The Dog Party 2012

by Clint Carter

There is a well known winter event, the “Dog Party”, that is held annually in Northern Michigan (with 2012 marking its 31st year). Now, some ask "How did this get started?" and "Why name it Dog Party?" Well... back in February of 1981, there were two couples looking for a reason to go wheeling (or have a beer or two...) during the frigid winter months. Each duo had a male dog – brothers as it were - Rollie ( Ra-lee) and Sue Gattchal owned Herbie; Daryl and Cherly Walton owned Sundance. With dogs in attendance that winter, the friends officially started the "Dog Party", as a joke. The first Dog Party had less then twelve people present, and was held at Dollar Lake in Williamsburg, Michigan. By word of mouth, its numbers grew greater each year... with more friends, and more dogs.

As the “Dog Party” flourished, button sales began, helping to subsidize the event. The money earned from these sales went towards paying for deep fried turkeys and paper g rocery bags full of popcorn. Sixteen years passed, and “Dog Party” had become the largest gathering of off-road enthusists in Northern Michigan. Fifteen years prior to 2012, Gary Porter (President), Dale Humphery (Vice-President) , Donnie Kelley, and Wes Kelley became the new owners of the intellectual property rights over the "Dog Party". At first , they held the event at the private location known as “Ranch Rudolph”, until the"Twisted Trails Off-Road Park" - 120 acres of land in Copmish, Michigan - was purchased and named. The Dog Party had a home.

This year's event brought in 4,100 people with over 2,500 rigs. The “Dog Party” saw everything from Mud Trucks, Rock Buggies, Jeeps, Atvs and Razors, to the craziest-made home creations imaginable. “Twisted Trails” has everything you need in one location; from rocks and mud runs to hill climbs and obstacle courses – over ten miles of trails. On-site you will find ATV rentals and an awesome campground that has electrical and water hook-ups available for campers. When night falls on the “Dog Party”, the revelry continues; with night runs , a huge bonfire, and a spectacular fireworks show.

If this February finds you looking for something to do - or watch - find your (and your pooch's) way to the annual “Dog Party” at “Twisted Trails”. For more information on the Dog Party or other Twisted Trails events, check out the website at www.TwistedTrails.com. To get a closer look at these events, simply type in "Dog Party" at www.youtube.com