Slush Cup, Polar Plunge, Mountain Bikes oh my!

MARQUETTE– It’s that time of year for Spring Carnival weekend at Marquette Mountain. The celebration this year is bringing back an old tradition and fundraising for various causes.

Around 200 participants will partake in the various competitions held on Spring Carnival weekend. In honor of St. Patrick’s Day on Friday, on goers are asked to wear green, and will receive a discounted lift ticket. Saturday the mountain will host 6 different races and the Polar Plunge. Last but not least, Sunday Funday, which will challenge skiers and snowboarders ability. Competitors will attempt to cross over the pond, in Slush Cup. Also one event that used to be a tradition, is making a comeback.

“A mountain biking race that we’re going to try for the first time in several years,” Marquette Mountain General Manager Jesie Melchiori said. “Way, way, way back in the day they use to do a Mountain Bike Mania Day, but we’re going to try and bring it back slowly.”

Mountain bikers will come down Snowfield. Spring Carnival is also giving on goers an opportunity to give back to the community. A silent raffle will be held on Friday in honor of Peyton and Ryan Thomas as well as Skarlett Swartz. The Polar Plunge makes swimming in the cold a positive activity, by raising money for the Special Olympics. One game held throughout the weekend will raise money for Caleb Bell.

“His mom is on the ski patrol so we consider him our own ski hill kid,” Melchiori said. “This weekend we’re going to do an event where people try and hit a hockey puck through a smiley face, and we’re going to charge people a dollar a person to try it. The winner will get a season pass for next winter, but then all of that money will go back to Caleb and his family.”

All of the events this weekend are day of sign up at the mountain.

For more information visit the Marquette Mountain website.