Free.
WINTER HIKE: 1-3pm, Green Point Dunes, Frankfort. Join volunteer Sally Manke for this winter hike. The ridge trail offers great views of Lake Michigan & Lower Herring Lake. Bring winter gear, water, a snack & snowshoes. This a moderately strenuous event. Register. Free. gtrlc.org/recreation-events/events
DR. ANNA-LISA COX LECTURE: 2pm, Ramsdell Theatre, Manistee. “With Liberty and Justice for All: The Black Pioneers Who Upheld the Values of the American Revolution in Frontier Michigan and Manistee.” This Journey of Discovery event is being held to honor the contributions of African Americans in rural Michigan. Free; donations welcome. ramsdelltheatre.org
INAUGURAL TRAVERSE CITY BOURBON FEST: Visions Weddings & Banquets, 12935 S West Bay Shore Dr., TC. Featuring 100+ whiskeys – most of them Bourbon. Two 3-hour sessions will be held at 4pm & 8pm where participants can sample whiskeys as well as beer & wine. There will also be food trucks, live music, vendors & more. Proceeds benefit Friends of the River. $10$100. traversecitybourbonfest.com
CHEBOYGAN NORTHLAND PLAYERS
DINNER THEATER: Eagles Hall, Cheboygan. Featuring the comedy “The Second Time Around” by Henry Denker, presented under license with Concord Theatrical. Dinner at 6:30pm; show at 7pm. Reservations are required. Call 231-627-4051. $27. nlplayers.org/winter-dinner-theater
MIRIAM PICO & DAVID CHOWN: 7pm, The Music House Museum, Williamsburg. Miriam is a local legend who has been honored with many awards. She is also the founder & owner of Little Bird School of Song. David is known locally & nationally for his piano playing. He is a performer & educator with degrees in Piano Technology & Jazz Studies. $25. musichouse.org/upcoming-events
“THE LARAMIE PROJECT”: 7:30pm, Old Town Playhouse, TC. In 1998 Matthew Shepard, an openly gay college student, was brutally beaten & left to die on the plains outside Laramie, Wyoming. This play is based on 200+ interviews with the people of the town, & explores the depths to which humanity can sink & the heights of compassion we are capable of. $28 adults; $15 youth under 18, plus fees. oldtownplayhouse.com/calendar ----------------------
COMEDY W/ JERRY DONOVAN: 7:309pm, Traverse City Comedy Club, TC. Jerry is known for his quick wit & uncanny observations. He has worked with such notables as Kurt Russell, Jason Segal, & many others. $25-$30. mynorthtickets.com/events/ comedy-wjerry-donovan-2-17-2023
SNOW BALL GALA FUNDRAISER: 8-11pm, The Dockside Inn, Cadillac. This is a formal dance (however all attire is welcome) with music, heavy appetizers, & a cash bar. You can spin the wheel & there will be raffle ticket prizes. All proceeds benefit Healing Private Wounds (who provides free counseling, group therapy, & programs). Please contact Healing Private Wounds to purchase tickets; or if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, email Jessica: hpwjessica@gmail. com. $25 per ticket.
TOM WILSON: 8pm, Freshwater Art Gallery & Concert Venue, Boyne City. Tom has played Freshwater twice before; once as the front man for Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, & once as Lee Harvey Osmond. He is also a writer & wrote his best-selling memoir “Beautiful Scars,” a painter & more. 231582-2588. $40. facebook.com/FRESHWATERARTGALLERY sunday
INTER-LOCH-NESS
3-COUNTY ICE FISHING
DERBY: (See Sat., Feb. 18)
42ND ANNUAL SNOBLAST WINTER FESTIVAL: East Jordan, Feb. 17-19. Today includes the East Jordan Trailblazers Sno-Lovers Breakfast, Scavenger Hunt & more. ejchamber.org/wp-content/ uploads/2023/02/2023-Schedule-of-EventsBrochure.pdf ----------------------
WINTER WONDERLAND WEEKEND: (See Sat., Feb. 18)
INDOOR SIDEWALK SALES: (See Sat., Feb. 18)
PRESIDENTS’ DAY WEEKEND SALE EVENT: (See Sat., Feb. 18)
SLOW, EASY HIKE: 1pm, Swanson Preserve, Cedar. Look closely at vegetation along the route, thinking about winter aesthetics, & talking about the importance of protecting watershed. Waterproof boots are a must. Snowshoes or yak tracks might be necessary if conditions warrant. Led by Docents Karin Jacobson, Sharon Oriel & Karl Hausler. leelanauconservancy.org/events/ slow-easy-hike-at-swanson-preserve
THE HISTORY OF HELENA TOWNSHIP CEMETERY: 2pm, Helena Township Community Center, Alden. Paul DeLange, president of Helena Township Historical Society, will discuss the origins of the cemetery, burial grounds, gravesites, graveyards & other facts. 231-331-4318. ---------------------- tickets.oldtownplayhouse.com/TheatreManager/1/tmEvent/tmEvent436.html
“REMEMBERING PATSY CLINE”: 3pm, Old Town Playhouse, TC. A tribute to the legendary Patsy Cline, featuring Judy Harrison & the band ReBooted. $15-$28 plus fees.
GREAT LAKES CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
SUNDAY SERIES: 4pm, First Presbyterian Church of Petoskey. Featuring the Achille Trio with Lynne Aspnes, harp; Libor Ondras, viola; & Abigail Walsh, flute. Includes Debussy’s Sonata for Flute, Viola, and Harp. Free. glcorchestra.org/sunday-series
“THE AUDACITY TO LOVE”: A SOUL STIRRING SOUND EXPERIENCE: 6pm, City Opera House, TC. Featuring Seth Bernard, acoustic guitar & vocals; Crystal Woodward-Turner, vocals; David Chown, piano; & Karine Pierson, strings. $25, $30. cityoperahouse.org/node/494 monday
WINTER WONDERLAND WEEKEND: (See Sat., Feb. 18)
-------------
PRESCHOOL ADVEN-
TURES IN ART: 9:30-10:15am, Crooked Tree Arts Center, TC. Young artists can engage in themed activities while exploring various art methods. Early registration encouraged. $5. crookedtree.org/class/ ctac-traverse-city/preschool-adventures-artfebruary-20-0
INDOOR SIDEWALK SALES: (See Sat., Feb. 18)
KID’S CRAFT LAB: PRESIDENT’S DAY
BIRDFEEDER: 1pm & 3:30pm, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, TC. Make either a George Washington or Abe Lincoln birdfeeder. Sign up when you reserve your attendance at the Museum. greatlakeskids.org
BICYCLE REPAIR CLINICS: 5pm, McLain Cycle & Fitness, 750 E. Eighth St., TC. Topics change every week. Free. mclaincycle.com tuesday
PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: 10:30am, Suttons Bay Bingham District Library, lower level Community Meeting Room. Preschoolers of all ages are invited to join for stories, songs & active fun. Free. sbbdl.org
STORYTIME ADVENTURES: 10:30am, 1pm & 3:30pm, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, TC. Featuring “Moonbear’s Shadow” by Frank Asch. Sign up when you reserve your attendance at the Museum. greatlakeskids.org
“LOCAL GOVERMENT IN MICHIGAN, WHAT IS IT ? HOW DID WE GET HERE?
WHAT’S NEXT?”: Noon-1:30pm, Traverse Area District Library, TC. The League of Women Voters of the GTA will present this free event with John Amrhein, a governance educator with Michigan State University Extension’s Goverment & community Vitality Team. lwvgta.org
MACKINAW CITY BUSINESS AFTER HOURS: 5-7pm, O’Reilly’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, Mackinaw City. Includes networking, appetizers, non-alcoholic beverages, a cash bar, & door prizes. RSVP: 231-436-5574. $5 members; $10 not-yet members.
MAPLE SYRUP WORKSHOP: 5:307:30pm, The Leelanau County Government Center, Community Meeting Room in Basement, Suttons Bay. Join local Maple Syrup Experts, The Leelanau Conservation District,
& others to learn about the basics of maple sugaring & more. Speakers will discuss tree selection, equipment decisions, tree health, the process from sap to syrup & how climate change will impact the industry. Register by emailing or calling Karen Long: 231.256.9783 or klong@leelanau.gov. Free. leelanaucd.org
NCTA GRAND TRAVERSE HIKING CLUB, FEBRUARY MONTHLY MEETING: 7pm, Boardman River Nature Center, TC. In spring 2022, Steve & Betsy Duede took a trip to the Southwest. The trip focused on White Sands, Sedona, Petrified Forest, Capitol Reef, Arches, & Canyonlands. They will share their experiences. Free.
BOSTON BRASS: 7:30pm, City Opera House, TC. For over 30 years, Boston Brass has played classical arrangements, jazz standards, & original brass repertoire, touched with humor & personality. $37, $27, students $15. cityoperahouse.org/node/449
Wednesday
“DISRUPT & DISMANTLE: THE COST OF BLACK MOTHERHOOD IN MISSISSIPPI”: 1pm & 2:30pm, Dennos Museum Center, Dutmers Theater, NMC, TC. Soledad O’Brien talks to Black moms & their advocates in Mississippi to find out how the government & healthcare system can address high maternal & infant mortality rates in the state. Limit of 30 people per screening. Free; online registration required. simpletix.com/e/disrupt-dismantlethe-cost-of-black-mother-tickets-119451
THE ART OF: AHAVANI MULLEN: 4pm, Dennos Museum Center, Zimmerman scuplture court, NMC, TC. Join the artist for an intimate walkthrough of the four works on view. Mullen’s solo exhibition called “Across Centuries and the Earth” explores the ways in which subtle, ephemeral vibrations can be given form on a canvas, using energeticallycharged paint to create fields of color, light, & texture. These works were created during her spring 2022 residency at Tusen Takk. Free. dennosmuseumcenter.simpletix.com/?utm_ source=cision&utm_medium=email&utm_ campaign=DMC-Tusen-Takk-Mullen
MYSTERIES OF THE WINTER SKY WITH MARY STEWART ADAMS: 6-8pm, Offield Family Viewlands, Harbor Springs. Begin the night with storytelling, followed by a lantern walk. Gather with Star Lore Historian Mary Stewart Adams to marvel at the beauty with poetry, history, & cultural tales. Register. landtrust.org/events-template/mysteries-ofthe-winter-sky thursday
TAP TALK: 7pm, Biere de Mac Brew Works, Mackinaw City. Tonight features Michael Grisdale from Mackinac Straits Health System. Free.
COFFEE @ 10, PETOS-
KEY: 10am, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Gilbert Gallery, Petoskey. Join Michigan artist Sharon Wade, whose pastels are featured in CTAC’s Guild Member Salon Show as well as Petoskey’s sales gallery. Free. crookedtree.org/event/ctacpetoskey/coffee-10-sharon-wade
KID’S CRAFT LAB: CONSTELLATION PAINTING; URSA MAJOR: 10:30am, 1pm & 3:30pm, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, TC. In Feb., Black History Month, we re- member how enslaved people escaping to the north used the Big Dipper & the North Star to find their way. The Big Dipper is part of the constellation Ursa Major. Working with watercolor paint & salt, you will create a Big Dipper Bear. Sign up when you reserve your attendance at the Museum. greatlakeskids.org
THE STORY OF THE GROVE HILL SCHOOL: 1:30pm, Leelanau Historical Society Museum, Munnecke Room, Leland. Presented by Mark Smith of the Omena Historical Society. Mark will explore the efforts of Reverend Peter Dougherty in his establishment of one of the first residential schools for Native Americans in the country, in 1853, in Omena. Find out how this residential school was more enlightened & attuned to the advancement of the local Anishinaabe people than the oppressive government-run schools which would follow. Free. leelanauhistory.org
CRAFTERNOON: 4pm, Bellaire Public Library. Held the 4th Thurs. of each month. For ages 16+. In February you will create beads from old magazines. Registration required: 231-533-8814. Free. bellairelibrary.org
MAKE IT BENZIE - CHAMBER OFF THE CLOCK NETWORKING: 5-7pm, Grow Benzie, Benzonia. Enjoy Mardi Gras fare, wear your dancing shoes, win some prizes, & hear an update on Chamber operations. $5. business.benzie.org/events/details/benzie-areachamber-off-the-clock-event-15988
PETOSKEY BUSINESS AFTER HOURS: 5-7pm, Beards Brewery, Petoskey. Enjoy food, networking, door prizes & more. $10 Chamber members; $15 not-yet members. petoskeychamber.com ----------------------
PARALLEL 45 THEATRE FESTIVAL: “THE CHILDREN”: 6pm, The Alluvion, TC. Two retired nuclear scientists reside in an isolated cottage by the sea as the world around them crumbles. $0-$50. mynorthtickets.com/events/ reading-series-the-children-2-23-2023
ENTER THE HAGGIS: 7pm, Dennos Museum Center, Milliken Auditorium, NMC, TC. Hailing from Toronto, Enter the Haggis combines bagpipes & fiddles with a rock section to create an eclectic sound. Their lyrics tell the stories of every day hardworking people, often faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. $25, $30, $35. dennosmuseum.org ----------------------
INLAND SEAS TOOLS OF THE TRADE: 7pm, Glen Lake Library, Program Room, Empire. Learn about the environmental health of our Great Lakes in this presentation by the Inland Seas Education Association. ISEA staff will describe the various monitoring activities they perform during their excursions on Grand Traverse Bay, & demonstrate some of the specialized equipment they use in this work. Free. glenlakelibrary.net
----------------------
NWS: ALVIN HALL: 7pm, City Opera House, TC. This author of “Driving the Green Book” revisited the world of the “Green Book.” From 1936 to 1967, millions of African Americans relied on “The Negro Motorist Green Book,” the definitive guide to businesses where they could safely rest, eat, or sleep. “Driving the Green Book” was born after Alvin & his friend Janée Woods Weber drove from New York to Detroit to New Orleans, visiting motels, restaurants, shops, & stores where Black Americans once found a friendly welcome. Jerome Vaughn, news director of WDET radio, will be the guest host. $5-$25. nationalwritersseries.org
----------------------
SYNTH PETTING ZOO: 7pm, Traverse Area District Library, TC. Get to know & love the synth equipment from the Library of Things collection. Free. tadl.org/events friday HARBOR SPRINGS
RESTAURANT WEEK: Feb. 24 - March 5. Enjoy special menus at each participating restaurant, designed just for these 10 days. harborspringschamber.com/events/ details/restaurant-week-2023-12461
MORE TO EXPLORE: TODDLER GYM: 9:30am, noon & 2:30pm, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, TC. Drop into the Great Lakes Room anytime during the session & bounce, slide, roll & climb with the toddler gym equipment. greatlakeskids.org
----------------------
STORYTIME: 10:30am, Leland Township Library, Leland. Stories & more for kids aged 0-6 & their caregivers. Free. lelandlibrary. org/programs-events
----------------------
LUNCHEON LECTURE: HAPPY TRAILS!: 11:30am-1pm, NCMC, Library Conference Center, Petoskey. The Top of Michigan Trails Council is trying to find a way to repair the best part of the non-motorized trail system in Emmet County that collapsed a couple of years ago. Brent Bolin, council executive director, will explain what could be next for the Little Traverse Wheelway & the rest of the trail system. $15; includes a buffet lunch. ncmclifelonglearning.com/event-5107445 ----------------------
GREAT LAKES CHILDREN’S MUSEUM’S STEAM/MAKERS ALLIANCE MINI-MAKERS POP-UP EVENT: 5-7pm, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, TC. Presented by the STEAM/Makers Alliance of Northwest Michigan. Multiple age groups welcome. Free. Reservations recommended. greatlakeskids.org/mini-makers-pop-up-event-atthe-childrens-museum
CHEBOYGAN NORTHLAND PLAYERS
DINNER THEATER: Eagles Hall, Cheboygan. Featuring the comedy “The Second Time Around” by Henry Denker, presented under license with Concord Theatrical. Dinner at 6:30pm; show at 7pm. Reservations are required. Call 231-627-4051. $27. nlplayers.org/winter-dinner-theater
LIBRARY MOVIE NIGHT: “SUMMER OF SOUL”: 8pm, Traverse Area District Library, TC. Cinema Curiosa presents a Black History Month feature film. In his acclaimed debut as a filmmaker, Ahmir Questlove Thompson presents a powerful & transporting documentary part music film, part historical record created around an epic event that celebrated Black history, culture & fashion. Free. tadl.org/events saturday
SMELTANIA: Boyne City.
8am-noon: Special Farmers Market & BCFD Pancake Breakfast, Veterans Park Pavilion. 1-5pm: Scavenger Hunt clues, People’s Choice “Smeltie” award voting, & more. 2:30pm: The Waterfront Field of Dreams Polar Plunge registration begins at the small boat launch at Veterans Park, dips start at 2:30pm. 5pm-midnight: The Waterfront Field of Dreams Beer Tent On the Waterfront between Boyne River & Veteran’s Park.
HARBOR SPRINGS RESTAURANT WEEK: (See Fri., Feb. 24) ----------------------
JEWELRY MAKING WORKSHOP: 10amnoon, Interlochen Public Library. Samples & supplies are provided. 231-276-6767. Free.
OPEN STUDIO, PETOSKEY: 10am-1pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Visual Arts Room,
Petoskey. Drop-in art for all ages. New projects are offered each week. crookedtree.org/event/ ctac-petoskey/open-studio-february-25
----------------------
WINTER GUIDED HIKE: 10am-noon, Brown Bridge Quiet Area, West Overlook Trailhead, TC. Presented by the Grand Traverse Conservation District. Join District staff on a hiking tour of Brown Bridge Quiet Area to learn about the parkland’s history, management, flora & fauna, & more. A limited amount of snowshoes, crampons, & hiking poles will be available. Register. Free. gtcd.wufoo.com/ forms/qa52cww1ds9snm
----------------------
WINTER HARVEST HIKE: 10am, Kehl Lake Natural Area, Northport. Join docents Bert Thomas, Keith Rhodes, Karl Hausler & Beth Chiles for this fun hike along a generally flat & meandrous trail. leelanauconservancy. org/events/winter-harvest-hike-at-kehl-lakenatural-area
BALLET AT THE LIBRARY! “SCENES
FROM A PARK” EXCERPTS: 11am, Traverse Area District Library, TC. Seating is limited for this performance. Enjoy a free preview of the upcoming Northwest Michigan Ballet Theatre performance of “Scenes from a Park.” This Ballet meets Broadway production features stylish dresses & suits & is based on a series of short vignettes happening over the course of a year in a park in the 1940’s. Free. tadl.org/events
CREATIVITY Q+A LIVE WITH MARK MEHAFFEY: 11am, Glen Arbor Arts Center. Mark moves fluidly between representing the visible world, & working with not-so-representational subjects: marks, lines, scratches, color stories. His practice is less focused on subjects than it is on ideas, & what-if?. Working primarily in water-based media, Me- haffey paints, draws, collages, & taught art in the public school for 30 years. Free. glenarborart.org/events-page
----------------------
HARBOR SPRINGS RESTAURANT
WEEK: (See Fri., Feb. 24)
VEGMICHIGAN GET-TOGETHER: Noon, Stone Hound Brewing Co., Williamsburg. Enjoy a 100% plant-based menu. Wraps, burgers, bowls & snacks. Free to attend. meetup.com/traverse-city-vegmichigan-meetup/events/291158387?utm_ medium=referral&utm_campaign=share-btn_ savedevents_share_modal&utm_source=link
BEARCUB OUTFITTERS TORCHLIGHT
SNOWSHOE: 5-9pm, Camp Daggett, Petoskey. Trek across snow-covered trails illuminated by more than 100 torches. Afterwards, enjoy cocoa, cookies, & roaring fires. Free, but donations encouraged to support Camp Daggett. campdaggett.org/bearcubsnowshoe-for-daggett
----------------------
GUNS-N-HOSES HOCKEY GAME: 6pm, Centre Ice Arena, TC. Watch local firefighters face off against police officers in this annual game to raise funds for a selected family in need. $5. facebook.com/gtgunsnhoses
CHEBOYGAN NORTHLAND PLAYERS
DINNER THEATER: (See Fri., Feb. 24) sunday
HARBOR SPRINGS RESTAURANT WEEK: (See Fri., Feb. 24)
TRAVERSE CITY RESTAURANT WEEK: Feb. 26 - March 4. Participat- ing restaurants will have either a $25, $35, or $45 3 course meal. Call & make your reservations online at the restaurant(s) of your choice. downtowntc.com/traverse-cityrestaurant-week
13TH ANNUAL GREAT INDOOR FOLK FESTIVAL: Noon-5pm, The Village at GT Commons, TC. Enjoy eight stages featuring a variety of musical acts. Stages will be set up in the Mercado corridor of Building 50, inside Kirkbride Hall, & at Left Foot Charley winery & Higher Grounds Coffee (Kids). Musicians include Rigs & Jeels with Celtic Dancers, The Nephews, The North Carolines, Dede Alder, Songwriters in the Round, Song of the Lakes, The Duges, Robin Lee Berry & many others. Find ‘The Great Indoor Folk Festival Returns for 2023’ on Facebook. Free.
WOMEN’S ULTIMATE FRISBEE WORKSHOP: 2-4pm, Eastern Elementary School, TC. Learn how to throw, offense & defense movement, spirit of the game, & general rules. Free. facebook.com/TraverseCityUltimate
SNOWSHOE & BREW: 2:30-4pm, Elizabeth B. Hoffman Nature Preserve, Harbor Springs. Join LTC staff to traverse through this winter wonderland preserve on snowshoe. The 1.5mile trail passes through a mix of apple orchards, woods, & farm fields, & follows a section of the Inwood Creek. Please bring your own snowshoes. Please park at the brewery. Register. landtrust.org/events-template/snowshoeand-brew-at-biers-inwood-brewery
Ongoing
GREAT DECISIONS DISCUSSION
GROUP: Tuesdays through March, 1:30pm, Leelanau Township Library, Northport. 2023
Great Decisions with the Foreign Policy
Association. Pick up a briefing book at the library & join for a deep dive into foreign affairs. leelanautownshiplibrary.org/newsevents/lib-cal/great-decisions-in-library-2 ----------------------
VINE TO WINE SNOWSHOE TOUR: Saturdays, noon-4pm. Enjoy a snowshoe adventure through the vineyards & orchards to three wineries. The private vineyard trail connects Suttons Bay Ciders, Ciccone Vineyards, & Big Little Wines. This guided tour starts at Big Little Wines, Suttons Bay. The tour includes your snowshoe & pole rental, a catered warm lunch of chili & soups overlooking the bay, & a wine purchase pick up service. grandtraversebiketours.com/vine-to-wine-snowshoe-tour.html
BABYTIME WITH MISS MICHELE: Tuesdays, 9:30am through Feb. Traverse Area District Library, TC. An interactive story time introducing early literacy to the youngest patrons. Geared toward families with children ages 0-12 months. tadl.org/events
STEM MONDAY AT THE LIBRARY: Mondays, 4-5pm through Feb., Traverse Area District Library, Youth Services Story Room, TC. Learn about STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) concepts with hands-on STEM experiments to create a layered experience for all learners. This program is primarily designed for ages 6-12, though younger learners may attend with a caregiver. tadl.org/events
STORYBAG STORIES WITH MISS LINDA: Fridays, 11am through Feb., Traverse Area District Library, TC. Join Miss Linda for this preschool story time complete with stories (including a felt story), songs, rhymes & movement. There will be a make & take craft for each child who attends. tadl.org/events
STORYTIME FOR BIGS: Thursdays, 11am,
