Temperatures might be mild and the economy not so great, but that isn't stopping the state's largest winter festival from drawing in people from around the state and country.
HOUGHTON LAKE AREA -- It's the 60th annual Tip Up Town USA in Houghton Lake complete with carnival rides for the kids and other outdoor activities including ice fishing of course. But it's the crowds pouring into town that have the community smiling.
"This past weekend even despite the weather was the best one we've had in probably six years. It's awesome, businesses around here are just loving it," says Tip Up Town events coordinator, George Geisenhaver.
Business are loving the fact that more than 10 thousand people from around the state and country made their way into town this past weekend for Tip Up Town...and at least 15 thousand are expected to visit this coming weekend.
"We saw an increase in business over the previous year and looking at some of the license plates we have some from northern Michigan, southern Michigan, out of state. So, it's a good mix from all over," says owner of LJ's Kilkare Inn Lauren Vercruysse.
Vercruysee says the record crowds making their way out onto the ice and taking part in other outdoor festivities is a huge shot in the arm for the Houghton Lake area.
"We're known for our four seasons of fun. It brings people up, hopefully they'll enjoy their time here and come back later in the year," says Vercruysse
Meanwhile, just next door at Ron's Coney Island, staff say more people in town, means more people need a place to eat.
"It pretty much doubles to triples our normal weekend, which is great during the middle of winter when it's slowing down, draws more people into town," says manager of Ron's Coney Island, Brandon Penbrys.
"Everybody in northern Michigan is struggling right now and this really helps everybody in this town, tremendously," says Geisenhaver
The Tip Up Town fun and festivities continue this weekend. For a list of events and times check out their website: http://www.tip-up-townusa.com/
