Registration is open for the 2023 Leapin’ Leprechaun 5K in Traverse City on March 18^th. Proceeds benefit the Family Birth and Children’s Center at Munson. Info: leapinleprechauntc.com

Registration is open for the free snowmobile safety class Feb. 4^th at the Cheboygan County building, Commissioner’s room. Students need to bring a lunch and must attend the entire class. Info: 231-627-8888 or online at michigan.storefront.kalkomey.com

Register now for free VA S.A.V.E. Training Feb 2^nd 10-11:30 at the Otsego County United Way – Gaylord. Learn how to act with care and compassion if you encounter a Veteran in crisis. RSVP to reserve your spot 989-980-8893

Week of Jan 22

Jan 26…Habitat for Humanity Cheboygan County Open House noon-6p at 417 Garfield Ave (across from Eastside Elementary)-Cheboygan. Light refreshments and program information. Info: habitatcheboygan.org

Jan 27…NMC Gala to Give 7pm at the Hagerty Center. Roaring 20’s extravaganza celebrating NMC’s connection with the community while benefiting their scholarship fund. Live musi, mocktails, hors d’oeuvres & desserts. Raffle prize drawings. Tickets $15 current students/$30 alumni & guests. Info: nmc.edu/gala

Jan 27…Fab Fridays 5-7pm at Little Bear East Arena with free skating, skate rental, pizza and pop. All ages welcome. Info: 906-643-8676

Jan 28…Improv Comedy Show for Kids & Families 11am at the Traverse Area District Library. Free. The Tilt Think Improv players bring stories, characters & scenes for a show intended for all ages. They'll make up scenes & stories, on-the-spot & in-the-moment, all based on your (the audience's) suggestions. Then, anyone who wants to learn some improv games will be invited to join in playing together in a circle. Info: tadl.org

Jan 28, Feb 4, 18…Sledding & S’mores at Kiwanis Park – Harbor Springs. Jan 14 & Feb 4 5-8p; Jan 28 & Feb 18 noon-3p. Info: 231-526-2104

Jan 28…Bigfoot 5k & 10K snowshoe race and fun run 9am at Timber Ridge – Traverse City. $15-$40. Info: traversecity.com

Jan 28…Tip-Up-Town USA – Houghton Lake. Live music, beverage tent, 5K, grand parade, games, family fun and more. Info: houghtonlakechamber.net

Jan 28…CANCELLED!!Fat Chance Fat Tire Bike Race 10am at Crystal Mountain – Thompsonville

Jan 28-29…Turtle Creek 250 snowmobile race will take place at the open field near the Acme Meijer store on M-72 – Williamsburg. Info: turtlecreekcasino.com

Jan 29…”Paddington Gets In A Jam” 3pm at the City Opera House – Traverse City. Tickets $20-$30. In this original slapstick comedy, Paddington goes next door to borrow a cup of sugar from his neighbor Mr. Curry, who is in a panic because he’s expecting a visit from his Great Aunt Matilda. And so, Paddington volunteers to help Mr. Curry with his to-do list before her imminent arrival. Info: cityoperahouse.org

Jan 28…Cornhole Tournament to benefit  Mid Michigan College Softball. Register by Jan 25^th. Starts at 11am, Spare Time Lanes – Cheboygan. $50 per team. Raffles & prizes. Info: 231-420-3267

Jan 28…Chili Cookoff 1-3p at the Grand Traverse Metro Fire Station 11 – Traverse City. Vote for the People's Choice Award. Bring the kids for hot dogs, chips, juice, popcorn and family fun. There will be a 50/50 raffle to benefit the winning fire department and tickets will be given out for door prizes. Kids will get a free firefighting coloring book, too. Info: traverescity.com

Jan 28…Souper Saturday Soup Day Fundraiser 11-2p at the Interlochen Public Library. Enjoy a soup lunch with bread, crackers, dessert & a beverage.  Several soup choices available.  $5/person; $20/family. All proceeds benefit library programs. Info: 231-276-6767

Jan 29…St. Mary School Pancake Breakfast 9a-noon in the Family Center – Charlevoix. By donation, with pancakes, eggs, sausage, fruit, juice and coffee. Info: stmaryschoolcharlevoix.com

Jan 31-Feb 3…2023 Special Olympics Michigan Winter Games at Schuss Mtn. – Bellaire, Grand Traverse Resort-Williamsburg and Howe Arena-Traverse City.

Feb 2023

Feb 1…Annual “Hunger Games” – gain free entry into the North Central Michigan College Men’s and women’s basketball games with canned food or cash donation to support the on-campus food pantry. Women’s game tips off at 5:30pm at Petoskey Plastics Arena, men’s game will follow. Info: ncmich.edu

Feb 2-4…Traverse City Comedy Fest. Tickets on sale now tccomedyfest.com

Feb 3-4...Black Lake Sturgeon Shivaree near the former Black Lake Hotel on Winifred St. on Black Lake – Cheboygan. Live music, raffles, bonfire, poker run, fishing contest and more. Tent entrance $5 button. Info: sturgeonfortomorrow.org

Feb 3-4…Indian River Winterfest downtown. Live entertainment, chili cook-off, fishing contest and more. Info: irchamber.com

Feb 3-4…Michigan Snowmobile Festival noon-10p starts at the Tourism Bureau office downtown Gaylord. Maps with highlighted stops will be given out at registration, along with slips to turn in at each stop. Snowmobilers do not have to start at the same time, follow the same route or make it to every stop. After party at the Eagles Hall from 5-10p with complimentary food, cash bar, live music. Info: gaylordmichigan.net

Feb 4…Mackinac Island Twilight Turtle Trek 5:30-7:30pm. Begins at the Greaney Grove (corner of Arch Rock & Huron Rd) with a bonfire and hot cocoa. Trail is groomed, lit by lanterns, approx 2 miles long. Info: mackinacisland.org

Feb 4…Rock Out for Rescue to benefit the Little Traverse Bay Humane Sociey 6-9:30p at the Grand Unity Event Center – Petoskey. Live music, silent auction, hors d’oeuvres, dancing. Tickets $75 before Jan 15, $100 after. Info: ltbhs.com

Feb 4…Kid’s Lunar New Year Tea Ceremony 11-noon at the Charlevoix Circle of Arts. For ages 6 & up, enjoy tea and treats and learn about the greetings, activities and rituals of the Chinese Tea Ceremony. $5 for non-member, free for members. Info: charlevoixcircle.org

Feb 4…Benefit for Jessica Venohrs (battling stage 4 colon cancer) starting at 4pm at the Black River Church in Cheboygan. Silent/live auction, dessert table, catered meal. Info: 906-399-0530

Feb 4, March 3, April 1, May 6…Traditional Country Dance 7:30-10 at the Littlefield-Alanson Community Building-Alanson. $7 person/$10 couple/$15 family. All dance taught, no partner necessary, all ages. Part of the Bliss Fest Concert Dances program. Info: blissfest.org

Feb 4…Shadow Fest 12-6p downtown Charlevoix. Live music, soup contest, trivia and more. Info: visitcharlevoix.com

Feb 6…15^th Annual Hooping for a Cure 5pm at LaSalle High School – St. Ingace. Teams from St. Igance and Engadine compete while helping support No Cancer Patient Left Behind and the Oncology Dept. for Mackinac Straits Health System. Includes silent auction, raffles and more. Info: 906-643-0443

Feb 10-11…St. Ignace Gun & Knife Show at Kewadin Casino. Fri 3-7p, Sat 9-5p. All types of guns, ammo, collectables, clothing, knifes, camping gear, and more. $7 adults, kids under 14 free w/adult. Info: gunshowtrader.com

Feb 10-11…Harbor Springs Ice Fest – downtown. Ice sculptures, live demonstrations, dueling chainsaws, chili cook-off, sleigh rides, outdoor activities and more. Info: downtownharborsprings.com

Feb 11…47^th North American VASA Races at Timber Ridge Resort – Traverse City. A premiere cross-country ski event. Info: vasa.org

Feb 11...Denim & Diamonds - Chelsea's Closet Fundraiser 6-11p at the K of C Hall - Cheboygan. Featuring Dueling Pianos, heavy hors d'oeuvers, silent auction, $20 grab bags, dancing and more! Proceeds support Chelsea's Closet, a non-profit formed to educatie others about Cystic Fibrosis, organ donation and blood donation while providing evening wear for students to borrow for formal occasions. $45 person tickets on sale at SHINE, Straits Area Federal Credit Union and Bronze. Info: 231-818-9126

Feb 11…Bubbles and Bowties Adult Prom 7-11pm at the Blue Pelican-Central Lake. Silent auction, photo booth, food & beverages, dancing, games and more. Pre-sale $50/person $75/couple, at the door $55. Benefits the Chain of Lakes Relay for Life fight against cancer. Info: 231-675-2492

Feb 11…Winterlochen 11a-1:30p at the Interlochen Center for the Arts. Sledding & outdoor fun, S’mores, face painting, crafts and more. Info: interlochen.org

Feb 11…Alpena Ice Fest 11a – 3p at Mich-E-Ke-Wis Park. Sledding, bonfire, ice skating, snowman building, fat tire bike demos and more. At 4pm the fun moves downtown with an ice bar, music, and firepits. Info: downtownalpenami.com

Feb 11…Kiwanis Club of Cheboygan is holding a “Grocery Bagging Fundraiser” from 10-4p at Family Fare in Cheboygan. All tips will help support Kiwanis projects. Info: cheboygan.com

Feb 16-19…16^th Annual Labatt Blue UP Pond Hockey Championship, Moran Bay – St. Ignace. Info: stignace.com

Feb 17…Winter Benefit concert 6:30-8:30pm at The Barracks – South Boardman. Featuring Darrell Boger. Benefits 22 2 NONE Veteran Outdoor Venture Program. Adv. Tickets $25, at the door $35. Beverages available. Info: runsignup.com/TicketE.../NoneOVPWinterBenefitConcert

Feb 17-19…Sno-Blast Festival – East Jordan. Snowmobile Safari ride, classic & antique snowmobile show, family games, sno-lovers breakfast, snow-sculpture contest and more. Info: ejchamber.org

Feb 17-20…Winter Wonderland Weekend – Downtown Petoskey. Ice carving demos, scavenger hunt, kids activities and more. Info: petoskeydowntown.com

Feb 17-18 & 24-25…Northland Players Feb. Dinner Theater presents “Second Time Around” at the Cheboygan Eagles Club. Tickets must be reserved, $27 each, includes dinner and the 2 act comedy. Doors open at 6, dinner at 6:30. Info: 231-627-4051

Feb 18…Yetifest – Suttons Bay. Chili cook-off, games, crafts, scavenger hunt, silent disco, skating and more! Info: suttonsbayarea.com

Feb 18…Cheboygan County Walk for Warmth to raise funds for residents in need of utility assistance. Starts at 10:30am at the Salvation Army Store. Virtual walk also open. Info: 231-627-9003

Feb 18…Alpenfrost – Gaylord. Karaoke competition, snowshoe hike, lego competition, Frosty dip, art activities, soup cook-off, Frosty 5K, and more. Info: alpenfrost.com

Feb 18…6^th Annual Walloon Lake Winterfest noon-pm at the Talcott Event Center. Ice carvings, antique snowmobiles show, hot cocoa & soup to benefit the Petoskey Snowmobile Club, prize drawings and more. Info: walloonlakemi.com

Feb 18…Winter Arts & Crafts Fair 9a-noon at the Otsego County Community Center. $2 person/$5 family, kids 5 & under free. Paintings, drawings, jewelry, stuffed animals, and much more. Info: 989-390-5456

Feb 18…Sno-Blast Chili Dinner Fundraiser 3-6p at the American Legion post 227 – East Jordan. Adults $6, kids6-12 $4, 5 & under free. Benefits improvements to G.A.R. Park. Info: ejchamber.com

Feb 18-19…Free Fishing Weekend

Feb 25…SMELTANIA – Boyne City. BCFD Pancake breakfast at Veterans Park Pavilion, scavenger hunt, polar plunge, food & music, beer tent and more. Info: boynechamber.com

Feb 25…18^th Annual Dinner, Dance & Auction at the Knights of Columbus Hall – Cheboygan. Doors 4:30, dinner 5:30, 7p audtion, 8p music. Cash Bar, hors d’oeuvres, live & silent auction, cash raffle,  live music. Tickets $25. Proceeds benefit the Cheboygan County Firefighters Association. Info: 231-420-1653

March 4…Mackinac Island Twilight Turtle Trek 5:30-7:30pm. Begins at the Greaney Grove (corner of Arch Rock & Huron Rd) with a bonfire and hot cocoa. Trail is groomed, lit by lanterns, approx 2 miles long. Info: mackinacisland.org

March 4…Art is Sweet Bake Off and Art Stroll – downtown Bellaire. Sample sweet treats at participating merchants, vote for your favorite. Tickets $10. Info: bellairechamber.org

March 4…Rescheduled Mackinaw City Winter Fest. Kids Big Freeze Obstacle Course 11-noon for kids age 5-17, prizes in 3 categories and the outhouse races 2pm in the parking lot of the Hook Restaurant. Info: mackinawcity.com

ONGOING

TFN…Harbor Light Community Chapel of Harbor Springs is collecting cans and bottle returns to help the less fortunate at 8220 Clayton Rd. All bottles and cans should be left next to their central trash bin in the main parking lot. Info: 231.347.5001 

Every Monday and Wednesday from noon-1pm Free Food Market is open in the parking lot of the Salvation Army Community Center on Barlow-Traverse City. Info: centralusa.salvationarmy.org

TFN…The St. Thomas food pantry is open on a drive-thru basis every Monday 10a-1pm. Bring photo ID with current Cheboygan address, proof of household income and proof of address for all household residents. 332 Western Ave. Info: 231-627-3167

TFN…The Acme Christian Thrift Store is in need of volunteers 3-5p any day Tues-Sat. Info: 231-267-3002

Now-TFN…Hospice of Michigan is available to help families in need of compassionate hospice care for a loved one. Call 888-247-5701 or visit hom.org

TFN…The Cheboygan Rec Center is open on Monday and Wednesday for boys and Tues/Thurs for girls from 5:30-8pm. High school and adults 8pm-10:30pm. Must wear mask at all times.

TFN- The Northern Care Center is a medical clinic for those uninsured or underinsured. Patients are seen on Tuesday afternoon/evenings. Located at W State Street, Cheboygan. You need to wear a mask and when you come to the parking lot you need to call the clinic, first come first seen. They also have vouchers for product at Goodwill and personal hygiene products for those in need. Please knock on the door for product. Please call with any questions 231-333-3019.

TFN… Cheboygan County Veterans host a coffee hour the 4th Wednesday of the month, 9:00 a.m. at the American Legion - VFW Post on State Street, Cheboygan. Coffee provided by McDonald's and donuts courtesy of Family Fare.

Now – TFN…Antrim County Veterans Affairs Coffee Talks every 3^rd Monday 9a at The Dam Shop – Elk Rapids and every 3^rd Wed 8:30a at M88 Morning Grind. Info: 231-533-8499

TFN…Boyne City Market at the Pavilion every Saturday 9a-12:30p with local meats, baked goods, crafts, artesian food, live music and more. Info: boynecitymainstreet.com