While we have a good share of “snowbirds” (the summer/fall residents that head somewhere warm in the winter) here in Northern Michigan, there are a lot of us staying here for the duration!

Those snowbirds just don’t know what they are missing! There is not only something to do every winter weekend, but there are also often multiple things to do.

Just recently you could go to Mackinaw City for a Winterfest complete with Outhouse races and a chili cookoff and turn around and go to a wild game dinner in Cheboygan. There have been vintage snowmobile rides and fishing competitions.

A huge benefit concert was recently held to support the Opera House. That event featured all local talent that donated their skills to the cause.

Sturgeon for tomorrow hosts the Shivaree on Black Lake, and Indian River is hosting a Winterfest downtown. Those events are in early February. Also, on Feb. 11 is a big fundraiser for Chelsea’s Closet. It’s called Denim and Diamonds and will be held at the K of C hall. The event is $45 and features a dueling piano performance along with hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction. Get tickets at Shine, Bronze or the Straits Area Federal Credit Union.

Later in February you can attend the Northland Players dinner theater at the Eagles! Those dates are the 17th, 18th, 24th and 25th. The play is called 2nd Time Around by Henry Denker. It’s produced by special arrangement with Samuel French Inc. For just $27 you get to choose between Chicken Cordon Bleu, Pork Roast with Cherry Vinaigrette or Lemon Pepper Baked Cod AND be entertained by the performance. Call 231-627-4051 to reserve your spot!

So, by the end of February, we’re almost through the winter but, just to keep you from getting Cabin Fever, you can attend a Cabin Fever Dinner at Audies in Mackinaw City. That event is hosted by the Mackinaw Area Historic Society and will be held on Sunday, March 12.

Then, you can look forward to another hilarious dinner theater at the Eagles. That performance is titled “The One That Got Away” and is written by the same author that wrote all the Virgil plays (Eddie McPherson) that have been so popular. Those dates are March 17th, 18th, 24th and 25th — mark your calendars and be on the lookout for more information.

Don’t forget to celebrate National Rosie the Riveter Day! This year a paint and pour event is being held at the Cheboygan Carnegie. It’s on March 21 at 5:30. The cost is $35 and includes painting the iconic “We Can Do It” picture, hors d’ouerves and beverages. Email mackinawmemories@gmail.com for your reservation. Limited to 20 attendees.

In addition to all those events, you can keep active by going bowling, playing pickleball, workout at local gyms. Maybe you prefer the outdoors? If so, enjoy winter sports like hiking, skiing, skating, snowshoeing, fishing or snowmobiling. Winter bird watching is a fun pastime as well.

While some local businesses close in the winter or have reduced hours, there are several wonderful choices for shopping and dining. Just call first to make sure they’re open.

Be sure to tell your snowbird friends what they missed by leaving the beautiful north!

— Linda Rogers is a retired Business Education Teacher and serial volunteer. She sits on both the City of Cheboygan Planning Commission, the Cheboygan County Planning Commission, and is a Straits Area Community Foundation Board Member. Linda is also the President of our local Rosie the Riveter Chapter. She lives in Beaugrand Township with her husband Vince Lumetta.

This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Cheboygan Main Street: Winter in Northern Michigan