Cadillac‘s North American Snow Festival 2014 includes four big days of events for the whole family. Presented by the Northern Michigan Toyota Dealers, it’s a perfect winter weekend full of cold-weather traditions. Take a look at the festival lineup and kick off the celebration this Thursday, January 30, 2014.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 30th, 2014
Great American Chili Cook-Off — 6pm-7:30pm at The Wexford Civic Arena.
Presented by WTCM & Silent Observer. The official “kickoff” event to the NASF every year, the Chili Cook-off pits area restaurants against each other in the quest for the perfect bowl. Using a secret system, the entries are all identified by letter. Our Silent Observer volunteers serve it up to the judges. WTCM will be onsite with a Live Remote. The winner is the entry who receives the most votes. Anyone with a NASF button is encouraged to participate, but get there early, because the chili doesn’t last long! The winner receives the traveling trophy and bragging rights for a year. Contact Amanda @ 231-775-9776 or Mike Paulin @ 231-775-5882 for more info. Click here to download a registration form.
Miss Cadillac NASF – starts at 7:30pm at The Wex.
Presented by Cadillac Jeepers. Reigning 2013 Queen of the Miss Cadillac NASF, Ally Clark, is proud to be the face for this year’s Miss NASF Pageant and to pass on the right to a new 2014 Queen. The Miss Cadillac NASF Pageant winner will participate in various community events throughout the year and will also be playing a crucial role in working with the next year’s (2015) pageant contestants. Click here to learn more!
FRIDAY, JANUARY 31st, 2014
Live music, Food/Beverage and product vendors at the Wexford Civic Center
Build a Snowman- at the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center – Building may start any time after 1pm Friday.
nowmen are judged at 3pm on Saturday, February 1st. Prizes will be given in the following categories: best animal, best snowman or snowwoman, most comical, tallest, and most imaginative.
Registration sheets may be picked up at the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center located on M-115 by the canal after January 1st. Center hours are Friday and Sunday, noon to 5pm and Saturday 10am- 5pm. A MDNR recreation passport is required for entry to the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center.
Fun Run – Start before 2pm, check-in at the Wex at 5:30pm
Hosted by he Cadillac Winter Warriors, Sponsored by Dave’s Yamaha & Suzuki. Feeling lucky and ready to ride…join in the fun run! You need just a NASF raffle button to participate and you don’t have to own a snowmobile. Start at one of the designated registration points (see below) before 2:00pm on Friday, buy a card for $5 each (or several) and you’re ready to roll. Hit any of the other 20 stops, by car or by sled, collecting cards along the way. You can make as many stops as you want. Check in at The Wex from 6-8pm, exchange the cards to get a max. of 8 playing cards and make your best possible poker hand. Lots of prizes will be awarded for best 5-card poker hands. Must be present to win. You must register at one of the OFFICIAL points to receive your card. Registration Spots – Boon Grocery, Bristol Store, Burke’s Waterfront. Fun Run Locations – Click on the Google map above to view all 20 stops!
Speed Fishing Tournament – 4 p.m. Start on (East) Lake Cadillac Shoreline, between the Library and Pavilion.
Sponsored by Pizza Plus. No electronics, line and bait only. One hour fishing. Change holes every 10 minutes. Largest Fish by length takes all. Awards ceremony prior to Fun Run finals at the fishing site on Lake Cadillac. Must have a NASF button to participate. Sign up at Pilgrim Village – Cost: $25 per person entry – 100% payout.
The Old School Rocks Band LIVE at The Wex – 7PM to 10PM
Local artist Craig Walworth and his band will be performing both Friday and Saturday nights inside The Wex during the North American Snow Festival. The Old School Rocks Band features the best in Classic Rock & Roll with a splash of Country Music. If you didn’t have the opportunity to see this band during the 4th of July’s Freedom Festival you won’t want to miss them here during the 30th Annual Snow Festival!
G&D Party Store Pizza Eating Contest at The Wex – Registration starts at 7:30PM, Contest at 8:30PM
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1st, 2014
Build a Snowman – at the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center – Building may start any time after 1pm Friday.
Kiddie Cat Races— Register 10:30-11:45am, Races at 12pm on Lake Cadillac.
Sponsored by the Cadillac Winter Warriors. Younger riders aren’t left out at the NASF! They have their own oval course to ride on Lake Cadillac. The smallest sledders go head to head in the Kiddie Cat division, the next group up is the 120’s. If some competitors have modified sleds, they will ride in their own race. Every participant will take home a prize! Ages 4 -12. For event information please contact Dan Wiese at 231-779-1210.
10th Annual Ice Fishing Tournament— Weigh in at 2pm, ends at 3:30pm
Antique Snowmobile Show — 9am Sign-up at The Cadillac Armory, Awards at 3pm
From the ugliest sled to the most miles traveled, the “oldies but goodies” will be awarded during the Antique and Vintage Snowmobile show. The antique sleds date back to 1968 and before. The vintage category includes snowmobiles from 1969-1974. Judges will vote for all categories like antique original, antique restored, classic 1975 – 1980, custom, vintage original, vintage restored, vintage mini-sled, best sled/sleigh Combo and farthest traveled. Spectators will be able to cast a ballot for their choice as “Best in Show”. Participants only need a NASF raffle button to participate. Trophies will be awarded for all categories at 3pm after the lake ride. Collectors can bring any of their spare parts for a swap meet. Contact Moose Nelson for more information at 231-429-4338.
Oasis Polar Dip – Registration at 1:45 pm; jumps begin at 2pm
Not for the faint of heart, but brave souls can bear it all for a great cause! A tradition embraced by NASF, the Polar dip involves cutting a hole in the ice, and sending jumpers into the freezing cold waters. Some participants choose to get sponsors to help raise money; others who want to get involved must buy a $20 shirt get warm after their dip and must be wearing a NASF pin (NASF $5 pins will be available for sale at the Polar Dip). So take the plunge for a good cause on the north side of Lake Cadillac. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent, and all participants and spectators must have a NASF button (included in the entry fee). Register at the OASIS office or on-site the day of. Download your pre-registration packet here.
Snow Sculpture Contest – Lake Cadillac/City Park Shoreline
We’re bringing back this great tradition of NASF past, the lakeside snow sculptures! Teams will have the entire week before the festival to create their snowy masterpiece along Lake Cadillac for all to see. Registration opens on Jan.7th, limited to the first 10 entries. Groups and individuals are encouraged to register to win! 1st Prize = $100 cash & travelling trophy, 2nd Prize = $50 cash, 3rd Prize = $25 cash. Sculpture building will start January 25th and will be judged at 3pm Saturday, February 1st. Awards will be presented at The Wex on February 1st at 7pm. Sculpting times are from 9am – 5pm, starting January 25, thru 2pm Saturday, February 2. CLICK HERE FOR RULES AND REGISTRATION!
Parade of Lights – Lake Cadillac, 6pm leaving from The Cadillac Sands Resort
Come join us and light up the night! Anyone with a snowmobile is invited to meet at The Sands. The more people who get involved, the more impressive the parade, so grab your sled (decorated if you wish) and go! We are looking for at least 30+ snowmobilers to participate with the parade. To sign up contact Bill Bradfield, or send him your questions at hoxeyvillian@hotmail.com.
Arm Wrestling Tournament – Time: Weigh-in 4:30 – 5:30, competition runs 5:30-7pm at The Wex
New to NASF this year, you can prove your strength in our arm wrestling competition! All that is required to participate is your NASF raffle button, but sign up early because entries are limited! Compete on a professional arm wrestling table against others in your weight class, the winners of each division will receive a trophy! There are currently 4 divisions (3 Men’s, 1 Women), with a limit of 40 contestants. Contact Dean Martinez with questions – 231-884-0696.
UWE presents Body Slams on Ice – 6-8 pm at The Wex
They’re BACK by popular demand! Sit center stage and watch Eric Freedom and his wrestlers from Universyl Wrestling as they rumble at Body Slams on Ice! Fun entertainment for the whole family.
NASF Raffle/Button Drawing for Cash Prizes – 10pm at The Wex
At 10pm. Saturday night, there will be four winners drawn. One will become the Grand Prize winner of $3,000 in cash! Another will win $1,000 First Prize, and two others will win $500 Second Prizes. The ticket stub attached to your $5 NASF button enters you in the drawing. If NASF does not sell the minimum 3,000 buttons then each cash prize will be reduced by one half (50%). Children 5 and under are not required to have a NASF button to participate in the events throughout the weekend.
The Old School Rocks Band LIVE at The Wex – 7PM to 10PM
Local artist Craig Walworth and his band will be performing both Friday and Saturday nights inside The Wex during the North American Snow Festival. The Old School Rocks Band features the best in Classic Rock & Roll with a splash of Country Music. If you didn’t have the opportunity to see this band during the 4th of July’s Freedom Festival you won’t want to miss them here during the 30th Annual Snow Festival!
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2nd, 2014
NASF Lake Races – 10am-4pm Saturday and Sunday.
Sponsored by J & D Marine. The lake races are one of the favorite events at the NASF, because they are exciting for both racers and spectators. FOUR 1200 foot long lanes are partitioned off in the middle of Lake Cadillac and racers will go head to head on Saturday and Sunday. Registration begins at 10:00 am. Participants must be 16 or older with a driver’s license and a full size sled. They must also buy a NASF button and pay a $20 fee for each day of racing. Participants must sign a waiver on-site and ride at their own risk. This event is dependent on the ice conditions.
Ski Caberfae Peaks Resort – Present your NASF button at the Caberfae Peaks lift ticket office on Sunday, and get an open to close coupon for only $12! Coupons will be available with the purchase of a NASF button and at all Cadillac lodging facilities.
Family Ice Fishing – 12-4pm, at Carl T Johnson Hunting & Fishing Center
Hosted by Carl T Johnson Hunting & Fishing Center, with a State Park Interpreter, Ed Shaw. No license required, for children under the age of 17 with an adult that holds a current fishing license. All equipment provided, if needed.