Events

We are doing our best to highlight the Rock of Ages Challenge events, as well as the contests throughout the US that are not affiliated with the Rock of Ages Challenge.  Scroll down to view a complete list of all events.

Rock of Ages Challenge Events for 2026

2nd Annual Rock of Ages Event - Mancelona, MI - July 5, 2026 - Registration starts at noon (or pre-register here)

This is for all ages for watching or participating.  Registration can be completed on the day of the event, but if you can complete the registration form on the bottom of this page (even if you decide later that you cannot make it), that would be best.  This helps us determine how many contestants there will be. There is a $5 registration fee with all funds supporting the Mancelona Food Pantry.  Additional donations are appreciated and will be provided to the Mancelona Food Pantry. At the registration booth, there will be a line for those registering on that day and a line for those who have pre-registered.

From U.S. 131, head east down Wetzel Lake Road.  The road dead-ends at the lake.  Depending on the amount of contestants, you may need to park down the road a short distance from the lake.  Be considerate and do not block any driveways or seasonal roads. 

Event timeline: (Times shown are our best guess and are subject to change)
12:30 Open tournament begins
First event - Kerplunking for the toddlers and little ones,
Second event - 12 and under Division
Third event  - 13 and up Amateur division
These events are then followed up with the awards Ceremony for the Open Tournament
Pro division skipping contest (timing after Open tournament)

Pros will  have names drawn and  then skip in order of  draw

Second  Chance  (Grand Champion Event after Pro event)

All contestants, Pro and  Amateur will compete until there is only one remaining

 If you don’t happen to win any of the above mentioned events, you get a chance to redeem yourself.  For $10, anybody in any age group can enter the single elimination category for a chance to be the overall winner and claim the Rock of Ages Challenge Champion plaque, along with a free Rock of Ages Challenge T-shirt! We will form 2 lines of skippers. Each participant will get a chance to out-skip the other participant. Each time, the winner moves to the back of the line and continues skipping until only one Grand champion remains

Stone skipping rules:
Contestants will each have 6 attempts to throw a stone
Judges in each division will determine to the best of their ability, the highest number of skips for each throw.  Judges will tally the amount of pitty-pats and skips and record this on the contestant’s form
Stones must be natural stones and not modified in any way.
Winner of the amateur division gets to skip with the pros
Pro division contestants must show proof of participating with the pros at either Mackinaw Island or Pennsylvania tournament, or win the amateur division.  In the event that no pros from Mackinaw Island or Pennsylvania show up, the top five amateur contestants will advance to the pro division.
Event organizers may participate in the Second Chance contest only .
Event will take place rain or shine (except in the instance of lighting).  Time may be delayed in the event of heavy downpours.

List of Events for 2026:

Petoskey Stone Festival, Petoskey, MI - May ? 2026, at Barnes Park 

Kentucky Stone Skipping Invitational, Shelbyville, KY - June ?, at Lake Shelby

Mackinaw Island, MI - July 4th, 2026, at Windemere Point

Rock of Ages Challenge and Picnic, Mancelona, MI - July 5th, 2025, at Wetzel Lake (Rock of Ages Challenge exclusive event!). Donations to support the Mancelona Food Pantry.  Free event, cash prizes!  You can register on the day of competition or pre-register here

Rock in River Festival, Franklin, PA - August 15th, 2026, at Riverfront Park