Perchville 2009

East Tawas and Tawas City, MI, known as "The Tawases" host the annual Perchville USA each year in February. This year marked the 59th Perchville. Perchville began as a way to attract fishermen to the area and exploit the abundance of Perch in Tawas Bay. Some 59 years later, the tradition lives on but with less Perch and more Walleye and Pike being caught. Today's activities include a "Polar Bear" swim where people, young and old, pay $15 to brave the icy water of Tawas Bay and make the plunge. Oh yeah, for that $15 you get a one of a kind T-Shirt that says you were brave enough to hit the water. The event is overseen by the US Coast Guard. After swimming many can be found in the hospitality tent on the beach. A circus sized tent with live music, libations, beads and funny hats finish up the day. People from all over Michigan and the mid-west come for this fun filled event.

If you find yourself or someone you know in the photos below or just like the photograph and wish to order a print, please feel free to contact me at jeremyschrader@charter.net or
(989) 484-3401 to order your prints. For the month of February, a Perchville discount will be applied. 8 x10 prints for only $10 each plus $5 shipping cost. Order three 8 x10's and get free shipping. Smaller prints are also available;
4 x6 for $2 each and 5 x 7 for $6. Shipping for 4 x6 and 5 x 7 are $4. Order now! Check the post below this one for additional photos of Perchville 2009.

(Top Left and Top Right photo) A personal friend Christine Bean (left) makes the best of an icy situation.