The Teal Lake Melt-Down is a contest to select the exact day and time the replica mine shaft headframe structure breaks through the ice of Teal Lake in Negaunee, Michigan, signaling the arrival of spring! The closest entry (ticket) to the exact day and time determines the winner. The winning entry is worth 50% of the contest net proceeds. Entries are $5.00 each. The most recent prize money awarded was $3,661 in 2025, $2,048 in 2024, $2,586 in 2023, $2,431 in 2022, $2,188 in 2021, $1,579 in 2020, and $1,508 in 2019. With your continued support we're hoping the popularity and payouts of the Teal Lake Melt-Down fundraiser continue to increase each year!
History of dates and times of the structure breaking through the ice includes the following most recent years: 2025 - April 26 @ 4:54pm (16:54); 2024 - March 16 @ 3:21pm (15:21); 2023 - April 29 @ 4:08pm (16:08); 2022 - April 30 @ 6:19pm (18:19); 2021 - April 5 @ 3:18pm (15:18); 2020 - May 3 @ 12:37am (00:37); 2019 - April 26 @ 12:18pm (12:18); 2017 - April 9 @ 3:00am (3:00); 2016 - April 20 @ 10:00am (10:00). Submit your entries below (please note that electronic entries are to be made in military time, i.e. 2:00pm is 14:00 military time).
CONTEST RULES
- Melt-Down is the exact time the structure (mining head frame) breaks through the ice.
- Electronic entries may be purchased by completing the information below. Each date & time contest entry (ticket) is $5 each, and up to 20 at a time may be purchased with each electronic submission, ie (4 @$5 = $20) You may submit electronic entries (ticket) as many times as you like.
- Physicial (paper tickets) may be purchased from any Negaunee Lions Club member.
- The closest entry (ticket)to the exact day and time the Melt-Down occures determines the winner.
- In the case of a tie, the winner will be determined by the earlier entry (ticket) purchase date.
- The winning entry (ticket) will be worth 50% of the net contest proceeds.
- In the event of an unforeseen occurrence (malicious act, tampering, acts of nature, equipment failure, or otherwise) all decisions of the Melt-Down Committee to award the winner are final.
- All entry (ticket)sales will end April 1, 2025 @ 11:45pm (23:45). The winning entry (ticket) must be purchased at least 48 hours prior to Melt-Down, whichever is earlier.
- Must be 18 to enter. A single payment will be made to the winner.
- By providing your email address you opt-in to give the Negaunee Lions Club permission to email you in the event you are the winner and for future contest notifications.