As a true Michigander, every year in the summer my favorite trip is the one we take Up North. Driving through the walls of bright green trees and blue sky show promise of a wonderful trip of relaxation and fun. Over the years, it's been harder and harder to find time to go up because apparently we get busier as we become adults. But there's one event Up North that I will never miss: the "Multithon".
So, what is the "Multithon"?
Each year, a group of our family friends get together at a cottage Up North to play competitive games that could probably be compared to that of the Olympics. It's one weekend in the summer filled with laughter, good conversation, drinking, delicious food and fun games. Sometimes, we even set off a grand display of fireworks to commemorate the event. At the end of the weekend, prizes are handed out to the winners of each event. There's even a system of handicapping to ensure that each person has a fair chance to win no matter their age or athletic ability (sometimes, if you make the right argument, you can persuade the handicappers to give you a better advantage). The number of people vary from year to year. Sometimes there's upwards of 25 and other times it's down to 10. In all my 20 years, however, I have never once missed this weekend. One year my family missed our actual family reunion to go to the "Multithon". If that doesn't show you how important it is, then I don't know what will.
What games do we play?
The events that always occur at the "Multithon" are as follows: a run/walk race, darts, putt-putt golf and frisbee golf. Each person must participate in each event, otherwise they are disqualified. There's a certain number of games in each event you have to play as well. You must play two putt-putt golf games and two frisbee golf games. Fun fact: my mom was the creator of putt-putt golf for the "Multithon", obviously she's been going for a very long time. For darts, you are required to play each person in your group, which is comprised of people that are evenly-matched and adequately challenging. In addition, before this year, you had to be a runner in the run/walk race (which is about 2.5 miles) to be eligible to win that event. But this past "Multithon" that rule was changed and a walker actually won the race! It was based off of the handicapping system as well as a lot of lobbying from the walkers to be eligible to win.
In the past, the "Multithon" has also featured events such as soccer, kayaking, biking, swimming, a kids running race and water skiing. You can pack a lot of games into two days if you put your mind to it.
How did this come about?
The first "Multithon" was held in 1984 and, actually, sprung out of a conversation about the Olympics. One night, back in the age before this epic competition, the owners of the cottage and their friends were sitting around a grand table, jovially talking and laughing.
Suddenly, their conversation about the timeless Olympics began a brainstorm. They began spouting out ideas for a competition even more fierce and brilliant than the old Olympics, one that they could hold in their own space. It was modern and innovative, a weekend of events like no other. There would be no waiting four years, it would be held annually, they decreed. And so, the "Multithon" was born.
What are the prizes?
Every year, the prizes are a little different depending upon what the prize master finds in his search for the best. Each prize always has a purpose and a mostly clear connection to the event that it is designated as the award for. This year, for example, my dad won the putt-putt golf event and thus received a prize of a sleeve for his putter, and golf ball salt and pepper shakers. These prizes are obviously very valuable. But the most coveted of all the prizes is the overall "Multithon" plaque. It's a painted platter, that is now covered with little plaques with the names and dates of all the past winners. If you receive this prize, it means that you racked up the most points of the "Multithon" and thus, you get to take the plaque home for the year and engrave your name onto it. Though, it's not a shocker, considering my flawless athletic abilities I have once won this ultimate prize and my name will be forever engraved on the platter. This year the winner was my brother, who has now won twice, though I don't understand how. I bet the handicapping was rigged.
How far will this continue in the future?
Let's be real, it'll probably go on forever. It'll be handed down from generation to generation as it is an event that could be said to be cooler than the Olympics. And in the future, when there are flying cars and robots, the "Multithon" will be a connection to a past that was bright and honorable.
