Frostbite Saturday Bites Back in Manistee

Feb. 15, 2015

"In northern Michigan, with the snow and the cold, it’s too easy to just give in and stay home with the fire on, watching a movie," said Patrick Kay, director of the Manistee Main Street Downtown Development Authority.

The alternative? Frostbite Saturday: an event that looks winter right in the face and tells it you’ve got something better to do.

"Frostbite Saturday was designed to get people out of the house and experience winter life," Kay explained. "We may be experiencing frostbite, but we can warm things up by having fun with family and friends."

A spinoff from the Homegrown Saturday events Manistee used to hold in the summer months, Frostbite Saturday focuses on three main things: ice carving, entertainment and chili.

The ice carving takes place near the Little River Casino and Resort. Kay said that a portion of the event will be a surprise, with the carvings only revealed as they begin to take shape.

The chili element, however, is planned far in advance – all the better to continue the success of Frostbite Saturday’s Chili Crawl.

16 locations in all will be participating in what is probably the most popular happening at the event, and attendees are invited to visit all locations and sample all the chilis to vote on their favorite.

"Competition is vigorous this year, including chilies from the Boathouse, Blue Fish Kitchen and TJ’s, and will include a traveling trophy that will go to the winner until next year," Kay said.

The winner also gets $100 in Manistee’s Downtown Dollars. The winner is determined by the people – except for Kay.

"I do not vote. But I do know that every chili is delicious in its own way. I am not biased," he laughed s for the entertainment,

Kay said Frostbite Saturday will be leaning on a long-time Manistee tradition and amping it up a little for the special day.

"Manistee is well known for its buskers," he said. "By that, I mean musicians that roam the streets and stores, people who perform for the community to enjoy. We will probably have about 15 musicians throughout the downtown area."

This year’s performers will include Dave Coyle at Snyder’s Shoes, Ellie McPherson at The Bookstore, and local favorite Tucker Laws along with Clara Gallon at the Vogue Theater.

"They’ll all be local performers, all performing at various shops," Kay confirmed.

Add in some outdoor winter games new to the event this year (turkey bowling and a good old-fashioned snowball fight among them) and you’ve got a full day of fun in downtown Manistee.

The best part? "The whole thing, including the Chili Crawl, is free to the entire community," Kay said. "So, come support downtown Manistee and help us fight back winter with fun!"

Frostbite Saturday will take place Feb. 21 from noon-6pm in downtown Manistee. The event is free to the public. For more information, visit www.visitmanistee.com.