The Winter Comedy Fest is sure to have Traverse City laughing in the streets, especially with all the Free on Front activities from 5:00 Friday, February 14 PM to Sunday, February 16 at 5:00 PM.

MyNorth media caught a bit of the action this morning in Traverse City as 18-wheel trucks dumped snow made at Shanty Creek onto Front Street for the tubing hill that looks to reach two-stories high! Ready for fun, we saw the ice rink, the ferris wheel and lovely folks clad in comedy fest credentials laughing on the sidewalks. Tonight and all throughout the weekend, this area will be a free-fun-for-all.

RNorth_wolf_Ice_Sculpture_winter_festHours for 2014 Free on Front activities of the Winter Comedy Festival:
Friday, Feb 14. 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Saturday, Feb. 15 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Sunday, Feb. 16 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Ice-Stravaganza
Ferris_Wheel_emma_looking_up_RNorth

Ice Creations from  Frankenmuth will fill the streets with ice sculptures thanks to our business sponsors. Catch the artists live at work Friday in the Chase Bank walkway, and Saturday in the Jay Smith walkway. Kids can pick up an Ice Sculpture Scavenger Hunt card in the main warming tent for the chance to win a $100 downtown Traverse City gift certificate!

Ferris Wheel

Peek over the cityscape and take in the frozen winter wonderland below from the best view in town — the top of the Ferris wheel.

Skating Rink

rnorth_ice_skating_winter_fest_sunny_girlGlide across the synthetic ice in front of the State Theatre. Free skate rentals or bring yours. And on Sunday, kids can participate in TC Figure Skating Club and Centre Ice skating clinics: 3 to 5-year-olds from 11:30 AM – Noon, and 5 to 13-year-olds from 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM.

Zip Line

Soar above the 100 block of Front Street. Enjoy this thrilling adventure racing against friends and family, or on your own. Riders must weigh between 60 and 250 pounds.

Sledding Hill

rnorth_bottom_tubing_giggling_girlsTube down Shanty Creek Resort snow, shaped with Team Elmer’s equipment. Snow tubes are provided.

Frozen Mini Golf

Miner’s North, Becky Thatcher Designs, James C. Smith Fine Jewelry, and Federico’s Design Jewelers sponsored a nine-hole, jewelry-themed ice miniature golf. Balls and clubs will be provided.

Music Tents

Great music at both ends of Front Street from Mr. Music Disc Jockey Services are spinning tunes in between their live music, adding a lively soundtrack to the fest.

Bed Race

People on beds with wheels will navigate our snowy sports arena for the coveted Frozen Bed Race trophy! You provide the stamina, we’ll provide the bed!

Cornhole

Just when you thought it could not get more fun, we put it on ice. Come play Cornhole! Throw a bag in a hole! Sponsored by our friends at Incredible Mo’s.

GT Pie Make & Bake

Kids under 12, make, bake, and take home a cherry pie at Front Street GT Pie. Donations are encouraged for the Children’s Advocacy Center. Sign up starts at 12 noon.

Hot Chocolate Madness

Chance to win a $100 downtown gift certificate! Pick up your ballot in the main warming tent, then visit the competitors: Brew, Poppycock’s, Sorellina, & Kilwin’s.

Kids Competitions

Kids ages 3 to 16 are invited to show just how far they can spit a cherry pit, and just how fast they can finish a bowl of Moomers Cherries Moobilee ice cream. No need to register in advance, just come on down.

Monster Dog Pull

Bring your dogs, all kinds, yearning to pull, for the premier winter dog sporting event in our five county region. Join in the fun and compete for valuable prizes!

Rowboat Races

Push a flat bottom boat across the snow-covered arena against the pros from Fit for You Health Club. Teams of five register at the sports arena.

Slip and Fall Olympics

Traverse City delegates navigate an icy obstacle course in our own Slip and Fall Olympics. Crash helmets provided! Plus audience participation. Register on site.

Snow Coloring

Create something beautiful using snow and squeeze bottles filled with color. Fun for the whole family.

Snowblower Races

Plow through the snow with machines from Home Depot to compete for our second annual Snowblower King — or Queen — Trophy.

Tug of War

Friends, strangers, comedians, strongmen: register at the gate for bragging rights. We’ll provide the rope. Hosted by K10 Fitness and Rudy’s Ultimate Bodyshop.

So while the comedians will have folks in stitches from Traverse City stages, the fun doesn’t end when the curtain falls.

rnorth_crowed_winter_fest_front_streetCIMG7513