Lansing’s WinterFest celebration offers abundance of family fun February 20
Main Street Lansing will be offering Lansing’s Second Annual WinterFest celebration Saturday, February 20 within the Lansing community. After last year’s inaugural success, the day of family fun is intended to bring families together to embrace Iowa’s winter weather.
Sue Stirn, chair of the Organization Committee of Main Street Lansing, elaborates, “We wanted an event for all ages to come together and have fun. Our committee has worked hard to provide a variety of events that will appeal to those who want to have fun outdoors or indoors. This year we’ve added a few things like the sleigh ride and the wildlife displays. Even if there’s no snow, we’ll have lots to do. It’s a February day full of family-friendly fun!”
ICE CARVING
DEMONSTRATIONS
The popular ice carving demonstration kept audience members fascinated for hours at last year's inaugural event. The large eagle and ship ice sculptures were big hits with the audience. The same professional ice carver, Chain Reaction Carvings from Waterloo, will demonstrate ice carving throughout the day between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the Main Street Plaza.
The ice being carved will be harvested from the Mississippi River by the Galema family. The committee felt that using harvested ice from the Mississippi was a way to bring a small part of that heritage into the celebration.
HARVESTING ICE
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the father-son tandem of Gary and Alex Galema, along with other members of the Galema family, will be cutting ice out of the Mississippi River in the old-fashioned manner so that people can watch how ice was harvested to be used for chilling food and buildings before the days of refrigerators and air conditioners. The ice harvesting will occur at the Village Creek boat ramp area.
CRAFT & VENDOR SHOW PLUS SILENT AUCTION
The craft and vendor show from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at T.J. Hunter’s Banquet Hall will feature several local artisans. Local crafters will have wares for sale which include jewelry, handmade soap and body care products, knit items, lighted glass displays and décor, ladies’ purses, natural pain relieving products, homemade angel food cakes and baked items, and artistic photography. No admission is charged for the craft and vendor show. A silent auction will be conducted throughout the day at the craft show. Winning bidders will be notified of their purchases at the end of the day.
REGISTRATION
Registration for the event will take place at T.J. Hunter’s Banquet Hall from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The admission fee will allow people to participate in all activities, including the chili cook-off supper at the end of the day. Free hot chocolate, s’mores and hotdogs will be provided throughout the day to registered participants.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Those who love looking out from the top of Mt. Hosmer in the summer can also enjoy a winter view during the hike up Mt. Hosmer. Hikers will be treated to a bonfire, hotdogs and s’mores as a reward. Guided by Stephanie Runkle, trekkers will leave from T.J. Hunter’s Banquet Hall at 11:30 a.m. Good winter snow boats are suggested.
Meanwhile, down at the ice rink by the sports complex from 1-3 p.m., visitors will find turkey bowling and snowshoeing. The Allamakee County Conservation Board will supply the snowshoes for those who want to venture out. Turkey bowling involves rolling a frozen turkey toward bowling pins.
The horse drawn sleigh ride is a new addition to WinterFest and will provide a nostalgic treat from a quieter, simpler era. Registered WinterFest participants will have a special treat if they partake in this event. Pat O’Neill of Lansing will be providing the sleigh and horses.
PELT AND MOUNTED ANIMAL DISPLAY
Hallie Rasmussen from the Fish and Wildlife Service of La Crosse, WI will bring a mounted animal display and have a presentation for kids at Milty’s Party Room from 3-4 p.m. The Allamakee County Conservation Board will have fur bearer pelts at the sports complex as well as additional pelts at Milty's from 3-4 p.m.
INDOOR ACTIVITIES
Those who think it's too cold outside can stay inside and participate in the indoor activities from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in Milty’s Party Room, right next to Milty’s Restaurant. Indoor activities will include a Hot Wheels racetrack, paper airplane launching, and crafts for kids.
CHILI COOK-OFF
ENDS THE DAY
Those interested in ending the fun day with a warm meal may want to taste a variety of chili and vote for their favorite. The Chili Cook-Off competitors will offer their creations to WinterFest participants from 4-6 p.m. at T.J. Hunter’s Banquet Hall. WinterFest participants will be admitted with their wristbands. Others may purchase a meal at the door.
Those attending will sample all the chilis available and then vote on two: the best chili from a business and the best chili from an individual. The winners of the coveted Chili Cook-Off Trophy will be crowned after the vote counting ends at 6 p.m.
Those interested in bringing a chili for the competition may pick up a registration form from the Main Street Lansing Office located at 391 Main Street in Lansing or may download one off the website: www.mainstreetlansing.com and click on Chili Cook-Off. There is no cost to register. Both individuals and businesses may participate. All registrations must be made with the Main Street Lansing office by February 20.
For more information about WinterFest, call 563-538-9229.
