If you're in search of a destination for your winter vacation that is filled with fun cold weather activities and events, let your search come to a close with Petoskey, Michigan. With just over 6,000 residents, Petoskey has been recognized by multiple media outlets as one of the best small towns in America. The city itself is nestled on Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay, providing you with stunning vistas of the lake at almost every turn. The town is also a regional hub for culture, shopping, business development, education, and medicine. During the wintertime, you’ll find a wide selection of fun things to do in town and in the surrounding areas. You’ll find three large ski resorts close to town that have runs and equipment for skiers of all skill levels. There are trails and parks throughout town that are great for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. You’ll also find plenty of opportunities for ice skating, snowmobiling, sledding, horseback riding and sleigh riding. One of the top things to do in Petoskey during the winter is attending the popular Petoskey Winter Carnival.
When it comes to long running events, few in Michigan can compare to the longevity of the Petoskey Winter Carnival. For almost 90 years, the carnival has provided a way for the community to unite and get rid of the winter blues. The festival is mainly held at the historic Winter Sports Park, but you’ll find activities, fun promotions, and ice sculptures all over downtown. Kids will love all the fun outdoor games and adults will enjoy events like the Wine and Dine Progressive Dinner. The residents are warm and welcoming, and they encourage visitors from near and far to attend their great carnival. Make your next winter vacation a outstanding one and head to Petoskey for a experience that everyone can enjoy. ResortsandLodges.com got the opportuntity to interview Kate Manthei, The Downtown Promotions Coordinator for Petoskey Downtown, to talk about the carnival.
RAL: Tell me a little bit about the carnival.
KM: This will be the 88th year of the Winter Carnival. By the late 1920’s, Petoskey was known as the Winter Sports Capital for the entire state of Michigan, and the Winter Sports Park was at the center of activities. A 400-square foot ice rink was created where recreational skating took place along with speed skating, broomball, hockey, and figure skating. A quarter-mile toboggan slide delighted both children and their parents. The Winter Sports Club oversaw the facilities and activities, and in 1928, began the long tradition of selecting a winter queen. Over time, the thrones where the crownings took place grew from modest to major works of beautiful public ice art designed and constructed by local artist Stanley Kellogg. Winter Carnival parades and dances have also been a part of the festivities for quite some time.
RAL: What makes the event unique?
KM: Besides having such a deep history, the Winter Sports Park is home to a unique local competition, the bumpjump. You could call a bumpjump a type of sled; it has wooden seat perched on top of a single, thick wooden ski. A bumpjumper will sit on the seat and grip the sides of their mount, holding their feet in the air in front of them, all while trying to balance and navigate a straight line down the hill.This is an old Petoskey tradition and many locals have a bumpjump in their garage handmade by their dad or grandpa. People come from all around the country to try their hand at the bumpjump competition.
Another unique event in the Winter Carnival is the Downtown Petoskey Ghost Walk. For the past century, Downtown Petoskey has had its fair share of spooky hauntings, Edgar Allan Poe-inspired deaths, and mobster dealings. The Ghost Walk is an hour-long tour of the “spirited side” of Petoskey.
RAL: Take me through the activities of a typical day at the carnival.
KM: Each day has different events. On February 11, there is the popular Wine & Dine Progressive Dinner. On February 12, there is the Chocoholic Frolic and Ghost Walk. February 13 (Saturday) is the main day of the carnival with outdoor events all day at the Winter Sports Park, and many events happening in the downtown area. Participants can expect to find a 5K run, broomball tournament, ice carving, a DJ keeping the music flowing, an ice bar with beer, wine, and liquor, and more. Sunday, Valentine’s Day, is our Kids Carnival Day with activities in the park and throughout the downtown stores.
RAL: What can attendees expect to find for local lodging?
KM: Located in the heart of Downtown Petoskey, Stafford’s Perry Hotel is as historic and boutique as they come. Perched high on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, the Perry Hotel stands as a proud symbol of the early 1900’s, when northern Michigan tourism was in its infancy. Built in 1899 as one of 20 original luxury resort hotels, Stafford’s Perry Hotel is the only one still in operation. Open year round, the full service hotel boasts 79 individually appointed guest rooms, many with private balconies overlooking the crystal clear waters of Little Traverse Bay. There is no shortage of lodging choices in the Petoskey area, but the premier locations usually hit max occupancy during President's Day Weekend.
The Perry Hotel has a President’s Day package, as well as a Valentine’s Day package, available for the Winter Carnival weekend.
RAL: What does the carnival mean to the community?
KM: The Winter Carnival drives business to our local economy in obvious and subtle ways. The sales and promotions in the stores and restaurants are obvious lures to get the locals and visitors in their door, and they’re effective ones as this is one of the busiest winter weekends. There are also events designed to help you into stores you may not have visited before, like the Chocoholic Frolic. As you visit the participating stores and get chocolate treats at each one, the hope is that you’ll browse their goods. Whether or not you purchase that day, something in the store may catch your eye, and you can file it away as a place to shop in the future.
Each year a portion of the Winter Carnival proceeds supports a different nonprofit. This year proceeds will be donated to the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, the voice for Northern Michigan's waters. Their organization is dedicated to protecting our lakes, streams, wetlands, and groundwater through respected advocacy, innovative education, technically sound water quality monitoring, and thorough research.
RAL: Why should people come?
KM: Downtown Petoskey is memorable at any point during the year, but this year’s Winter Carnival will be one to remember. For the first time in decades, the downtown area will be graced with ice sculptures throughout the streets and in Pennsylvania Park, creating an ambiance that will be especially beautiful when lit up at night. With good, old fashioned fun planned for families, food and drink events for adults, sales and promotions throughout the stores, and Valentine’s Day specials for the couples, visitors during the Winter Carnival will create memories that make Petoskey shine as the Light of the North.
For more information about the Petoskey Winter Carnival, please visit their website.