Washington Island residents are still ready to celebrate the season despite the relatively mild winter. The nine-day slate of festivities known as Celebrating Winter begins this Friday with food, entertainment, and other activities waiting for residents and visitors alike. One event that may take a hit is the annual fishing derby organized by the Washington Island Lions Club. Detroit Harbor and two other areas are currently the only spots around the island with safe enough ice to fish. Motel owner and ferry captain Joel Gunnlaugsson says the event, which includes an ice party at Detroit Harbor next Saturday, has grown in recent years.

Celebrating Winter and the Lions Club Fishing Derby runs Friday through February 16th.