OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA@captions: Shown is a gathering of individuals from across the country, varying from beginners to advanced ice climbers at the Michigan Ice Festival in Munising. The festival, which is the oldest ice climbing event in the country, ran from Thursday to today and draws in hundreds of people each year. (Journal photo by Abbey Hauswirth)

Journal Staff

MUNISING – Michigan Ice Fest started Wednesday in Munising.

The celebration, which lasts until Sunday, focuses on all aspects of ice climbing near the vast Lake Superior shoreline.

The festival offers classes ice-climbing demonstrations, gear raffles, and the opportunity to meet one of the two dozen professional athletes who are scheduled to attend.

Online registration for the festival is closed, but participants can register at the door for $85 per person.

Ice fest headquarters are located at the former elementary school at 413 Maple Street.

Starting in the early 90s, the Michigan Ice Fest has been a place for ice climbers to meet, climb, and socialize. The spectacular ice on the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore draws climbers from around the world to the festival making it one of the largest gatherings of ice climbers in the world.

Festival attendees will have access to ice climbing gear including tools, boots and crampons to use through Sunday.

Spectators are welcome, according to the festival web site, but are asked not to walk under or around the ice while climbers are climbing.

Ice can and will fall when a climber is ascending a cliff and could easily injure a spectator or photographer.

Shuttles are available to the climbing locations.

For more information, visit the website: michiganicefest.com.

Some virtual clinics and presentations are also available for those who are unable to physically attend.