October 2^nd, 2007 - Houghton Lake, MI.  Work is well underway for the 2008 Tip-Up Town USA (TUT).  Tip-Up Town USA is Michigan’s largest winter festival held every year in Houghton Lake, during the last two weekends of January. With a theme of ‘Board Games’ and under the organizational leadership of Tip-Up Town Veteran Bob Spaulding, the 2008 event promises to offer all the old favorites with some new interesting additions.  Tip-Up Town USA offers terrific value for $5, the price of the badge needed for admission into the event.

Bob Spaulding, Festival and Events Coordinator for the Houghton Lake Chamber of Commerce comments, “Tomfoolery always has, and always will be, at the heart of Tip-Up Town USA. When we consider a new activity for the event, the first thing we ask is ‘Will it be Fun?’  Hence our slogan, Winter Fun for Kids of All Ages”.  He continues, “With high gas prices, we know that to attract people we need to offer something for everyone. It’s not enough to have one or two activities going on, we have to make sure that it’s non-stop fun and games from open to close.”

Broom Ball – yes, this popular sport will ‘sweep you away’; TUT Tailgate party - come down to the Entertainment Tent on both Fridays from 6:00-10:00pm and toast TUT in style! Plus, we’ve extended the Entertainment Tent hours on both Saturdays. Both tents will now be open from 10:00am to 6:00pm; Ice Fishing for Kids.

Ice Fishing contest – join an army of fishermen (and women) out on the ice vying for first place

Carnival – how many places can you look over a frozen lake from the top of a Ferris Wheel in freezing temperatures?

Polar Bear Dip – yes, you too, can strip down to the bare essentials and jump into the freezing cold water!

Ice Slide – it’s fast, it’s slippery, it’s cold, it’s great fun

Winter Parade – get creative, get building and get on parade!

Family Fun Tent – the most family entertainment you can get under canvas

Entertainment Tent – adult entertainment day and night

Horseshoes and Red Neck horseshoes – how far can you throw a toilet seat

Games galore – whether you prefer pie eating, bubble gum blowing or tire rolling, check out the stage and join in the fun

Turkey and Chicken Bowling

Tug-O-War – on your marks, get set, pull, slide, pull!

Prize Wheel – match your numbers and spin to win!

Plus ice sculptures, the medallion hunts, lots of fun food, ice and wood carving demonstrations, antique snowmobiles and much much more!

Don’t forget two great events that precede TUT.  The first is the official TUT Kick-Off.  To be held at the Houghton Lake High School on Saturday, January 5^th, this is a fun evening of entertainment when you get to select the 2008 Mayor and Marshal and find out who will be TUT Queen. The second event is the annual fund-raiser held at Shenanigan’s Pub on Saturday, January 12^th.  Enjoy live music and lots of entertainment while raising money to help make TUT bigger and better than ever before.