News Photo by Julie Riddle Dawn Collins, of Lachine, grins after slipping on ice at the base of the ice tree near Starlite Beach in Alpena on Thursday. Collins and -- from left -- brothers Mark, Eric, and Seth Collins found creative ways to slide down the ice sculpture’s icy base during a Thursday afternoon family outing.

News Photo by Julie Riddle Lachine teen Mark Collins, 16, tries to keep his footing at the base of the ice tree near Starlite Beach in Alpena on Thursday. For Collins and siblings Dawn, 14, Eric, 11, and -- not shown -- Seth, 10, the tree’s icy base proved an enticing -- if slippery -- skating rink under the rays of a sun that warmed Alpena only slightly on Thursday afternoon. Temperatures in the 40s are expected in Alpena on Monday, but the air will remain chilly until then, according to the National Weather Service.

News Photo by Julie Riddle Siblings Dawn Collins, 14, and Seth Collins,10, laugh as their brother, Mark, 16, attempts a belly-slide on the ice at the base of the ice tree in Alpena on Thursday afternoon. “When I tried that, I just got skinnier jeans,” the younger Collins said.