Events

  

Paul Bunyan Festival & Great Lakes Chainsaw Carving Competition:

August 29-31, 2008: 12^th Annual Paul Bunyan Festival, Oscoda:  Great Lakes Chainsaw Carving Championship, where chainsaw carvers turn logs into intricate sculptures (sold at auction), Timberjack Show & Lumberjack Storyteller, Arts & Crafts Fair, Classic Car Show, Petting Zoo, Kid's Games, Inflatables (climbing wall, moonwalk, Velcro wall, obstacle course), Bunyan Games (Axe-throwing, Greased-Pole climb for cash, Kid's relay races and more), Live Bands, Beer Tent, Great Food and much more for the whole family! Call (989) 739-7322 or email events@oscodachamber.com for forms and updated information!

Our 2008 Festival will be bringing back many family favorites, such as the Bunyan Games for Kids, slated for Sunday, August 31.  Since Monday is Labor Day, the festival will go later than usual, with the Beer Tent staying open and entertainment and live bands on Sunday.  The big auction for large pieces carved for the Chainsaw Championship will be auctioned off on Sunday at 1:00 pm, with an Awards Ceremony for the Chainsaw Carvers to follow at 3:00 PM.  These awesome works of art will be auctioned off to the highest bidder.  Many of the attractions that were big hits last year will be back again, including the inflatable climbing wall (30 feet tall) and giant slide for kids, our Lumberjack Storyteller, Bill Jamerson will also be performing several shows on both Saturday and Sunday.  In addition to the Chainsaw Carving Competition, which spans all three days of the festival, we will also be hosting a car show and craft fair during the festival.  Many of the inflatables and games for kids will be back, giving families a great reason to spend all weekend at the festival.  The Big Auction for the most prized carvings done by the Chainsaw Carvers will be auctioned off to the highest bidder on Sunday, and a small auction will be held on Saturday at 4:00 pm for other pieces brought by individual carvers to the festival.  Providing that we can find enough sponsors, we will be bringing back the Timberjack Show, complete with axe-throwing and log-rolling performances filled with fun and humor for kids of all ages.  Don't forget about the Timberjack Jailhouse, where you can "imprison" your friends and family for a modest fee, then watch as they must sing or dance or perform some sort of silliness in order to be set free after doing their "time" in the on-site slammer!  This will again be hosted and manned by our very own Shoreline Players, and some proceeds from the Jailhouse will go to the theatre for their growth and continuation.  There will also be QUICK CARVES on Sunday from 8:00 am until 12:00 pm, where you can watch as a log is transformed into a work of art and beauty right before your very eyes!  Excellent entertainment and food will be available all weekend, and we will continue to post more current information here as we get closer to the 2008 Paul Bunyan Festival and Great Lakes Chainsaw Carving Competition.

 

 

Annual Jim Ruedisueli Memorial Golf Challenge: 

August 7, 2008: 11^th Annual Golf Challenge, Lakewood Shores, Blackshire Course. Get in on this four-person scramble at one of the nicest courses in the State, the Blackshire at the renowned Lakewood Shores Golf Club. Registration kicks off at 8:30 am, with a 9:00 am start. 18 holes with cart, followed by a savory luncheon at the clubhouse, complete with prizes, cash prizes, giveaways, raffles, and an optional skins game for individuals or teams. Many fine prizes given away and raffled off, including dinners for two, hotel or bed and breakfast stays, and so much more. Get in the game by calling the Chamber at 989.739.7322 or email us for forms and information: events@oscodachamber.com.  Click HERE for the 2008 Application and get fired up for a great day on one of the finest courses in the country!

 

Jim Ruedisueli Memorial Golf Outing Photos!

  

  

   

Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks:

Independence Day falls right in the thick of our busiest season when the lake is warm and everyone is ready to celebrate!  Our downtown parade is a big hit every year, with local organizations, businesses, and community members coming out to celebrate our freedom and independence.  The parade through downtown starts at Cedar Lake Elementary, where floats and walking groups will line up starting at 12 pm, and the parade will continue onto US-23 through downtown to Mill Street starting at 1:00 pm.  It is free to participate in and enjoy the parade, but all participants must register by signing up with the Oscoda-AuSable Chamber of Commerce.  We also need volunteers for the parade route every year, so if you are interested in helping control traffic and lending a hand, please contact us at the Chamber office at 989.739.7322.

Following the parade, enjoy an afternoon barbeque or relax in the sun at one of our lovely public parks or beaches.  Catch a nap if you can, because you will surely want to stay awake for the Amazing Fireworks display which will commence at dusk at the AuSable Shoreline Park directly behind our Chamber of Commerce office at the Southeast end of the Bridge over the AuSable River.  Ample parking is available in the lot adjacent to the Chamber, as well as at the large DNR boat launch site leading to the South wall of the pier.  Boaters may want to launch and view the spectacular show from the water, but must maintain a safe distance from the fireworks barge, delineated and controlled by our local Coast Guard.  For further information about the Fourth of July Parade, Fireworks, and celebration, please call the Oscoda-AuSable Chamber of Commerce at 989.739.7322!

 

   

Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks:

Independence Day falls right in the thick of our busiest season when the lake is warm and everyone is ready to celebrate!  Our downtown parade is a big hit every year, with local organizations, businesses, and community members coming out to celebrate our freedom and independence.  The parade through downtown starts at Cedar Lake Elementary, where floats and walking groups will line up starting at 12 pm, and the parade will continue onto US-23 through downtown to Mill Street starting at 1:00 pm.  It is free to participate in and enjoy the parade, but all participants must register by signing up with the Oscoda-AuSable Chamber of Commerce.  We also need volunteers for the parade route every year, so if you are interested in helping control traffic and lending a hand, please contact us at the Chamber office at 989.739.7322.

Following the parade, enjoy an afternoon barbeque or relax in the sun at one of our lovely public parks or beaches.  Catch a nap if you can, because you will surely want to stay awake for the Amazing Fireworks display which will commence at dusk at the AuSable Shoreline Park directly behind our Chamber of Commerce office at the Southeast end of the Bridge over the AuSable River.  Ample parking is available in the lot adjacent to the Chamber, as well as at the large DNR boat launch site leading to the South wall of the pier.  Boaters may want to launch and view the spectacular show from the water, but must maintain a safe distance from the fireworks barge, delineated and controlled by our local Coast Guard.  For further information about the Fourth of July Parade, Fireworks, and celebration, please call the Oscoda-AuSable Chamber of Commerce at 989.739.7322!

 

 

   

Celebrate Freedom at the Red White & Blue Collar Festival!

June 28-29, 2008:  3^rd Annual Red, White & Blue Collar Festival, Van Ettan Lake Beach Park, Oscoda.  Enjoy this celebration of freedom and the American worker the last full weekend in June at the Van Ettan Lake Beach Park (Ken Ratliff Memorial Park) off F-41 across from the former Wurtsmith Air Force Beach.  This great festival will be celebrating its third year in 2008, and offers many activities and events for both local residents and visitors.  A variety of Food and Beer & Wine Tent will be on site for your pleasure, and many events will keep your family entertained throughout the weekend.

One of the highlights of the RED WHITE & BLUE FESTIVAL is without a doubt THE most AWESOME Fireworks in Northeast Michigan, which rival those of larger cities like Bay City and Detroit, put together by the GREAT LAKES FIREWORKS COMPANY and sponsored by Kalitta Air.  This awesome display will illuminate the sky over Van Ettan Lake, and will commence at dusk on Saturday June 28th, 2008.  A festival button is required to park and is good for entrance to the festival all weekend. Before and after the Fireworks display, live bands will delight and entertain, and the open air Beer & Wine Pavilion will have domestic beverages and microbrews.  With a beautiful stretch of beach, large grassy area, and several pavilions for seating, this show is a fabulous way to kick off your summer. 

  

The 3rd Annual RED WHITE & BLUE Festival will not only have great entertainment and awesome fireworks, but several other events and attractions throughout the weekend.  Local businesses, municipalities, and organizations are present with information displays in the indoor Warrior Pavilion and around the park grounds, and live bands will begin after 5 pm for your listening enjoyment.  Other weekend highlights will include a Cardboard Boat Race (does cardboard really float? Not for very long....), Petting Zoo & Inflatables Games for kids, Classic Car Show, and FREE Kid's Games, Lighted Boat Parade, Great Food, and much more to kick off your summer with a BANG! Call us at 989.739.7322 or email events@oscodachamber.com for forms and info!

  

  

    

Art on the Beach Celebrates 25 YEARS!

June 28-29, 2008:  25^th Annual Art on the Beach. This exciting show has been a favorite for a quarter of a century, and the 2008 show promises to be the best yet! Slated for the last full weekend in June every year, this show gets bigger and better every year, and runs Saturday from 9am - 6pm and Sunday from 9am - 4pm. Over 150 Artisans display and sell their handmade arts, crafts, and hobbies on the shores of beautiful Lake Huron, at Oscoda Beach Park in Downtown Oscoda.  This awesome show fills the grassy shaded area at the Beach Park, which is just East of Lake Street, two blocks from US-23.  Artists from around the country come to sell a wide variety of handmade crafts and works of art.  No kit work or buy and sell items are allowed, making this a juried and true art show.  Some of the many treasures you can find at this show include:  Hand-carved woodwork items and furniture; custom embroidered and hand-crafted clothing; watercolor, oil and acrylic paintings or wall hangings; wire, beaded, shell/rock, and precious metal jewelry; metalwork sculptures and art; ceramics and pottery; leatherwork items; candles, herbs and spices; soaps, lotions and potpourris; photographs and framed art; and many, many other treasures!  Great food & refreshments are also available from a pancake breakfast to burgers and hot dogs, to scrumptious barbeque during show hours.  The scenic location and multiple picnic tables, bathhouse, and beautiful beachfront make this art show a superb way to spend an afternoon.  The adjacent playground equipment,   park, and beautiful            

   beachfront give kids plenty to do while adults browse and listen to the musical stylings of acoustic guitarist and singer, Roy Scoutz.  Downtown shops and restaurants are also walking distance from the Beach Park, so it is easy to enjoy the whole day, stroll downtown grab an ice cream or just sit quietly on a bench and enjoy the beauty of Lake Huron.  This is a juried show, and all vendors must submit photos of raw materials, before and after pictures, and receipts for supplies with their application.  For further information about Art on the Beach, please contact Marilyn at the Chamber office at 989.739.7322.  Applications are available by phone or email, or simply click HERE for the application in downloadable, printable form.  This must be completed and sent to the Oscoda-AuSable Chamber of Commerce, 4440 North US-23, Oscoda, MI 48750.  Space is limited for this show so if you want to be sure to get a spot, get your application in today! Questions may also be directed to Marilyn via email at: marilynf@oscodachamber.com   

 

 

March 29th, 2008

13th Annual Klondike Canoe Race:  This is an MCRA event marking the first race of the season involving 1 and 2-man competitions.  For further information, call Chris Rudolph of the Canoe Association at (989) 739-9231.

 

 

"Northern Lights" Christmas Parade & Community Gathering:

Our 2007 Christmas parade and gathering was a tremendous success, with over 50 floats and walking groups coming out despite less than perfect weather conditions.  Mother Nature was kind enough to calm the winds just as the parade started from Cedar Lake Road onto US-23.  A quiet snow floated down from the skies as hundreds of people lined US-23 downtown Oscoda to view the impressive lighted floats as they strolled quietly down US-23. 

 Prior to the parade start, many warmed up with hot cocoa and coffee donated by Glen's Market and Neiman's Market, and many children and families enjoyed face painting and other activities in the Oscoda Township Hall and Conference Center.  Those lining the streets in anticipation of the parade were treated to a musical performance of Christmas Carols and Hymns performed by the Tawas Bay Players Singers, and entertained by the Northland Area FCU Clown Troupe.  After the parade, all were able to warm up in the ACE Hardware Holiday Tent on Dwight Street as kids enjoyed a FREE movie at the Lake Theater across the street.  So, don't miss this special event because whether you have been naughty OR nice, it is sure to put you in the holiday spirit.

 December 6, 2008:  The Oscoda-AuSable Chamber of Commerce, in tandem with Oscoda and AuSable Townships are happy to invite you and yours to the Third Annual "Northern Lights" Christmas Parade and gathering, Downtown Oscoda Saturday December 6^th, 2008.  This celebration of holiday spirit will commence with Kid's activities at townhall from 5pm to 6pm, with a Town Lighting and Christmas Caroling at 5:30 pm in front of the town hall building.  Lighted Floats and walking groups are welcome to participate in the parade, which starts at 6 pm and will run along US-23 through downtown from Cedar Lake Road to Mill Street.  Following the parade, there will be refreshments available and more merriment in the HolidayTent on Dwight Street, and a FREE holiday movie for kids and families at 7 pm at the Lake Theater on Dwight Street. All parade participants must register with the Chamber, for information and forms, please call us at 989.739.7322 or email us at events@oscodachamber.com.  We HO-HO-Hope to see you all there!

 

Snow Box Derby, Old Orchard Park:

February 8, 2009:  19^th Annual Snow Box Derby, Old Orchard Park, just west of Oscoda off River Road Scenic By-Way.  Independent Bank of Oscoda, in conjunction with the Oscoda-AuSable Chamber of Commerce, is proud to announce "Beach Party" as the theme for the 2009 Snow Box Derby, Sunday, February 8^th.  Beach-themed snow boxes will compete for awards in three categories:  Best of Theme, Most Creative, and of course, Speed.  Gates open at 10 AM, Races at 1:00 PM, and enjoy FREE kid's games, raffles, prizes, toboggan races, refreshments and fun for the whole family all day! This year's Raffle will include one-night stays at local hotels, dinner certificates, spa packages and many other wonderful prizes!  Come one, come all to Old Orchard Park's Sled Hill, just west of Oscoda on River Road, February 8^th for the 2009 Snow Box Derby, At the Beach Party!  For information, and current registration forms, call the chamber at 989.739.7322 or email us at events@oscodachamber.com!

   

Snow Box Derby Highlights & Photos:

The Snow Box Derby gets better and bigger every year.  Entrants "step up" with amazingly creative and speedy boxes each year.  Many families and businesses look forward to creating their boxes each winter with the anticipation of flying down the sled hill and hopefully reaching the bottom in record time!  From simple to elaborate, these boxes are awesome to check out and often hilarious to watch come sliding down the hill, often falling apart or losing pieces along the way.  Kids and families have so much fun every year together designing and creating their own unique interpretation of theme, or sometimes, unrelated boxes that display their personality, business or attention to detail.  Five "celebrity" judges were on site in 2008 to select winners in each category, with some receiving cash prizes and others garnering trophies or plaques to display in their home or business.  No matter what, these die-hard enthusiasts certainly enjoy the Derby, as it is one of the few such events in the state.  Despite blistering cold temperatures and winds, the 2008 Derby drew 31 entries combined, and all who participated or came out as spectators enjoyed the hilarity of the whole day.  One of the most memorable moments was seeing "Zastoria the Great Trapeze Lady" (played gracefully by Jerry Nunn of the Bay City Times and True North Magazine) fly down the hill riding the realistic-looking elephant which he constructed with his grandchildren. 

 

 

Many volunteers and committee members deserve our sincere thanks for making the 2008 Derby successful.  We hope you won't miss this fun family event in 2009, it ought to be interesting to see bikinis and palm trees flying down the sled hill in the middle of winter!