Emma Spade (11) stands atop of the sledding hill at the Al Quaal Recreation Area with Teal Lake in the background during the annual Northshore Christian Church tubing party. (Journal photo by Corey Kelly)

ISHPEMING — The Northshore Christian Church had its annual tubing party at Al Quaal Recreation Area on Thursday.

Members, friends and the public were invited to attend the event free of charge. Stephen Laurin, an elder of the church, organized the outing and supervised the sledding.

“Every year we do it, we rent it and open it up to the public on Facebook, so far I think it’s just a great way for the fellowship and the community to come out and have a good time,” Laurin said.

Despite the cold temperatures dozens of kids and a handful of adults were out enjoying the evening. Individual tubers would link together, forming a giant group, launch down the hill and come to a stop on top of Teal Lake below. There was a constant flow of kids sledding down and being towed back up to do it all over again.

“The kids just love it. In fact, we thought about canceling it today but I think the kids would have been upset,” Laurin said.

Dakota James Heykoop, a church youth, said, “It’s always a blast — I don’t mind the cold.”

Participants took refuge from the cold inside Teal Lake Lodge. Tables were packed full with desserts, savory snacks, as well as hot and cold beverages for all to enjoy.

Corey Kelly can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 243. Her email address is photos@miningjournal.net.