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Frostbite Winter Festival

Harrison, Michigan can't wait for spring to golf! Each year in February they dust off their golf clubs and invite visitors to play in this uproarious golf tournament on frozen Budd Lake in downtown Harrison. This fun event is played with tennis balls on a 9-hole course.

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Newsletter

2021 Frostbite - Cancelled Due to the COVID-19 Restrictions

Everything You Need to Know to Enjoy Frostbite Winter Festival...

​Are you tired of waiting until spring to dust off your golf clubs? So were some folks in Harrison when they first started the Frostbite Open in the early 1980's. 
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​How Did Frostbite Winter Festival Begin? 

A small group of people decided that it would be fun to plow a nine-hole course on frozen Budd Lake. They used tennis balls instead of golf balls and drilled shallow holes in the ice to play. a few rounds. 

​In the years following this first fun wintertime diversion the event became an extremely popular form of winter fun in Harrison and is now know as Frostbite Winter Festival. The Harrison Area Chamber of Commerce and many amazing volunteers plan months in advance for this uproarious event.

​What Can You Do at Frostbite Festival?

In the years following this first fun wintertime diversion the event has grown to include:
Sled Building Contest
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The addition of a "sled" building contest was a big hit with people from all over the state planning months in advance to take home the trophy for best sled. With fun themes and prizes to plan around, creative and ingenious sleds were developed to bring necessary supplies along with the team of golfers.
Turkey Bowling
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Frozen turkey bowling helps to get rid of holiday "leftovers"!
Polar Dip
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Go ahead and take the plunge in the icy waters of Budd Lake!
Children's Carnival
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Children of all ages enjoy the children's carnival. Organizations sponsor these events to add to the excitement of the event.
Chile & Soup Cook-Off
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Get your favorite recipe ready for the Chile & Soup Cook-Off. Whether it's great-grandma's recipe or your own creation, we know that the judges will enjoy tasting the samples!
Ice Fishing Tournament
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For those that want more to do, the event holds an Ice Fishing Tournament. Set your tip-up and watch for a bite. Prizes are awarded in several categories.
​Extras
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To cap off the event, many of the local establishments provide special entertainment, food, and fun. Warm-up with a great meal and beverage.

How To Participate

Plan to register your team and head to Harrison February 20-23, 2020. For more information and to register contact the Harrison Area Chamber of Commerce at 989-539-6011.

Where to Stay

Where to stay:
Lakeside Waterfront Lodging in Harrison overlooks Budd Lake or choose one of our other fine accommodations:
Doherty Hotel - Clare
Lone Pine Motel - Clare
Quality Inn - Clare​

Where to Eat

While visiting Clare County, sample some of our fine restaurants and local diners. From elegant dinners, cafes with home cooking and fast food, to singing karaoke in one of the area lounges - you ​have a choice! Click here for some choices.
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Frostbite 2020 will have a Red, White, and Blue Theme!
Thursday Feb. 20th, 2020
Kick-off Party 5 pm-7 pm 
​
Friday Feb. 21st, 2020
Party Bus Tour 5 pm-10 pm
​​
Saturday Feb 22, 2020
Moose Lodge -
  Vendors Fair:  9 am - 3 pm
  Silent Auction: 9 am - 3 pm
  Concession Stand: 11 am - 3 pm
  Button Raffle Drawing: 8 pm - 9 pm

Power Docks at Budd Lake:
   Polar Dip: Registration 9:30 am - Take the Plunge! 10:00 am ​
   Turkey Bowling:         11 am-1 pm
​   Golf on the Ice:    Check in 12 pm - Golf time 1 pm - 3 pm
​
Harrison Lions Club:
  Children's Carnival      11 am-2 pm

VFW:
  Concession Stand:  Noon - 4 pm

Budd Lake Bar:
  Comedy Night: 6 pm-9 pm
​
Harrison City Market:
  Chili & Soup Cook-Off: 11 am-2 pm
​
Sunday Feb 23, 2020
Harrison Power Docks
  Ice Fishing Tournament:
    Registration: 7 am
    Tournament Duration 8 am - 2 pm
    Announcement of Winners: 2:30 pm

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Clare County Convention & Visitors Bureau
PO Box 226 / Clare, MI 48617
800-715-3550
Site design and maintenance courtesy of Lori Schuh Clare Graphics