IRONS, Mich. — When you ask those living on Big Bass Lake what events highlight their summer, you are likely to hear the words “Dock Hop” often.
Denise Brewer, the main organizer of this year’s Dock Hop, labeled this year as the “Dock Hop Reboot” because it was the first time the event has been held since 2019.
“Then COVID hit and everything fell apart until this year,” said Brewer. “We’re starting all over again.”
The Dock Hop is among other events, including a boat parade, paddle parade, and a 5K that occurs annually on the Fourth of July weekend at Big Bass Lake. Visitors are encouraged to join in on the fun as the Dock Hop is not limited to property owners.
The Dock Hop takes place on Big Bass Lake and those who live in the community can participate or volunteer their docks, said Brewer. The game begins by purchasing an entry for $5 and participants ride around the lake on a boat of their choosing to seven dock locations.
“Some of them [dock owners] volunteer and some of them we have asked to step up and do this and most of them are really thrilled,” said Brewer.
After you visit the seven dock locations, marked by an orange flag at each one, you will have collected seven poker chips along the way. Finally, you park on the designated beach and trade your chips for cards. The best poker hand you can make with five out of your seven cards will be written down and your name entered for door prizes, said Brewer.
Anna Barnes
Participants draw their cards in the Big Bass Lake Dock Hop. The best five poker hands win.Beth May, a homeowner on Big Bass Lake, shares a beach with the “final destination” of the Dock Hop where you exchange the poker chips for cards and May has volunteered every year with the event.
“This is the biggest turnout we’ve ever had, so it’s a little more competitive this year,” said May.
May said there were over 400 wristbands sold this year and that the event is a great way to meet her neighbors.
“Everybody just shares a deck of cards and a smile and a shot if they want it and we just have a good time for the Fourth [of July],” said May.
Matt Anderson, another homeowner on Big Bass Lake, participated in his third Dock Hop on the lake this year and hopes to attend more in the future.
“I think this was a very successful event, I know the grand prize was over $1,000,” said Anderson. “I think the community came together and really enjoyed it.”
Brewer said the event was founded in 2016 as a way for the members of the Big Bass Little Bass Lake Owners Association to build community between them and the people on the lake. Brewer said the idea should be credited to Tony Ellis, a former president of the association.
Brewer said the homeowners association does not keep any profit and all money goes to the winners with the top five hands. The prizes ranged from $1,045 for the first place winner, to $104.50 for fifth place. Twelve door prizes were also given away, including a s’more station and a lazy susan.