Iron Mountain, Mich. (WZMQ) – Pine Mountain Ski Resort in Dickinson County hosted its annual Mountain Mud Sling event today, encouraging kids to get dirty and have fun. The YMCA’s new kiddie course brought in day campers who took a field trip to make mud pies.
Families came to Pine Mountain to test their skills in tire flips, tire agility, low army crawls, and even the 500 steps of the Pine Mountain Hill itself. The obstacle course had over 10 different obstacles, including a mud pit. Camp counselor and 2023 graduate of Iron Mountain High School, Kilee Howe, said the madness was unstoppable.
“They keep going down, what are they doing? They are running right back up and going right back down. There is no stopping them…” Howe exclaimed.
Another camp counselor who also just got her high school diploma agreed the kids’ event was where all the excitement was happening, and she thinks the event will get bigger and better as next year’s Mud Sling approaches.
“We have the slip-and-slide with shaving foam. So that is going to be exciting. It’s a 2-mile course in general. We also have bounce houses and waters for the kids, and everything and anything you could think of…” remarked Ava Newingham, YMCA Camp Counselor. Howe and Newingham both said they will be back to help with the kids for next summer’s event.
Active Duty Staff Sergeant John Gerry of the U.S. Army also participated in the event, saying that it’s a great way to get active and support the community.
“This is the second year that we’ve had the Army tunnel for the Mud Sling run. Each time it’s been hosted here at Pine Mountain. And then we also have a table to provide individuals information on any active duty or reserve program that the Army has to offer, ” he commented. Gerry recommended that anyone thinking about joining the army talk to their local army recruiter, and stated that it’s a great way to help kids pay for college, be a part of something that’s bigger than them, and get other benefits like health and life insurance.
Other representatives of the United States Armed Forces also participated. Representatives from the Army National Guard, Air Force, Marines, and even Space Force pitched in with their support.
Other local agencies also participated with their support, including Marshfield Medical Center Dickinson, Bacco of Iron Mountain, Pomp’s Tire, Bink’s Coca-Cola, and Charter Township of Breitung. Chuck Winters of Coleman Engineering was the first on the scene with an obstacle that would cool participants down in the 90 degree heat, called the “Ice Bath”. Integrity Care EMS was posted on site as a precaution, and the fire department was on site with their water hose.
The Mountain Mud Sling is just one of the many events happening at Pine Mountain Ski Resort this summer. The resort has big plans for fun music nights throughout the summer. The resort’s next family-friendly event is in July 9th, when it will host a ‘Yappy Hour’ for dogs and kids. The Northern Lights YMCA will also be hosting an upcoming fundraiser event for the local swim team coming up in August.
