Embrace Winter During 'Ice Daze' At Lake Erie Metropark
BROWNSTOWN (WWJ) - Now that Metro Detroit has received the first major snow of winter, it's the perfect time to jump into activities that celebrate the season at Lake Erie Metropark's "Erie Ice Daze."
The special event takes place Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 21 and 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at the Lake Erie Metropark Marshlands Museum and Nature Center in Brownstown.
The weekend is geared to traditional and non-traditional winter activities, including snowsnake and atlatl throwing, Tundra swan watching, flintknapping and fly tying. Short programs will be held both days on winter animals, tundra swans, ice age animals and winter bird feeding.
The Ford Amateur Astronomy Club will present an indoor winter starwatching program at 4 p.m. Saturday, followed by observing the sky through powerful telescopes from 6 to 9 p.m. A bonfire will help keep everyone warm between stargazing sessions.
An ice fishing clinic for beginners will be held on Sunday at 2 p.m., ice conditions permitting. A $5 fee is required for the clinic and anyone 17 and older must have a fishing license.
Kids can also try their hand at making crafts throughout the weekend. Other events to be held both days include:
- Dogmushing
- Flintknapping and atlatl throwing demonstrations. Flintknapping is the ancient art of making flint spears and arrowheads and atlatls are spear-throwing devices.
- Snowsnake throwing, including tournaments for children and adults. Snowsnake throwing involves throwing a snowsnake -- a long, carved wood instrument -- down an iced snow track.
- Woodcarving will be displayed and demonstrated by members of the Michigan Carvers and Collectors. They will host a "Beginning Carvers Class for Kids" each day. This program introduces young children to the art of carving. No sharp knives will be involved, just bars of soap and plastic knives.
- Fly tying will be demonstrated by members of the Huron River Steelheaders.
- The "Silver Strings Dulcimer Society" will play traditional music on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.
Food and beverages will also be sold. A Metroparks vehicle entry permit is required to enter, which is $5 daily, $25 annually for regular admission or $15 annually for seniors. Find more information at www.metroparks.com or contact the park at 734-379-5020.
