The Straits Area Geocachers are pleased to announce the 9th 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 w/paddle 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 have been enormous hits in years' past. 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 that is better suited for our needs.
Registration Cost: FREE
WHEN: This year’s main event will be held Saturday, September 10th, 2016. 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 Camp Petosega for more information.
Hotel Deals -
The Comfort Inn of Petoskey has offered us special room rates of $125 for rooms that are normally $149. Just mention that you are with the geocaching group to get that special rate (per Brandi at Comfort Inn). This is a bit more than last year, but evidently there is a soccer tournament in town this weekend and hotels are expected to be full. For more info, visit Comfort Inn of Petoskey.
The Hometown Inn has set aside four rooms at $82 plus taxes. So first come first serve. This was arranged through Christy, their general manager. The Hometown Inn does feature an indoor pool. For more info, visit Hometown Inn of Indian River.
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. Though not required, any donations of snacks to add to the table are always welcome.
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 (snack donations welcome).
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
TBD – Closing remarks
On Sunday morning (September 11, 2016) a farewell breakfast will be held at the Bob Evans restaurant in Petoskey. It will run from 8:30 - 10:00 a.m. Here is a link to the event page (GC6KPQG): A Farewell Breakfast - 2016
For more information about us and the event, visit our web site at www.geo-cachers.com Updates/announcements to follow, so stay tuned…