2017, Your Year to Take the Plunge

9and10News/Fox 32

Local weather forecasters are predicting highs of 28 degrees, Saturday, February 25.  A significant downswing in the temperatures from the previous week.  In 2015 the observed temperature of the day was 4 degrees, which compares to 28 degrees in 2016.  Despite the weather conditions today, have no doubt,  winter is still here.  April 2016 brought in an additional 23.75 inches, a solid 15% of the season's snow fall.  Don't delay, 2017 is your year to take the plunge, next year's temperatures may fall into the realm of single digits or one can hardly image, the dreaded below zero range.  So take advantage of the forecast, make plans to Plunge with a family member or friend.

Township Trustee Forrester in 2016

This is the third year that the Paradise Area Chamber of Commerce has coordinated an Ice Festival that includes a menagerie of activities for area residents and visitors to the region.   Polar Plunge activities, a fund raiser for the Whitefish Township Fire Department, begins at 1 PM at Andrus Lake.  For your comfort, hot brats & beverages will be available at Andrus Lake (Just 5.6 miles north of the blinking light in Paradise, turn left on Vermillion Road and you'll see activities on your left.)  Ice fishing demonstrations will be available beginning at 1 PM.  If you are 16 years old and younger, give it a shot!  Our fishing expert will be there to answer questions about ice fishing in the Paradise area.

Brother & Sister in 2016

At about 1:15 pm, an Ice Safety Demonstration provided by recently certified Ice Rescue representatives of the Sugar Island Fire Department will begin.  Many of us have heard the reports of catastrophes throughout the state.  Given the type of weather conditions this winter and the wide range of ice possibilities in the Paradise area, members of the community felt it was time for an ice safety review on behalf of all ages.

Then the fun begins!  Who will accept the call to PLUNGE?  Polar Plunging will be begin shortly after the Ice demonstration!  You can pick up a pledge form at the Paradise Food Pantry, or download one here!  It is a great cause and you know you want to have fun!  Waivers to jump will be available at registration but you can download that here as well.

8 Below

Start the Ice Festival Weekend by enjoying a fine meal at one of the local restaurants then enjoy a free movie, 8 Below, at the Whitefish Township Community Center, 7 PM on Friday evening, February 24.  The movie is free and so is the popcorn.  Fun for the entire family!

Ice Sculptures are not out of the question   Families in our small community are already putting their imaginations to work and determining how they might out do their snow sculptures from January. The challenge in February not unlike January is a quick thaw that has developed.  Anyone hoping to have an entry in the Ice Sculpture contest is to call in their entry at 906-492-3219 or notify the festival coordinator, Nikki at 906-492-3266.

Saturday morning the Whitefish Township Emergency Medical Services Team will be offering a scrambled egg & sausage breakfast along with pancakes and sausage gravy and biscuits.  Serving from 8 until Noon at the Whitefish Township Community Center. This is an ideal opportunity to support the local EMS crew and to say hi to your neighbors.

Cross-Country ski trails are open as well as snow shoe trails.  Saturday the folks at Tahquamenon Falls State Park are offering a guided snowshoe hike, meet at the fact shack of the Upper Falls at 2PM.  If you don't have any snow shoes, they have a few that you could try to determine your level of enthusiasm.  The park is also offering lantern lit trails for your pleasure beginning at 6PM until 8:30.

Another winter market place is open (free) for you to set up either outside or inside the community center, beginning at 10 AM and ending at 2 PM  Participants in the Chili Cook-Off can start setting up in the community center at 11 AM.  Decorate your table and entice tasters to select your chili as the "Best in Paradise" 

Tasting begins at the Whitefish Township Community Center at Noon.  There is no charge to taste but we ask you to vote for your favorite Chili.  Tasting ends at 1 PM just in time for you to head north to Andrus Lake for the Polar Plunge festivities. 

Don't get cabin fever!  Enjoy a movie, meet with your neighbors at the breakfast Saturday morning, bring the grand kids to Andrus Lake to learn more about Ice Safety, better yet, plunge in and enjoy the fun!