Curtis Michigan

6^th Annual Curtis Winter Carnival 2000

It was a full house, or I should say a full lake, at the
Curtis Winter Carnival on the ice February 19, 2000
Where a good time was had by all.
Nine hundred buttons were made and all sold!
Putting the attendance for this years carnival over 900 hundred people!
Jessica Puchala and Ryan Tate of WLUC TV 6 Marquette were even there reporting!
It was truly an exciting day with something for everyone to do.

Everyone enjoyed Strahl's Sleigh and Wagon Rides, also!

Teresa Evans of Curtis brought her nigerians and lamanchas goats for the children to pet. Julie Wiegand along with her mother Sue Fleischmann and Rhonda Blank were among those who helped with the children’s games. Len Johnson has helped with the Chamber’s snowmachine raffle for the past 10 years, along with the boat raffle, in the summer, for 6 years. He said, even though his hands became cold he always enjoys helping very much! John and Coleen Colestock were appreciated for their generous donation of 20 gallons of chili for the Radar Run. Chair persons, Linda Sodar, Peppy Martin and Ron Rushford greatly appreciate everyone who attended and participated in this years winter carnival and to all the volunteers, school children, businesses and the people of the community for their help and support.

Rick Sodar, of Curtis Service was the official timer of the fun and zany bed race.
First place winners (middle photo above) went to the IGA team with Chris Martin, Josh Morrison, Jason Nicholson, James Wanden and Josh Westfall. Second place bed winners were the Curtis Baptist Church and third went to the North Shore Gift Shop and Cottages.

Five-year-old Samantha Burton with her 2-year-old black lab named Logan took first place in the kiddy mutt races in 4.69 seconds. Samantha a kindergartner at Curtis Elementary school said she was having a fun time at the carnival, her parents Pete and Marnie Burton are very proud of her.

Another fun event for children and for the on lookers was the mini snowmobile race.
Six year old Tineah Blank of Curtis won first place on her skidoo mini Z snow sled. Her dad, Rich Blank explained this was her second year riding.
Doug Justice, nine years old from Curtis, came in second also riding a skidoo mini Z. His parents are John and Marcy Justice.
Four years old, Jared Hundey of Grand Rapids came in third and fourth place went to three and a half year old Trenton Marhofer of Farwell Michigan.

The first place raffle winner of a ski-doo snowmobile and trailer was won by
Amie VanHorn of Hale Michigan.

Second place winner of a fishing tent was Beth Gowan of Okemos, Michigan.

Third place went to Dave Fleischmann of Curtis, who won the shotgun.

Dotty Bays and Christyne Kihm of Curtis were among the volunteers with the Curtis Ladies Aid Bake Sale, where there was a wonderful large amount of homemade baked goods.

Jail and Bail volunteers, Bill Pew and John Goulette said there had been over one hundred jailers between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Rachel Mcangus of Battle Creek Michigan wanted to be thrown in jail, but her friend found mercy on her. Rachel was happy to pose for a picture with the wooden jailer prop painted by Sandi Schuch.

The Third Annual Great Northern Chili Bowl Chili Cook Off Competition participants were having a great time at this years Curtis Winter Carnival. This is an open class competition, everyone is invited to compete and enjoy. There are no rules on ingredients, style or clothing! Enter as many chilies as you wish. Further rules apply, anyone interested in participating in next years competition can call the
Curtis Area Chamber of Commerce at (906) 586-3700 for more information.

First place co-winners were the “Rockwood Backwoods” Chili team with Rodney Hundey, Tom Grabmeyer, Kevin Jones, Tim Gallagher and Jim Jones from Clare and Farwell Michigan. They’ve been here every year and like every year are having a great and enjoying time.

First place also went to “Trimmers Timbers” a husband and wife team from Temperance Michigan, which is 390 miles away. Pat and Jerry Trimmer have made this their third year preparing chili for the cook off.

Third place winners were the “3-D” team of Doug Gowan, Dennis Younce and Dick, Doug and Mark Gordon, of Curtis, who came in second last year. This year they were putting together a very unique chili which included anasaza beans right from Texas, where the Texans say are the best chili beans in the world. Among some of the other ingredients were ostrich, morel mushrooms, pork tenderloin, and prime rib.

Having fun in their first year of participating in the chili cook off was another team called 3-D, Brian and Becky Dowan was enjoying preparing their special chili.

Last years first place winner was the team called “Dad and the Gang” from Haslett Michigan. Wesley, Allie, James and their dad, Chuck said they are glad their friends invited them to Curtis, where they are having a nice time and have met lots of good friends. This is their second year participating in the contest, this year they are trying a new recipe.

The “Twin City House of Fire” chili cook off team has been attending every year, except the first. David Melek and Jeff Sells, of Minneapolis, expressed they were having a lot of fun. Jeff, originally of Curtis, said the events seem to be getting larger every year.

Three business people in the area donated prize money for the chili cook off. Chamberlin’s Ole Forest Inn, Seasons Lodging and another person who ask to remain anonymous.

A panel of five judges made the final decision of the winners, but this year a box was available for the public to add their input on what they thought the best chili was.

At dusk everyone enjoyed the fabulous fireworks display over the ice by the Three Lakes Area Fireworks Council, which lasted well over a half an hour. Many expressed they were better then ever!

The following day, Sunday, Curtis kept the festivities going with their First Annual Radar Run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There was whopping 104 entrees, which was great for the first year!

Radar run winners in the studded class were; first place Shannon Williams of Lakefield at 100 mile per hour. Her husband, Darrell came in second at 99 mph and Greg Reefer of Germfask was third at 97 mph.

In the non-studded class was first place winner Dereck Pastell of Curtis who ran at 86 mph. Wade Brow of McMillan came in second at 81 mph and Michael Flemming was third at 80 mph.

The Curtis Winter Carnival has become bigger and better each year; many people have donated many hours of their time, along with money. If your name was missed in this article please be assure that you weren’t. Everyone is greatly appreciated; you are what make the carnival become better each year!

Anyone who would like further information or have questions concerning this year or next years Winter Carnival may call the friendly folks at the
Curtis Area Chamber of Commerce at (906) 586-3700.

It was a cold start on Feb. 17, but it didn't stop the people from attending the "Seventh Annual Winter Carnival 2001 On the Ice" in downtown Curtis this year. One thousand buttoms were made and sold, five of these buttons had a photo of a deer standing (all had a deer photo, but only five were made differently). People claiming these buttons received $20.00 each.

Many new participants entered the "Fourth Annual Great Northern Chili Bowl Chili Cook-Off Competition. Tents were like little huts all around on the ice with the wonderful smell of chili in the air coming from each! The annual chili competition is open to everyone from any where. No rules on ingredients, style, or clothing. Enter as many chilies as you wish. The prize is a traveling trophy chili bowl and cash prizes from anonymous donors of $75.00, $50.00 and $25.00. Entry Fee is $25.00, contestants are asked to bring their own gear and ingredients, and chili MUST be prepared on site, in areas designated by the Three Lakes Fireworks Council.
Contestants must make a minimum of one gallon of chili. No food other then chili may be prepared or distributed during chili cook-off. Chili cannon be given away (except for sampling).
Any proceeds from selling chili may be donated or can be kept to offset costs. This is sponsored by the Three Lakes Area Fireworks Council for the Curtis 2001 fireworks display.
New entrees this year were the "B&B's Gun Club" team from Ray Township. Jerry Vandenbussche, Tom Oliver, Brian Kennedy (better known as the 9 foot hillbilly), and James Stratas have been coming to the Carnival every year with Tom Oliver coming to Curtis every since he was three years old.
The "Rockwood Backwoods Chili" team has been here every year; they are from Clare and Farwell Michigan. Rodney Hundey, Tom Grabmeyer, Kevin Jones, Tim Gallagher, Jim Jones and Doug Hundey were first place co-winners last year.
This year "Rockwood Two" joins in the fun for their first year. Lucy Mateman, Gaylord Hundey, Sarah Queen, Lin and Ed Holder were having a great time preparing their chili.
Gary and Pat Trimmer made this their fourth year entering the cook off as "Trimmers Timbers", they were also first place co-wimmers last year. Traveling almost 400 miles, from Temperance Michigan, Gary and Pat said they always have a great time!
The team of Rick and Leslie Edwards and Julie and Alan Parks have been coming to the carnival for the past four years, this year they decided to compete in the chili cook-off. Home grown fresh beans and roma tomatoes along with other fresh home garden ingredients were added, including venison meat from the Upper Peninsula.
Another entree making this their first year were called "Iverson Chili compliments of The Lodge" team. Mary and Steve Mitus and Mark and Lisa Wilkinson have a lodge near Curtis, they have been coming to the area for the past twelve years and decided to get involved this year thanks to their good friend John Colestock.
Last year the "3-D" team placed third, John Martindale joined Doug Gowan, Dennis Younce, Dick, Doug and Mark Gordon in preparing their unique chili. Last year OSTRICH was one of the unique ingredients, this year WILD BOAR and ELK were added along with anasaza beans, which they still agree, are the best chili beans in the world!
Last year the chili cook-off raised approximately $700.00 for the fireworks. Five judges along with imput from anyone, for two dollars, could cast a vote for the best chili. This year first place winners were the "Rockwood Backwoods" team, second place co-winners were "Timmers Timbers" and the "3-D" teams.
Brenda Ackley, Jeanette Zurawski, Amanda, Jamie and their son Jacob Washburne were the official "Curtis Ice Cops". Brenda said, "Everyone has been real good about paying their fines, everyone seems to be having a great time!"
Rick Sodar, official field prep and bed race organizer and Jeff Burton, lawnmower and kids snow sled event organizer, were kept busy throughout the afternoon. Rick said, "There are many more children in this year's mini snow sled racing event." First place winner of the Kiddy Snowmobile Event was seven year old Tineah Blank, who placed first last year also. Her parents are Rich Blank of Curtis and Karena Burton of Germfask.
The Lawnmower Race is always a fun event. First place went to the "Power Mechanics Racing Team" of Jason Nicholson (driver), Kevin Selby (owner of the lawnmower), Matt Westfall, Chris Marks and Jason Swartz. This was truly an amazing group, Jack Swartz, Newberry High School's shop teacher said "we all had a great time building this machine in shop class." Second place went to John Ketcher of Engadine and third place went to Rob Freeborn of Curtis.
Rick Sodar, of Curtis Service, expressed entrees were down this year, with the Bed Races, where anyone can put together a real bed with skis. With this event participants get together as a team with one rider (in the bed) and the others pushing. The team to cross the finish line is the winner. Building the bed and cometing against others is as much fun to watch as it is to participate. This year first place went to Curtis Foods, who was last year's winner, also.
Thirteen year old Adam Reefers, with his dog "Snickers" took first place in the Kiddy Mutt Event, eleven year old James Bristow came in second with Jack and Margaret Andress, golden retriever "Millie". Ten year old Lacey Reefers was third place with her dog "Snickers".
The WONDERFUL ladies from the Curtis Ladies Aid withstood the cold weather to tend to the bake sale. Volunteers, who stood out in the open without a tent, were President Ann Oginski, Treasure Jan Heck, Vern Gillespie, and Vice President Cristyne Kihm.
Everyone enjoyed the wonderful hayrides by Strahl's Persherons, throughout the day.
Winner of the brand new ski-doo and trailer, sponsored by the Curtis Area Chamber of Commerce was Julie Watson of Lexington, Michigan.
At dusk the fireworks display was bigger and better, it was truly a wonderful way to end a fund day!
The fun continued the following day with the secon annual Radar Race. First and second place winners in the non-studded class were as follows:
500-Class, Greg Deyak 74 mph and Todd Lesatz 70 mph both of Gould City.
600-Class Jeremy Ross 77 mph from Newberry and Robert Lustila 74 mph from Curtis.
700-Class Julie Cochran 80 mph from Curtis and Terry Watson 77 mph from Curtis.
800-Class B.J Zellar 81 mph and Eric Zeller 80 mph, both are from Germfask.
In the Studded Class, 500-Class J.D. Edwards 78 mph of Germfask and Jeff Burton 75 mph of Curtis. 600-Class Dave Williams 86 mph and Yvonne Burton 85 mph both from Germfask. 700-Class Adam Reefers 86 mph of Curtis and Karen Hunt 85 mph, from downstate. 800-Class Greg Reefers 94 mph and Terry Watson 85 mph, both of Curtis. 1000-Class Sean Nagy 102 mph from downstate and Greg Reefers 94 mph from Curtis.
In the modified 1000-Class and up, Gene Gubbins of Wisconson flew in at 105 mph and Sean Nagy of downstate at 103 mph.
Coordinator Terry Watson and crew appreciates everyone for all their help and participation. last year this event brought in 104 entrees, which was great for the first year, this year there were 170 entrees. Terry sends much appreciation out to everyone who helped with this event especially to the participants!
The people who worked on this year's festivity, would like to express how much everyone is greatly appreciated for working on the carnival and radar race this year, adults along with children had a wonderful time! Working together as a team and a community is important to make the outcome of this go smooth. If you would like information on next yars Curtis Winter Carnival on the Ice, please contact the wonderful people at the
Curtis Area Chamber of Commerce at (906) 586-3700.

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9th Annual Curtis Winter Carnival 2003

South Manistique Lake, in down town Curtis, was the place to be Sat. Feb. 15, 2003. Chair person, Brenda Ackley said "We had approximately three to four thousand people attending this years Curtis Winter Carnival, she added "Danny Hemminger and I made 880 buttons and we used some left over from another event because we ran out, we sold around 1500 buttons, but couldn't get the snowmobilers who were further on the ice." Brenda said "Dottie Bays, Lynn Kihm and Jerry Holbrook helped all day selling buttons; they have been doing this for years!" Juanita from Lakeside Liquor puts out the buttons on display and makes sure they get to where they have to go, she also helps put the program together every year. Bill Pew, from Interlake Resort, has donated the prize money and supplies, every year, to make the buttons. This year there were ten winning buttons, of $20.00 each.
The winning buttons had turtles on them.
Sue Petrie organized the Kiddy Mutt Race, something she has done for years; she started back in the 80's. Sue also organized a cake walk, which she had made many beautiful cakes for this year event, she also made a shuffleboard, which was very popular with everyone. Liz Pann and D.D. Burnham also helped with the Shuffleboard event.
Jeff Burton organized the Mini Z Kiddy Snowmobile Races, with help from John Soder. They had a good turn out, with many children participating, winner's of teh first run in this events went to Samantha Gibbens of Lake City, who placed first and second place went to Holly Blank of Curtis. Unfortunately no names were available for the winners in the second Mini Z run.
Dan's Fish Coop was very popular again this year, with five hundred Rainbow Trout in a holding area, under the ice. Dan Duberville organized the second annual event, along with many helpers! Every fish was a winner with 100's of prizes to be given away, many children were carrying around fishing poles and tackle won from the Fish Coop. This year the largest fish caught was ten pounds. Many fishing holes were drilled where children could fish for 15 minutes, but it didn't take long to get their prize fish. A large fish shanty was set up to fish out of and to "Watch the Fish Swim" with under water viewing camera. Brenda Ackley said "I hear Dan has many new ideas and this event will be larger next year!"
Another popular event was the "Hold-In-One Golf" game, organized by Dick Hilmoe of "A Place Resort".
Dan Duberville and son organized the "Lawn Mower Race" with help from John Soder and Rich Blank.
Turkey Bowling was run by Mickey and Dave Treiber of "Squirrels Nest Resort". Brenda Ackley said "They also did a lot of running, set up and clean up, of this event for us, we couldn't have done it without them!"
Al Morrison from the "Poor Boy" Restaurant US2 Gould City, ran the concession stand with help from Jamie Washburne, Jennifer Shupbach and Art Selby.
Strahl's Persherons were providing hayrides throughout the day. Elaine Hilmoe sold tickets for these rides, something she has enjoyed doing for the past few years. She also was dressed as a clown selling candy bars for the Portage Anglers Club, proceed going toward stocking the lake with fish.
Amanda Washburne and Kim from "Kim's Tally Ho", were this years "Curtis Ice Cops", they arrested quite a few people, not only because they didn't have their buttons, but people were also paying to have others thrown in jail.
The famous and well talked about "Ice Sculpture" was made by Steve Stuck of Houghton Lake, he was helped by Doug Voltz of Curtis, Dan Hemminger, Brenda Ackley and John Colestock helped with the prep work. Brenda said "I think everyone with a camera was taking pictures of it."
Brenda Ackley said "It was easy to make this event successful with so many helping hands. Most of these people have been doing these same things every year and their hard work is impressive."
The Sixth Annual Great Northern Chili Cook-Off Competition, sponsored by the Three Lakes Fireworks Council was as tasty as ever, this year! The aroma was wonderful; many old faces were to be seen with a few new entrees! John and Marcy Justice of Minnesota who had "Frontier Justice Chili" placed first this year; this was their second year in the chili cook-off, last year they placed third. Second place went to the "4-D Chili" with Dough Gowan of Okemus, Michigan, in the past years this was originally called "3-D Chili" Third place went to new comers, "Kim's Tally Ho Chili" with Kelly Roll of Curtis and her sister Cindy Hlavacek.
The famous Bed Races was not held this year, when asked why, Brenda Ackley said "we just couldn't get enough entries this year".
The famous Fireworks at dusk were beautiful; they had three finales, with much oohing and aahhing, going on!
Chair Person Brenda Ackley said "Next year will be our tenth carnival year, we hope to have most of the same events and hopefully will have more to add to it!"

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11th Annual Curtis
Winter Carnival 2005

The 11^th Annual Curtis Winter Carnival held on Saturday, February 19, 2005, was exciting; the peaks of sunshine mixed with a few snow flurries didn’t stop the hundreds of children and adults joining in the fun! Over 1200 buttons were made and sold, Chair person Bonnie Goulette and husband John said “It was a great day”, much appreciation goes to the volunteers who worked hard putting this annual event together.
This was the Curtis Fish Coops fourth year, which seemed to be the largest attraction event this year. 1,100 Rainbow Trout were in a holding area, under the ice, where every child went away with a fish and prize. Ron Beaudoin and DanDuberville did a fantastic job announcing each round; including Ron's auctioneer talents kicking in!
Great appreciation goes to all the committee members who prepared two weeks in advance for this event and to the volunteers who assisted in any way!
The Luce County Dive Team is also greatly appreciated for diving in and checking the fenced in holding area, before the fish were put in, this is a good training experience along with making sure the fish doesn't escape into the rest of the lake. The dive team has been doing this for the past four years, this year an opening was found and fixed!
In the last few Curtis Fish Coop fishing rounds, the crowd became so involved and excited they were doinating money which was given to the child with the largest or the smallest catch, Shaena Blakely age 9, of Newbrrry, was one of the children receiving $25.00 for her catch of one of the rounds, with a 13.5 inch trout. Alexandrea Artino, age 15, who is a new resident of Naubinway and Engadine High School, went away with a big smile and her catch of a 20 inch trout. Rumor was, there were fish up to 30 inches long in the holding area and Danny Beals, age 13 of McMillan was close with a 23 inch trout!
Way to go Danny!
Grand prize winners of the Curtis Fish Coop, children's fish-off were:
1st place: Kim Mattson of Germfask who won a boat, motor, trailer and tackle
2nd place - Brett Burton of Curtis, who won a kayak
3rd place - Dale Mattson of Germfask who won Ice Fishing Equipment Package.
In the adult fish-off, winners were:
1st place Greg Rutherford of Germfask won a two hundred dollar Gander Mountain gift certificate.

2nd place - Cassie Bowler of Marquette won a power auger.
3rd place - Steve Hartwig of St.Clair Shore, Michigan won a Yooper Entertainment package.
4th place - Alexandrea Artino of Naubinway won a hand auger.
The focus of this fish coop was for the children and with all the smiles it was truly a memory that will be long remembered, this was a fun event for all ages, yound and old!

Turkey bowling is always a fun annual game at the winter carnival, bowling pins are set up and a frozen wrapped turkey is the bowling ball, it is a fun challenge for all ages! Participating this year were John and Julie Gipson of Kansas, John said "this is my first time here and I'm having a great time!"
A children's golf game was held in the Ladies Aid Tent, where the ladies had a yummy table of bak sale goods, which had people lined up at the door to purchase a home baked goodie!

Another fun game was the cake walk, several cake were donated and given away to lucky winners, this game was played like musical chairs, participants walked around a marked area, when the music stopped and the number you were standing on was called out, the winner walked away with a delicious home made cake. The last two cakes were won by Brianna Hanert age 13 of Newberry and Nick Kutsoginis age 14 of White Lake Michigan
(Nick is the nephew of Susie Jacobson of Curtis).

The Mini Sled Challenge is entertaining, children race their mini snow mobile around a groomed track, this is fun for the children and fun for the spectators to watch. First place in the modified races included Tineah Blank and Andrew Plomer who said "this was my first race, it was a lot of fun and I look forward to doing it again next year."

Zach Abram, a first grade student and fifth grader, Abbi Hayes, both Curtis Elementary Students had their fantastic drawings in the Curtis Winter Carnival booklet. All the students at Curtis Elementary School and their teachers are greatly appreciated for their hard work, great ideas and for helping the Curtis Area Chamber of Commerce design this year’s program booklet. It was rally hard to choose a winner because all the art work was terrific, the remaining pictures will be on displayed around town for everyone to see.

The Sixth Annual Great Northern Chili Bowl Chili Cook-Off Competition was won by

3-D Chili of White Fish Lake. Participants were to bring their own gear and ingredients; chili had to be prepared on site, in area designated by the Curtis Area Chamber of Commerce and a minimum of one gallon of chili had to be made. Other rules apply and can be obtained by the Curtis Area Chamber of Commerce.

Special appreciation goes to Bill and Sheri Pew, for their untiring dedication and support of the winter carnival, they made all the buttons, again this year, for the event and all 1200 buttons were sold out by 1:30. Ten of the buttons were worth $20.00 each, if you have a button with Kim’s Tally Ho printed on it, with the correct markings that match, should contact the
Curtis Chamber for more information.

Tim Pittenger won the 2005 Ski-Doo GSX 500 SS Sport Snow sled, which included a single place trailer, purchased from the Fish and Hunt Shop in Curtis.

Among some of the food tents set up on the ice, were the Feneley-McNeil-Nesbit American Legion Post 290. John Matchinske, Louie Oberle, Wayne Flatt senior and junior (father and son), Pat Abram, Tom Bowler and Tim Mast and his son Mike Mast, served food all day.

Newberry’s radio station WNBY, with on air personality Mike Stanley, was on the ice announcing from 10:00 a.m. until noon on Saturday.

The Sixth Annual Radar Run was held on Sunday, February 20 with weather permitting, on the South Manistique Lake. The event started at 11:00 a.m. and was forced to shut down at 1:30 p.m. due to deteriorating weather conditions. Snow and high winds forced the shut down. The following results were posted by Watson’s Marina, of winning speeds in each category. In the Stock (non-studded) 500 class was Luke Martin, 600 class was Robert Metcalf, 700 and 800 class was Frank Chase III, 1000class was Frank Chase II. Stock (studded) winners in the 500 class were Todd Lesatz, 600 class was Nathan Petrich, 700 class was Sean Nagy, 800 class was Derek Pastell and the 1000 class winner was Bob Weber. In the Open (mods) winner was Matt Petrich and in the Oldies class was R. Martel.

Saturday evening ended in a big bang, with fabulous fireworks over the South Manistique Lake. Nancy Watson, of Watson’s Marina said, “The fireworks were just beautiful over the frozen lake!”

The weather was moderately nice, making this year's 11th annual Curtis Winter Carnival, another fun filled weekend event!
Many are looking forward to next years carnival, which is already in the planning stages, anyone who would like to lend a haelping hand in next years carnival may contact the
Curtis Chamber of Commerce for more information.
Phone: 906-586-3700 or go to the top of this page for their web site.