Erie Ice Daze Comes to Lake Erie Metropark

Whether you love winter, are looking for reasons to love it, or you need to bust out of the post-holiday doldrums, check out the seasonal fun at "Erie Ice Daze." It'll be held 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 21 and 22 at Lake Erie Metropark's Marshlands Museum & Nature Center

Visitors can explore both traditional and non-traditional winter activities, including snowsnake and atlatl throwing, Tundra swan watching, flintknapping and fly tying. Short programs are planned for 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. Afterwards, from 6-9 p.m., everyone can watch the skies through powerful telescopes. A bonfire will be ablaze so everyone can keep warm as they stargaze.

Those interested in tackling ice fishing can attend a clinic for beginners. It's sponsored by Bottom Line Bait and Tackle, and it will be held on Sunday at 2 p.m. (If the weather cooperates.) Advanced registration and a $5 fee is required for the clinic, which is limited to 15 persons. Anyone 17 and older must have a fishing license to participate. 

Youngsters can also get crafty over the weekend, as there are several activities planned. Please note that there is a small fee for some craft activities.

Other events to be held both days include:

• Dogmushing by area dog sledders
• Flintknapping and atlatl throwing demonstrations. Flintknapping an ancient artform, of making flint spears and arrowheads. Atlatls are spear-throwing devices.
• Snowsnake throwing, including tournaments for children and adults. Snowsnake throwing involves throwing a long, carved wooden instrument down an iced snow track. (Serious competitors can make their own snowsnake at the “Make it at the Marsh: Make a Snowsnake” program to be held 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 9, with pre-registration and a $5 fee). 
• Woodcarving will be displayed and demonstrated by members of the Michigan Carvers and Collectors. They will also host a “Beginning Carvers Class for Kids” each day; 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 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and noon-4 p.m. Sunday.

Food and beverages will be sold as well.

Registration is not required to attend this event. For additional information, contact the Museum at 800-477-3189 or locally at 734-379-5020.

A vehicle entry permit required in order to attend. Buy one for the day for $5 or you may purchase an annual pass for $20, or $15 if you are a senior citizen.
Contact: 734-379-5020 or 800-477-3189