Fall Fest: Event at Lake Antoine Park offers activities, prizes, treats
- CHRIS DEROCHE, RANGE Bank Kingsford Branch vice president of mortgage lending, and Krystal Fayas, Range Bank Kingsford Branch administrator, show off the fun Plushies they donated to the annual Fall Fest hosted by Lake Antoine Park Partners. The first 300 participants who complete the Scavenger Hunt on Saturday at the Dickinson County park will get a goody bag; 18 of those bags will have a purple ticket to win this toy. (Photo provided by Doni-Mae Rauch)
- DICKINSON AREA CHAMBER of Commerce Executive Director Suzanne Larson shows the treasure chest of treats that is up for grabs at the Scavenger Hunt. The lucky keyholder who opens the chest wins the goodies inside. (Photo provided by Doni-Mae Rauch)

CHRIS DEROCHE, RANGE Bank Kingsford Branch vice president of mortgage lending, and Krystal Fayas, Range Bank Kingsford Branch administrator, show off the fun Plushies they donated to the annual Fall Fest hosted by Lake Antoine Park Partners. The first 300 participants who complete the Scavenger Hunt on Saturday at the Dickinson County park will get a goody bag; 18 of those bags will have a purple ticket to win this toy. (Photo provided by Doni-Mae Rauch)
IRON MOUNTAIN — One lucky youngster will go home Saturday with pirate chest full of sweet treats from the annual Lake Antoine Park Partners Fall Fest.
The event, which runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the county park, will again feature its popular Scavenger Hunt. Every child who completes the hunt will be able to choose a key to see if it opens the candy-filled treasure donated by the Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce.
“Last year, more than 250 children had the chance to win the big bag of candy,” said Doni-Mae Rauch, LAPP vice president, noting this is the third year the group has hosted the event with the help of volunteers, community sponsors and donors.
DACC Director Suzanne Larson has also offered to continue filling the chest annually.
The first 300 hunt participants will also receive a goody bag that includes a purple ticket that can be exchanged for a special prize.

DICKINSON AREA CHAMBER of Commerce Executive Director Suzanne Larson shows the treasure chest of treats that is up for grabs at the Scavenger Hunt. The lucky keyholder who opens the chest wins the goodies inside. (Photo provided by Doni-Mae Rauch)
Purple prize ticket sponsors include Integrity Care EMS, Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce, Marshfield Medical Center-Dickinson, Range Bank, Thomas Theatre Group, Exhale 906 Day Spa and Salon, 4 Ever Fitness, Venue 906 Vagabonds Bar & Grill, and Splice Salon.
The Dickinson County Library will conduct a storybook stroll in the open field area across from the Scavenger Hunt. “It was a big hit last time they did it — people loved it,” she said.
Children can fill their candy buckets in the trunk-or-treat area. “Anyone who wants to still set up is welcome,” Rauch said.
This year, the LAPP has expanded its Halloween-themed games for kids, such as the ring toss on witches’ hats.
Activities will be available for youth of all ages. “There is even a cornhole pit where the little ones can dig for prizes,” she said, adding that is being overseen by Jody Christy of BOSS Snowplow.
The Curious Pig of Crystal Falls will be at the park offering its traditional pulled pork menu, as well as kid-friendly options.
“Every year, we listen to what the people say they would like to see and changes they would like made,” she said. “We have added new games and The Curious Pig will offer hot dogs and mac and cheese for the kids.”
Bounce houses and “photo op” areas will be available throughout the entire fest area.
Local Girl Scouts have again volunteered to do face painting.
“We are trying to bring in more community organizations and individuals interested in getting involved,” Rauch said.
Louis deKoster, a Michigan Operation Lifesaver coach, will teach about safety around trains and railroad crossings. “It was very well received last year, so we are bringing him back,” she said.
The Dickinson-Iron Health Department lactation station is making plans to be on site in a small motorhome.
Admission to the event is $5 per vehicle. “It doesn’t matter how many kids — each one will get a bag with game tickets to use for the bounce houses or to participate in games,” Rauch said. “If you wish to do more activities, you can always purchase more tickets.”
Attendees will be asked to park to the right as they enter the park. Rauch noted the park does have areas that are fenced off due to the construction.
Rauch realizes it’s a little early in the Halloween season but hopes the community gets in the spirit and comes out to share the afternoon.
“It’s a fun way to spend a couple hours with your kids or grandchildren,” she said, adding the event will go on rain or shine.
The LAPP’s mission is to preserve, improve, promote and protect Lake Antoine Park for the use and benefit of the general public.