Friday, August 16th 2024

On Friday night the nearby town of Boyne City will “become the Northern Veil” and experience a dragon takeover!
The festivities begin with an outdoor live show by our friends at Fantasy Fangirls! Bring a blanket, spread out on the grass, and take a deep dive into dragon lore with our two favorite podcasters! Afterwards explore the Veil as local businesses participate in a dragon decorating contest, offer themed cocktails and menus, and host costume contests for kids, cosplayers, and even our furry friends! Cadets are encouraged to explore Boyne City and enjoy the magic brought to life in this charming waterside town for one special evening.

Saturday, August 17th 2024

As the sun rises at 0900 hours you and your fellow cadets will face your first challenge, making your way across the world’s longest timber-towered suspension bridge to formation where your commanding officer will brief you on the challenges that await. Cadets will have time to take photos, interact with cosplayers, and enjoy a meet-and-greet with special guest Tyler James as they wait for the gauntlet to begin.

Squad up and conquer obstacles, engage in thrilling hunts, and tackle mind-bending trivia as you explore the mountain and unlock the mysteries it holds. Interact with special guests who will be stationed throughout the scavenger hunt as challenge hosts. With each task overcome, you’ll move closer to becoming a true dragon rider. You may even meet a dragon or two…

After your day of training the time for celebration arrives at 1800 hours – the prestigious Dragon Awards Ceremony and Bookish Ball. Dress in your finest formal attire and join your fellow cadets and our special guests for an evening of revelry and recognition. Prizes will be awarded to the top squads and all guests will be entered into a drawing for two tickets to the Rain and Revelry Starfall Ball in 2025.. Indulge in mouthwatering passed hors d’oeuvres and refreshing beverages while you dance the night away.

Enjoy special entertainment by the Detroit Circus and Celestial Dance Hoops. Shop at curated vendors and mingle with special guests and cosplayers. Create unforgettable memories with your squad at Northern Michigan’s most immersive bookish event of the year!

And remember, only true riders wear black.

Dragon Gauntlet Tickets Include:

• 10% Discount on hotel stay at Boyne Mountain—link will be sent via email
• Entry to the Friday night outdoor show by Fantasy Fangirls Podcast
• All day access to the Skybridge (parapet) and chairlift ride up the mountain (for those who don’t wish to face the heights, there is a walking trail around the Skybridge)
• Meet and Greet with Tyler James during formation on Saturday morning
• Specially crafted bookish themed obstacle course & scavenger hunt across the Mountain (Course is approximately 1.5 miles through wooded trails and features all low-intensity obstacles.)
• Entry to the Dragon Awards Ceremony and Bookish Ball
• Abundant passed hors d’oeuvres
• Full open bar for guests 21+
• Complimentary refreshments
• Specialty entertainment by Detroit Circus and Celestial Dance Hoops
• Tactical Swag Bag
• Scavenger hunt provisions
• Access to professional photography and videography
• Entry into a drawing for 2 tickets to the Rain and Revelry Starfall Ball in 2025
• A treasure trove of prizes
• Shop curated vendors
• Opportunities to mingle with special guests during Saturday night ball
• Themed decorations and special effects

FAQ’s:
Squads will consist of four person teams – You do not have to attend with a group of four. We have a lot of attendees coming alone or in groups of two! Wing Leaders will be on site to help create squads after you cross the Parapet on Saturday morning. This is a great opportunity to make some new bookish besties!

The Scavenger Hunt consists of over 60 challenges so there will be something for everyone! You will have three hours to complete as many challenges as possible, but you are not required to complete all challenges or to participate for the full three hours. You may go at your own speed and still accumulate points for what challenges you do complete.