TRAVERSE CITY —
Winter sports lovers suffered another setback in a lackluster season when warm weather squelched a traditional cross-country ski race.
This week's record high temperatures, sunshine and snow melt caused the White Pine Stampede to call off its Saturday event, held for more than 30 years. About 500 to 600 skiers, including a good number from out of the area, typically participate in the Antrim County event.
"It's more of a detriment to the area because it's not just about Shanty Creek," said the Bellaire resort's spokeswoman Lindsey Southwell. "It's certainly a big thing for the community to have so many skiers come to this tiny, little town."
The race begins at Mancelona High School and finishes at the resort, but only a "handful" of participants typically stay at Shanty Creek, meaning the cancellation has "minimal" effect there, Southwell said.
"The impact on this region is greater," she said. "We thought we finally had winter back. It was a little tease."
Traverse City temperatures hit a record high of 52 degrees Fahrenheit on Tuesday, besting a 1988 record of 49 degrees. Wednesday was a tad cooler, in the mid-30s, but still much warmer than the normal high of 28 degrees, said Meteorologist Michael Boguth, of the National Weather Service.
Upcoming days will bring more mild temperatures and no storms. Boguth said highs will be around 37 degrees today, push up to 40 on Friday and stay in the mid-30s this weekend.
Other snow-dependent events also are seeing a weather impact. Mackinaw Mush canceled its dogsled race this weekend — "a real disappointment" for local businesses, said Dawn Edwards, of the Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce.
This weekend's Women's Winter Tour, which combines cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and chocolate, still is on schedule at Crystal Mountain. Organizer Kaye Krapohl said the event usually attracts 400 to 550 women. This year's numbers so far are "down a little bit because the weather has been so erratic," she said.
"I'm fielding a lot of calls from downstate saying, 'It's pouring rain here,'" Krapohl said. "We're not going to cancel. Do you know how many people I would have to call?"
The White Pine cancellation won't affect Shirley's Cafe in Mancelona, said the eatery's Shirley Tracey. Skiers eat at the event, and only some stop in for a bite on the way out of town, she said.
But the warm season has been bad for business.
"It's been a horrible winter. It's unfathomable," Tracey said.
Region
Related Photos
-
A puddle reflects a pedestrian crossing Union Street at Front Street Wednesday in downtown Traverse City. Record-Eagle/Keith King
Weather a setback for sports fans
Women's Winter Tour still is on schedule at Crystal Mountain
-
-
Housing project 'moving forward'
Traverse City commissioners recently approved what officials expect to be the last change in long-running negotiations to sell city property near the former railroad depot off Eighth Street to two affordable housing agencies.
Continued ... -
Septic tank tax appears inevitable
A $30 to $40 yearly tax assessment on properties with septic tanks in Grand Traverse County and Leelanau's Elmwood Township appears inevitable.
Continued ... -
DEQ seeks public input on Brown Bridge Dam removal
The state Department of Environmental Quality seeks public comment on Traverse City's request for a permit to remove Brown Bridge Dam and restore three miles of Boardman River channel.
Continued ... -
Man charged in Crystal Lake incident
A downstate man who attempted to evade authorities by jumping into Crystal Lake spent his Memorial Day weekend in jail.
Continued ... -
Traverse City to expand TC Saves energy program
The city is expanding a program designed to help residents save on their energy bills.
Continued ... -
Elk Lake boat launch closed for repairs
The Elk Lake boat launch located three miles south of Kewadin is temporarily closed for repairs.
Continued ... -
Suspect arrested in parking meter thefts
Police arrested a man they said stole parking meters in Traverse City.
Continued ... -
TC Central, West on another 'best' list
Two Traverse City high schools made another national list of the best in the country.
Continued ... -
Traverse City man faces theft charge
A Traverse City man faces a criminal charge after police believe he stole cash and other items from a friend's parents.
Continued ... -
Detroit chamber wants help for new campaign
The Detroit Regional Chamber is asking private companies to contribute $2 million a year for a new campaign to promote economic development in southeastern Michigan.
Continued ... - Tuesday, May 29, 2012
-
Video: 'Taps' at Memorial Day service at Oakwood Cemetery
An excerpt of horn player Don Sattler and drummer David Sattler performing "Taps" at the conclusion of the Memorial Day service at Traverse City's Oakwood Cemetery on Monday, May. 28, 2012.
Continued ... -
Memorial Day: Traverse City honors heroes
A Memorial Day ceremony included a recitation of the Gettysburg Address, a rifle salute, the playing of "Taps" and a speech from Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners Chairman Larry Inman.
Continued ... -
Get to work without using your car
- Monday, May 28, 2012
-
City to discontinue spring cleanup
City crews will stop collecting residents' clutter each spring.
Continued ... -
Terry Wooten: WWII soldier's story told in poems
Jack Miller, a survivor of the Bataan Death March and a POW during World War II, won't be in any Memorial Day parades today.
Continued ... -
Remembering the fallen veterans
Below is a list of military veterans from the region who died during the past year (May 28, 2011, through May 25, 2012).
Continued ... -
Memorial Day events
A roundup of Memorial Day-related events in northern Michigan:
Continued ... - Sunday, May 27, 2012
-
Travel season begins
Tourism analysts at Michigan State University project a 3 percent increase in Michigan travel volume this year.
Continued ... -
Restored cemetery to be honored on Memorial Day
The "Old Ones" buried in the once-overgrown and abandoned Onominese Indian Cemetery near Northport will be honored in a Memorial Day service and traditional re-dedication ceremony.
Continued ... - 2012 Memorial Day weekend event listing
-
Underwater archaeology school returns to NMC
People from around the world will dive deep into the study of underwater archaeology next month at Northwestern Michigan College.
Continued ... -
Change may be on the way for kindergarten cutoff date
State lawmakers are considering moving up the cutoff date for kindergarten to level the academic playing field for new students, but school officials in Traverse City said it's more important to focus on universal preschool.
Continued ... -
Paving under way on 6.5-mile stretch of Leelanau Trail
Cyclists soon find a much smoother ride from Traverse City to Suttons Bay.
Continued ... - Saturday, May 26, 2012
-
July 4 to sparkle for years to come
Local supporters saved the threatened patriotic pyrotechnics last year. Now, the group launched the nonprofit Traverse City Boom Boom Club to plan and pay for an annual Independence Day show.
Continued ... -
GT Road Commission won't renew Gillis' contract
Mary Gillis' bosses refused to renew her contract, so the Grand Traverse County Road Commission's manager has to figure out her next move.
Continued ...
-
