Just under 90 minutes north of Lansing, you’ll find the scenic surroundings of Harrison, Michigan. Located right in the heart of the state, Harrison is a former logging and mill town that has become a magnet for outdoor lovers and fans of nature. The surrounding area is covered in dense forests and features beautiful wildlife. The rustic setting combines with the close proximity to urban centers to create an ideal location to get away from it all, without having to travel a great distance. While the population is just over 2,000 people, it regularly swells during the busy outdoor seasons and during local festivals and events.
During the winter, Harrison becomes a haven for outdoor sports lovers. The local lakes are perfect for ice fishing, or lacing up and going for a skate. The miles of well maintained trails make their way through the impressive wilderness and are ideal for a scenic snowmobile ride. The parks and public areas are also beautiful and give you the chance to snowshoe or cross-country ski. Also, only a short trip from town, you can enjoy downhill activities at the local ski area. When you’re ready to warm up, you’ll encounter a wide range of restaurant options, with something to satisfy every taste. Downtown also has unique shops, fun places to visit, and it's home to fun events like the Frostbite Winter Festival.
For almost three decades, Harrison has been celebrating winter and the community at the Frostbite Winter Festival. This is a great event for anyone who loves winter and good company. Can’t-miss attractions at the festival include the Polar Dip, an arts and crafts fair, golf on frozen Lake Budd, a Children’s Carnival, and an ice fishing tournament. Grab the family and your winter clothes, because the Frostbite Winter Festival in Harrison is right around the corner. ResortsandLodges.com got the chance to interview Liz Crafton, Excutive Director for the Harrison Chamber of Commerce, to talk about the Frostbite Winter Festival.
RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event.
LC: The Frostbite Winter Festival has been running since 1987. Each year we draw over a thousand people into Harrison for the festival. Demographically, we see everyone at the event. There are attractions and activities for all ages at the festival. We encourage all people to come and check out the festivities.
RAL: What makes this event unique.
LC: We have a lot of features that make our festival unique. It’s a great way for people to get together during the winter to reconnect and have a great time. We have Golf on the Ice of Lake Budd, where you will find two different nine hole courses on the frozen lake. Purchase of a festival button grants you access to all the festival’s activities and events as well as entry into a drawing where you can win up to $750.
RAL: Take me through what people will find at the festival.
LC: Let’s take a quick walkthrough of the major events. On Thursday night, we will have the Kick-off party at the locally popular Budd Lake Bar. On Friday night, we will feature a Party Bus Tour of seven bars throughout town. Saturday is our most active day with plenty of things to do including the Polar Dip, Golf on the Ice of Budd Lake, a silent auction, a Children's Carnival, and an Arts & Crafts Fair. Rounding out the major festivities, we will host the Ice Fishing Tournament on Sunday. In addition to the festival, the community also has events and gatherings scheduled. On Friday, there is a Soup Cook-Off at the local Lions Club.
We have some food events that are associated with the festival, as well as local restaurants that will be open and celebrating right along with everyone. Moose Lodge will also offer some concessions for purchase. The environment of the event is indoors and outdoors, so dress warm and bring your friends and family!
RAL: What can visitors expect to find for local lodging?
LC: While we don't have any specials set up specifically for the event, there may be some better rates due to the season and the holiday weekend. A few options to choose from include Acorn Motel, Lakeside Motel, and Deer Trail Motel. Lodging does tend to fill up during the event. Make sure to plan ahead and if the immediate lodging options are full just look a little further out. There are always options available.
RAL: What does this festival mean to the community?
LC: The Frostbite Winter Festival is a large community event that draws people from all over Michigan as well as parts of Ohio, Wisconsin, and Canada. The extra people in the community are great for the local economy. People spend money at many of the local businesses and it's a good boost for the businesses during the slower winter season. Our event is sponsored by local businesses and this has helped provide free and low cost activities for the festival.
RAL: Why should people come?
LC: We have events and activities for all ages, with events taking place that will appeal to both indoor and outdoor enthusiasts. It is a unique opportunity to explore our great town and the surrounding area during the scenic winter. New this year, an independent company is doing Snowmobile Radar Runs at the Clare County Fairgrounds, and it's sure to be a spectacle to witness. It’s the perfect opportunity to get outside, meet new people, and have a great time.
For more information about the Frostbite Winter Festival, please visit their website.