Carhartt, known for its rugged workwear, shot a commercial at the Suttons Bay Ice Rink last February.
“(I do this) for the community to learn how to skate and it’s a great winter time activity,” Suttons Bay resident Jesse Fox said in the commercial. “I’m out here at least once or twice a day, probably close to 30 hours a week, realistically. I have my own business doing carpentry work. WhenI’mdonewiththat, Igohereat night and early morning. My dad and his friend used to take care of it, and I took over a decade ago. They put their time in so it’s time for the next generation to take over. It’s good to bring people together out here and learn how to skate.”
Carhart states in its commercial that Fox is a “true holiday hero” for the Suttons Bay community.
“If you’ve got a public ice rink in your town, you’ve probably got your own local Jesse, too. Make sure to find them and say thanks,” Carhartt slugged the commercial.
Carhartt stumbled across the Suttons Bay community ice rink last February while scouting for a possible commercial spot.
After clearing it with Suttons Bay Township, cameras followed Fox during a typical day of getting the ice rink ready to use for locals and visitors alike.
The 30-second commercial was released on Black Friday. Carhartt’s social media team even attended the Tuesday night hockey league last year. Every year dozens of hockey players lace up their skates in league competition at the Suttons Bay ice rink located on the corner of Broadway and Lincoln Street.
Carhartt ends the commercial with “For those who make the holidays possible. Carhartt, since 1889.”
“It was a fun process and just want to thank Carhartt for donating the decorative lights and money to the township,” Fox said.
Fox has been building the ice rink for the past six winters since taking over the reins from his father Larry and Bill Perkins.
Fox decided to take up the duty of maintaining the ice thanks to his father who used to build a little ice rink in the backyard every winter.
The Suttons Bay-Bingham Township Fire Department, fills the closed off area with 55,000 gallons of water. Once the center freezes, Fox smooths out the edges for all to enjoy.
This is the third known time Carhartt has shot a commercial on the peninsula, the last one being in Leland in 2021. Carhartt also filmed an advertisement featuring hop work crews near Empire. The commercial filming came right before conditions warmed up last year, signaling the end was near for local ice skating.
The Leland Township Fire Department and the Grand Traverse Band Fire Department filled the Leland rink with 40,000 gallons of water Tuesday.
“We couldn’t do it without them. It will take more days for the ice to thicken enough for skating, but please check back for updates. We’re hoping for a good start to the season,” Leland Ice Rink said in a Facebook post.
To maintain and fund the Leland Ice Rink, the community still needs fundraising support to keep the rink running smoothly. Last year they asked for $1,800.
Braman Hill Ice Rink in Northport is also slated to open soon for winter skating and hockey, along with sledding and hiking trails located in the same area.
The Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes is busy grooming cross country ski trails.
As of Tuesday, The Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes describes conditions as perfect after receiving a few inches of snow Monday.
“There’s a solid base offering a lovely smooth glide,” the friends said in a press release.
From the Dune Climb to Glen Arbor, there is a solid three inch base that was groomed Sunday and Monday.
Crystal River Trailhead to Lawr Farm (Wheeler Rd intersection) was groomed for the first time on Monday.
Last week, trail crews removed at least 10 fallen trees on the trail and put down corduroy and classic track. Local ice rinks were not operational until late December last year.
Watch the Carhartt commerical featuring Jesse Fox here: https://youtu.be/cK5zYVdAaxE ?si=bR0YmJLNXuPlKD7X.
