Marquette 2023 Meijer Winter State Games Moments Not to Miss

By Searrah Herendeen

The opening ceremony will be live on TV-19. The ceremony will start with a parade of athletes and continue with honoring our veterans, special guest appearances, entertainment, and fireworks. The competition is open to everyone. Limited on-site registration is available for select events. There are some popular towns and unique experiences that travelers can stop at on the way to Marquette. A trip to Marquette also promises the presence of snow.

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Photo courtesy of Meijer State Games of Michigan Staff

The Opening Ceremony

The Opening Ceremony will be broadcast live on TV-19 Friday, February 10th. The event starts at 7:00 pm and athletes can start checking in at 5:30 pm to receive their athlete bag, credential, sponsor giveaways and more! After a brief introduction from the Grand Marshall, the parade of athletes will begin. This parade is not only for our competitors, but everyone attending this event. Participation is free and the cameras would love to see your smiling face.

Surprise a veteran by honoring them this year during the ceremony with a free commemorative challenge coin. Registering a veteran before the event is encouraged, but not required. To register a veteran visit: https://www.stategamesofmichigan.com/honoring-our-veterans

You don’t have to be an athlete to check out the Opening Ceremony, spectators are welcome to come, watch, and join the parade of athletes, rail jam competition, Olympian appearances, lighting of the cauldron and fireworks.

The competition

Not an Olympian or full-time athlete? You can still compete! Meijer State Games of Michigan welcomes all athletes of age and ability.

Eight events will be taking place this weekend in the Marquette area: Bowling, Cross Country Skiing, Curling, Figure Skating, Luge, Ski and Snowboarding, Snowshoe, and Wrestling. To learn more, or register for an event visit: https://www.stategamesofmichigan.com/marquette-winter-games

Cross Country Skiing, and Ski and Snowboard have on-site registration, so there is still time to go for gold!

If athletes get a bronze, silver, or gold medal in figure skating or wrestling, they qualify for the State Games of America. For more information please visit: https://www.stategamesofamerica.com/

the Drive to MArquette

To non-residents, the drive to Marquette is a long one. So here are some stops on the way to give yourself a chance to stretch your legs and see something new.

Gaylord, MI - Go Elk viewing, check out the Call of the Wild Museum, or stop and get some extra practice at the Otsego County Sports Complex.

Mackinaw City - Find adventure ziplining or winter river rafting. To learn about the land, visit some historical sites and museums.

Kitch-iti-kipi - The largest fresh water spring in Michigan! While most popular in the warmer months, it still a beautiful site in winter.

The Town Called Christmas - If you are missing the holidays, or want some extra cheer, stop here. Hike trails near Lake Superior, or view local lighthouses.

Winter Wonderland

The 2023 Winter Games in Marquette will provide attendees with snow covered scenery. Living in Michigan, residents expect to see snow for most of the winter months. The only thing that the lower peninsula has seen recently is rain. Marquette will give you the crunch of snow with every step, fill your lungs with fresh air, and the familiar feeling of what winter should look like.

Community Support

The support we’ve received from the Marquette area has been tremendous from corporate sponsors, venues, local clubs, news stations, our headquarter hotel Holiday Inn Marquette and community members.

The Meijer State Games of Michigan is a multi-sport, Olympic-style event(s) that welcome athletes regardless of age or ability level. The Games embody the values of participation, sportsmanship and healthy living.

Interested in our Summer Games?
www.StateGamesofMichigan.com/summergames

Interested in our Winter Games?
www.StateGamesofMichigan.com/wintergames

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