Teal Lake Melt-Down supports both entrepreneurs and community service projects

what’s happening: The 2023 Teal Lake Meltdown is in preparation at Negany. Participants bet on when the giant metal ice sculptures will break through the ice of Lake Teal. Last year’s winner, Negauny Vicky Papoa, was about 50 seconds behind before the tunnel-like structure sank into the water.

Why it matters: This event is a unique fundraiser that raises funds for local charitable projects and economic development. The winner will receive his 50% of the funds raised as payment and the remaining profits will be split 60/40 by him between the Negauni Lions Club and the Greater Ishpeming Negauni Area Chamber of Commerce (GINCC). By splitting the profits, both groups are able to approach the economic needs of the region from both a charitable service perspective and the promotion of sustainable local businesses. Tens of thousands of dollars have been raised in fundraising efforts over the past six years. The number of participants is increasing year by year.

What they say: “Suddenly[the sculpture]comes up and people talk about it, but then it slows down a bit. In March when it starts getting warmer, people start getting excited again and the excitement starts to build.” Bob, GINCC Director. “I’m really excited about the changing seasons and the signs that winter is over,” says Hendrickson.

Maximize opportunities: Not just collecting money, but getting structure is also a learning opportunity. The Marquette County search and rescue team treats recovery operations as training exercises, allowing work on testing and training equipment such as swim bladders and scuba-his diving gear.

What’s next: The structure will be placed on ice by volunteers this weekend. Tickets are on sale in his Negaunee and Ishpeming areas and can be purchased online at www.gincc.org and www.negauneelions.com. Then wait for the big moment. The earliest the structure fell under the ice was at 3:01 PM on April 5th, and the latest at 12:37 AM on May 3rd.