Fall Fest at Lake Antoine
Event Saturday includes trunk-or-treating, games, Scavenger Hunt
IRON MOUNTAIN — The second annual Fall Fest will offer games and other activities Saturday at Lake Antoine.
Spearheaded by Lake Antoine Park Partners, Fall Fest starts at 11 a.m. and also includes a “Candy Lane” for trunk-or-treating, a Scavenger Hunt, a pumpkin painting area, bounce houses and more.
In 2021, LAPP thought perhaps 100 youth would turn out for the first Fall Fest, only to have an estimated 500 people show up.
LAPP’s Allison Lucier was chair for last year and repeats her role this year.
“We are hoping more folks will come do trunk-or-treat with us on our Candy Lane,” Lucier said. She has been in touch with local businesses about contributing candy and treats for the youngsters expected to compete in field games.
Suzanne Larson, executive director of the Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce, filled a treasure chest with candy. Only one of the 50-plus keys available will unlock it for someone to take the candy home. “I was glad to participate in this event that shows how hospitable our community is,” Larson said.
Earlier this year, Sage Rauch stepped forward to assist LAPP in expanding the Scavenger Hunt.
“I was there with my children last year and saw how busy they were,” she said. “I saw it could be even bigger if they had more help.”
As she accumulated everything from items for 18 campsites to be used — one for a bone yard and others for vignettes of well-known Halloween movies and a spooky campsite — the Norway resident was concerned about funds and began talking about this event with business owners she knew. Grounded Massage, 4EverFitness, Bizzy Bee and Lasting Impression worked with Sage to fill baskets with treats for youth and adults, all valued at more than $50 each.
Rauch, who has a nursing degree, made a formal request to Marshfield Medical Center-Dickinson for support and the administration donated funds for 200 baggies to be filled with treats and candy for Scavenger Hunt participants, plus items to create games and their prizes in the field events.
Other community volunteers this fall include members of the Kingsford High School tennis team to monitor the bounce houses, which will be set up near the bandshell. The girls who participate will gather community service hours for their resumes, Flivvers coach Tracy Rutter said.
Local Girl Scouts are getting ready to do face painting.
Louis deKoster will have Operation Lifesaver of Michigan coloring books that teach about safety around trains and railroad crossings.
Also at Fall Fest, the LAPP will take reservations for its final community event of 2022, Lights At The Lake, set to begin Nov. 26.
Lights At The Lake, chaired by Ann Hruska and Nancy deKoster, is a free, drive-through lights display set in the Lake Antoine Campground from Nov. 26 to Dec. 31. Businesses, organizations, clubs, churches, school groups and individuals are invited to decorate a campsite for everyone to enjoy. For viewing, vehicles enter through the park’s main gate and continue through the campsite road with lights on dim.
Registration for Lights At The Lake will remain open to Oct. 22, unless it fills early. A brochure to register is available at the lakeantoine.org news page.
Decorating can start Saturday, Nov. 5, if weather allows; the display must be completed by 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26.