The Straits Area Geocachers are pleased to announce their 8th ANNUAL FALL FEST. The event will once again take place at the Camp Petosega Campground. In partnership with Emmet County Parks we have been provided with a wonderful home for this years' event.
Over the past several years the Straits Area Geocachers (SAG) has had the pleasure to host many fun and exciting events in Northern Michigan. The Fall Fest remains our premier event and we look forward to hosting it each and every year. The event is designed to be a fun, relaxed, family friendly atmosphere. New to the sport/hobby? Maybe you just want to learn more? There will be many seasoned 'cachers available to assist you and “show you the ropes”. This event, as always will be a combined outing for both new and veteran 'cachers alike. It will feature several great games with awesome prizes including a kayak and a couple of GPSr's. Of course, dozens of new caches to be published the day of the event with many First To Find (FTF) prizes. Back by popular demand will be the Duck Race and Poker Run, both an enormous hit last year. Also, if you have “collectable tags”, bring them along for potential trades.
The event will begin at 9:00 a.m. with the registration table opening at 8:30 a.m. at the Recreation Hall Pavilion (above coordinates) and run until the games are complete (5:00ish p.m.). At the registration table you will receive your door prize ticket and closest to the pin flag (with instructions). Note: There will be only one closest to the pin flag and door prize ticket issued per registered team/registered geocaching name. We plan to once again have a couple of computers available to download all the new area caches directly onto your GPSr unit. So, if your unit is compatible and we have the drivers loaded, we will do this time saving step for you. Just please make sure you bring your GPSr data cable. Plenty of volunteers will be on hand to assist and work with newcomers. After a fun-filled day of “hunting” we will regroup at the Recreation Hall for some games, light snacks, prizes and social time. We also are planning a Sunday morning farewell breakfast event at a new location this year.
Registration Cost: FREE
WHEN: This year’s main event will be held Saturday September 19th 2015. Registration table opens at 8:30 a.m. Please do not forget to log your “Will Attend” along with the number in your party to help us with our planning.
WHERE: The Fall Fest will once again be held at Camp Petosega Recreation Hall. 45* 23.666N, 084* 44.479 W. Camp Petosega is located approximately 10 miles outside of beautiful Petoskey, Michigan (follow your GPSr).
WHERE TO STAY: Camping – We always encourage attendees to stay and camp right on site at Camp Pet-O-Se-Ga (a.k.a. Camp Petosega). Camp Petosega offers camping for tents, campers, RV’s, and 5th Wheels. They also offer a limited number of cabins ranging from rustic to fully furnished. Visit emmetcounty.org/petosega for more information.
Hotel Deals -
The Comfort Inn of Petoskey has offered us special room rates of $75 for rooms that are normally $109 at this time of the year. Just mention that you are with the geocaching group to get that special rate (per Brandi at Comfort Inn). For more info, visit Comfort Inn of Petoskey.
Stafford's Crooked River Lodge is offering special rates for our group. Their normal rate is $149/night and they have offered a discount of $109/night for a King or two Queens. This is based on availability and requires a minimum stay of two nights. If you call to book your room, just mention you are with the geocaching group (per manager Vickey). Or, if you book online use the code: CRLGEO for the special rate. You can visit Stafford's Crooked River Lodge at Stafford's Crooked River Lodge
The Straits Area Geocachers will be providing Coffee, Tea, Hot Cocoa and doughnuts to kick off the morning. Light snacks and beverages will be provided at the games/regrouping time in the afternoon.
Tentative Schedule Of Events:
8:30AM – Registration Table Opens, Coffee and doughnuts served, Closest to the Pin flags handed out, 50/50 ticket sales open, and Rubber Ducks for “The Race” may be purchased.
9:00 – 9:30 AM – GPSr Downloads available though ‘TRIGNET’ and new “Event Caches” handouts distributed.
9:30AM - Introductions and Game Rules discussed as a group.
9:35AM – Veteran 'cachers take to the field.
9:50 AM - Introduction to geocaching for beginners.
3:30PM – Light Snacks and Beverages available.
4:00PM – Deadline to turn in Poker Run game pieces.
4:10PM - Duck Race begins
TBD (at completion of Duck Race) - Game winners announced and 50/50 Ticket drawn (need not be present to win)
TBD – Closing remarks
On Sunday morning, a Farewell Breakfast event has been organized. This event will be held at the Crooked River Tavern in Alanson, Michigan. You can see that event at GCVVXD A Farewell Breakfast
For more information about us and the event, visit our web site at www.geo-cachers.com Updates/announcements to follow, so stay tuned…