Will Tip Up Town USA Still Happen If The Lake Doesn't Freeze?

Due to the "mild" winter and above average temperatures there is serious concern the ice on the lake may not be thick enough to be safe and the lack of snow doesn't help either. But fear not, TUT will go on as planned although some events and attractions may have to be cancelled. Most of the TUT entertainment and events are not on the lake but in the parking lot of the DNR boat launch. Still TUT does require colder temps and snow to be successful.

The Ice Slide is waiting for some cold weather and snow but should be ready by the time TUT's first weekend rolls around. The always popular Polar Bear Dip should be a go (ice thickness permitting). As will most if not all events.

The average temperature for this time of year is around 18 degrees but not so this year. Temperatures have been in the mid 30's with only a couple of nights when the temps were in the single digits. The lake does have ice on it and should be thick enough to be safe by mid January, in time for the festival.

As for snow, Houghton Lake has had one of the lowest snow falls in recorded history for December. The Tip Up Town USA organizers and area merchants are hoping for snow. As the festival and snowmobilers brings much needed revenue to our area during the slowest time of the year.

So "Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow" See you at Tip Up Town USA.

For more info on Tip Up Town USA  CLICK HERE

Stay warm,

Ken S

Houghton Lake Ice Report: Dec 2011

Houghton Lake Dec 26,2011 near Harveys Marina

So you want to know about the ice on Houghton Lake. Due to the incredibly mild winter so far the ice is a little behind on thickening enough to make it safe. Probably not what you wanted to hear.  Falling through the ice will at best ruin a day of fishing, at worst become a tragedy that could have been avoided by waiting until the ice has reached a safe thickness. Every year there's someone either fishing or riding a snowmobile who goes through the ice.

I have seen some anxious fishermen out in the East Bay off of the shallows near Harvey's Marina. Some are reporting ice as thick as 4" in some spots, BUT that doesn't mean the ice is safe. Sun, wind and shifting currents  beneath the ice can cause the ice to crack creating a hazardous condition.

Ice fishing can be fun and rewarding if you wait until the ice is thick enough and dress warm.

For information on the ice thickness check with:

DNR

Lymans on the Lake 989-422-3231

Korbinski's Marine   989-366-5306

Both Lymans & Korbinski's rent ice fishing shanties and won't put them on the ice until it's safe.

Stay safe,

Ken S

Tip Up Town USA 2012-Houghton Lake Ice Fishing Festival

Tip Up Town USA is the largest winter festival in Michigan and one of the largest throughout the country. With many attractions, activities and contests to delight young and old. There's truly something for the whole family. Tip Up Town is Friday, Saturday & Sunday over two weekends. Fridays are Family Ice Skating and Hot Dogs and Entertainment in the Beverage Tent, with the bulk of the activities happening on Saturday and Sunday (for schedule of events see below).

Elections for Tip Up Town Mayor, Grand Marshall and TUT Queen will be held on January 7,2012 at the Houghton Lake High school gym. As always all are invited to come and enjoy the fun as "political parties" attempt to convince the electorate through speeches and a talent show, that they deserve the dubious distinction of being elected to the offices of Mayor and Grand Marshall.

Tip Up Town badges will be $6 again this year and may be purchased at many stores and shops around Houghton Lake or at the entrance to Tip Town at the south DNR boat launch. Badges grant entry into many of the attractions, shows and rides, although some do require an extra fee (click below for more info). The Grand Marshall will be checking for badges and all persons found at the festival without a badge will be placed in TUT jail until someone "bails" them out by purchasing a badge.

Parking is at the Houghton Lake High school with free shuttle service to and from the festival.

Tip Up Town USA, 2012. The most fun you can have on a frozen lake in the middle of winter. Hope to see you there.

For more info CLICK HERE

OUTDOOR STAGE SCHEDULE				FAMILY FUN TENT SCHEDULE
Saturday, January 21				Saturday, January 21
NOON 1:00pm 2:00pm 3:00pm 4:00pm	Medallion Hunt Egg Toss Cracker Whistle Pie Eating Contest Tug-of-War	12:30 1:30pm 2:30pm 3:30pm	Tire Roll Redneck Golf Bubblegum/Hula Hoop Make a Head of Hair	NOON 12:30-1:30 1:30-2:30 2:30-3:30 3:30-4:30 4:30-5:30	Opening Ceremony Peanut Butter ‘N Jams Fun & Games With Diversity Entertainment Doggie Show Carrie Westbay Fun & Games with Diversity Entertainment
Sunday, January 22				Sunday, January 22
NOON 1:00pm 2:00pm 3:00pm 4:00pm	Medallion Hunt Egg Toss Cracker Whistle Pie Eating Contest Tug-of-War	12:30 1:30pm 2:30pm 3:30pm	Tire Roll Redneck Golf Bubblegum/Hula Hoop Make a Head of Hair	10:00-11:00 12:00-1:00 1:00-2:00 2:00-3:00 3:00-4:00 4:00	Church Service Fun & Games with Diversity Entertainment Tom McDermott, Guitarist Fun & Games with Diversity Entertainment Joel Tacey, Tip Top Entertainment Grand Prize Drawing
Saturday, January 28				Saturday, January 28
NOON 1:00pm 2:00pm 3:00pm 4:00pm	Medallion Hunt Egg Toss Cracker Whistle/Bubblegum Pie Eating Contest Tug-of-War	12:30 1:30pm 2:30pm 3:30pm	Tire Roll Redneck Golf Brother of the Bush/Most Badges Make a Head of Hair	12:00-1:00 1:00-2:00 2:00-2:30 2:30-3:30 3:30-4:00 4:00-5:00 5:00-5:30	Fun & Games with Diversity Entertainment Mean Mary, Banjo Artist Fun & Games With Diversity Entertainment Acting Up Theatre Company Fun & Games With Diversity Entertainment Carrie Westbay, Singer Fun & Games With Diversity Entertainment
Sunday, January 29				Sunday, January 29
NOON 1:00pm 2:00pm 3:00pm 4:00pm	Medallion Hunt Egg Toss Cracker Whistle Pie Eating Contest Tug-of-War	12:30 1:30pm 2:30pm 3:30pm	Tire Roll Redneck Golf Bubblegum/Hula Hoop Make a Head of Hair	10:00-11:00 12:00-1:00 1:00-2:00 2:00-4:00 4:00	Church Service Fun & Games with Diversity Entertainment A.R.K. Fun & Games with Diversity Entertainment Grand Prize Drawing