Shivaree slated for next weekend
Anticipation is building as the time for the Black Lake Sturgeon Shivaree nears. Organizers hope Mother Nature cooperates a little more this year, as unstable ice conditions on Black Lake forced a moved inland in 2004. The activities were conducted just north of the city of Onaway.
It also was frigid during Shivaree weekend, which probably kept some people away. This year marks 43 years since the first festival on Black Lake in 1961. It has been held most years since, weather permitting, and has been conducted in various locations around the lake. Those close to setting up the events don’t want to jinx the Shivaree and say the activities will be on the lake this year, but it does look very promising.
Shivaree will start Friday night with torchlight cross-country ski and snowshoe safari traversing about three miles in the Black Mountain area. Saturday morning, the fun will begin. Registration for all of Saturday’s (February 5) events except the fishing tournament and “Fear Factor” will be from 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. The day’s events will include lawn mower racing, paintball, kids games, snowmobile racing, kid’s sumo wrestling, a poker run, and much more.
The fun will continue Sunday. Registration for the day’s events will be from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Sunday’s events will include a golf contest, paintball target field, kid’s games, mechanical bull riding in the tent, and the Fear Factor contest.
The fishing contest will end at noon, with awards presented at 4 p.m. With the sturgeon spearing season opening at 8 a.m. Saturday, Shivaree organizers are hoping a sturgeon is taken in time for the contest. This has not been a problem in recent years, as the limit of five fish has ended the sturgeon season quickly.
Access to Black Lake will be from the public access site on County Road 489, about two miles from the Onaway State Park. Many local organizations will be serving food and beverages. Face painting, pony rides, and more will be offered.