SISTER LAKES — As winter activities go, some vary in popularity and generational relevance. In the case of ice fishing, one may not always know if the interest is exists to plan a community event, let alone rely on Michigan weather to be consistent enough to plan ahead for an activity that relies on thick ice to participate.

But for one member of the Sister Lakes community, the “if you build it, they will come” philosophy, or in this case, “if you plan it, they will come” was enough for the local business owner, family man and longtime ice fisher.

Dan Scheid, owner of Dockside Dan’s Bar and Grill, decided, along with his staff, that 2019 would be the year his restaurant situated by on Round Lake would stay open through the winter season. When the decision was made, he and his staff at Dockside brainstormed ideas for winter activities and events that would not only keep the community coming out to Dockside, but would also keep natives active on the water. To accomplish this, the restaurant will host the 1st Annual Ice Fishing Classic.

Dockside Dan’s Ice Fishing Classic will take place from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23 at the Dockside restaurant in Sister Lakes. The entry fee for the competition is $10.

“This season specifically we’re seeing hockey games and ice skating at our location where we haven’t seen that before. (The ice fishing classic) is an opportunity. It’s an effort to take advantage of the lakes,” Scheid said.

In the summer of 2018, Dockside hosted its first fishing tournament, which was attended by about two dozen people, as Scheid recalled. That first fishing tournament was what he planned to set a precedent of more tournaments to come, not only with the February ice fishing classic, but for the 2019 summer as well.

As the Feb. 23 event approaches, Scheid is confident the ice will hold out for the tournament, despite the erratic weather of the last several weeks.

Scheid is an ice fishing man himself. He said some of his favorite family memories come back to ice fishing when he was growing up. While the event at Dockside is an effort to utilize the lake year-round, it’s also part of his effort to provide family memories for other people in the community.

“I had the good fortune to be a lake kid in all seasons. Some of my family’s best memories are ice fishing and family stuff on the water,” he said. “I like to think the stuff we do is about making memories.”

Scheid sees providing such events and opportunities as one of his duties a business owner.

“In any business you extend yourself beyond the business to looking out for the community and making an effort to provide interesting activities to participate in. It’s good for memories. It’s good for business. I like to think more about taking care of neighbors, friends and family and giving something back.”

Those wishing to participate can pre-order tickets through the 1st Annual Ice Fishing Classic Facebook event (which can be found through the Dockside Dan’s Facebook page), or by registering the day of the event. There will be prizes for the winners of various catch categories. The event will be a catch and release tournament.

If you go:

What: Dockside Dan’s ice fishing tournament

Where: Dockside Dan’s Ice

When: Noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23

Cost: Entry fee for the competition is $10