The Northport winter carnival is back on and set for Feb. 22 at Braman Hill Recreation Park after Leelanau Township unanimously approved of the event at its regular meeting Jan. 14.
The winter festival, a beloved tradition in Northport that attracted hundreds of people for more than a decade, was canceled in 2019 following leadership losses within the Northport-Omena Chamber of Commerce, the organization that would put on the event. This time around though, a group of Northport residents that want to see the event become reality once again are spearheading the initiative to bring it back.
Northport resident Elizabeth Rutila, who also serves as Leelanau Township deputy treasurer, presented the preliminary plans that the group has so far to the board, many of which were part of the original winter carnival seven years ago. Some of the activities they plan to have this year includes a youth cardboard sled competition, broomball (hockey with brooms), milk jug curling, open skating/hockey, and a tent area for children. For food, they anticipate having a chili cookoff , hot cocoa and hot dogs available, s’mores and bonfires, and yard games (cornhole).
Other logistics and amenities that will be available are bathrooms, power at the building and two power generators, rolling bins and a dumpster owned by the township for trash, picnic tables and traffic cones provided by the village, and snow removal by the township and village.
“We have about a month to organize all of this, so this is just our preliminary plan, which is just what it used to be,” Rutila said. “... This is like the sad months of the year, so it’s kind of like an attempt to feel better as neighbors and friends.”
The winter carnival at Braman Hill will take place Feb. 22 from 12-4 p.m. More details will follow in the weeks to come, but those who want to get involved can email npwintercarnival@ gmail.com for more information.
