Jack Frost Festival Creates Full Week of Activities

IRONWOOD, MI - Monday, December 1, 2008 - Today's official opening of the Western Upper Peninsula Snowmobile Trails starts off a full week of events for the 14th Annual Jack Frost Festival.

 This year's Jack Frost Festival of Lights Parade will be held on Friday, December 5, at 6:00 PM. The theme for the parade is “A Storybook Christmas” coincides with the grand parade marshals, the Friends of the Library and the Carnegie Library, said Chamber Director, Kim Kolesar. 

Candy Cane Court will again be located at River Valley State Bank.  Kids may visit Santa, Mrs. Claus and Jack Frost directly after the parade in the bank lobby and at the same time view the wonderful Gingerbread House display made by area children and adults.  Also, after the parade, the Gogebic Range Band will be holding their annual Christmas Concert at the Ironwood Memorial Building .

A live WUPM radio broadcast will be held on the day of the Jack Frost Parade from 9 a.m.-Noon at Jack Frost headquarters, better known as Hitt’s Fine Furniture.  WIMI Radio is once again sponsoring the Jack Frost Store Window Decorating Contest which is open to all Ironwood Area Businesses.  Businesses must fill out a registration form in order to qualify.  The winner will receive an advertising certificate from the radio station and the official Jack Frost Store Window Decorating Traveling Trophy to display at their business until next year’s festival.

The Ironwood Chamber will be holding their annual $10,000 Jack Frost raffle.  Tickets cost $100.00.  Only 200 tickets are sold.  There are 7 great cash prizes with $5,000 being the first prize.  Numbers will be drawn at the Carnegie Library prior to the start of the parade and then displayed on the Ironwood Fire Department truck in the parade.  The Ironwood Business & Professional Women’s Club will also be holding their annual 50/50 raffle.  Tickets cost $1.00.

For more information, contact the Chamber office at 906/932-1122. Listed below are this week's Jack Frost Festival events:

December 1 — Official opening of Western U.P. snowmobile trails (weather permitting). Permits available at the Ironwood Chamber office ($25). Located on Trail #2, downtown Ironwood

December 2 — Tree of Love Ceremony, Grand View Hospital, 7:00 PM, 906/932-2525 ext. 6047

December 2-30th — Tuesdays & Thursdays at 4:00 and Sundays at 3:00, Team Gogebic Nordic Ski Club. For locations and to see how you can check us out for free, go to www.teamgogebic.com or call Jackie Powers at 847-533-2390. 

December 4 — Gingerbread House entry deadline, River Valley Bank, Noon, Judging takes place same day

December 4-6 — Creative Spirits Open House, 121 North Lowell Street, 906/932-8442, discounts, refreshments and prizes, (10 AM-6 PM on 12/4-5) (10 AM-4 PM on 12/6)

December 4, 6, 7 — Claudette’s Holiday Special, Theatre North, (6 PM & 8 PM on 12/4), (2 PM, 6 PM & 8 PM on 12/6) (2 PM, 4 PM, 6 PM on 12/7). 906/932-4371

December 5 — Live broadcast, 9 AM-Noon with Chuck Gervasio, WUPM Radio, at Jack Frost Headquarters (aka Hitt’s Fine Furniture). Listen in for all the latest festival and parade information

December 5 — Jack Frost Festival of Lights Parade, 6:00 PM, Downtown Ironwood, Live on Charter, Cable with hosts, Chuck Gervasio & Laura Keller

December 5 — Gogebic Range Band Concert, after Jack Frost parade, Ironwood Memorial Building

December 5 — Carnegie Library Open House, 5 PM-7:30 PM, 906/932-0203

December 5 — Jack Frost $10,000 Raffle, tickets: $100.00 (only 200 sold) available at the Chamber office, 906/932-1122

December 5 — Visit with Santa, Mrs. Claus and Jack Frost at Candy Cane Court (River Valley Bank) after the parade and receive candy canes

December 5 — Knights of Columbus Christmas Tree Sale Fundraiser, 330 Scott Street, Ironwood, MI. Sale continues until sold out.

December 6 — Holiday Storyland Celebration, Carnegie Library, 2 PM-3:30 PM (Santa at 2:30 PM), 906/932-0203

December 6-7 — Superior SnoCross Midwest Regional Race, Mt. Zion Ski Hill, 906/932-4850

December 7 — Ironwood Area Middle/High School Christmas Concert, Ironwood Theatre, 906/932-0618

December 7 — 3rd Annual Hot Cocoa Crafts, All Saints Catholic Academy (in gym), 9:00 AM-3:00 PM, 906/932-3200