Lansing's WinterFest will kick off fundraising for playground equipment
Pictured above is an example of the type of playground equipment the Lansing Lions Club would like to purchase to replace the older, deteriorating equipment at the park along Front Street near the ball diamond in Lansing. This year's WinterFest celebration is being hosted by the Lansing Lions Club, with all proceeds from the event going toward the purchase of the new playground equipment, which is anticipated to resemble a riverboat theme, such as is pictured above. Submitted photo.
Lansing’s third annual WinterFest scheduled for Saturday, February 18 will have a special purpose this year. While WinterFest started with the organization committee from Main Street Lansing in Lansing, the group has branched out this year to partner with the Lansing Lions Club to promote family fun and fundraising for new playground equipment in the Front Street park down by the ball diamond.
Several old wooden playground pieces at the park have had to be dismantled, leaving a real need for an enhanced playground space. Equipment and improvements to the area will cost approximately $60,000. The Lansing Lions have taken on the task of raising funds to get this project done. The WinterFest committee agreed that a whole community event was a great way to start this fundraiser. All profits from WinterFest will go to the fundraising for the park.
Crowds during the second year of WinterFest doubled from its beginning year, and organizers hope that trend will continue for the third year. Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the Kerndt Brothers Community Center at 391 Main Street. The admission wristband allows people to participate in all the activities of WinterFest from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Simultaneously with the activities, a craft and vendor fair (no admission charged) will also be held at the Community Building.
After registering, participants can enjoy watching an ice carving demonstration. Chain Reaction Carvings from Waterloo will be carving large blocks of ice harvested from the Mississippi River all day at the Main Street Plaza. Previous sculptures have included igloos, eagles, eskimos, wolves and many more winter-related thematic pieces. Opportunities for pictures with a real Husky dog will be available from 11 a.m. to noon, so participants are encouraged to bring their cameras. Hot dogs, hot chocolate and s’mores will be the free treats at Main Street plaza from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. for those with writstbands.
An exciting addition this year is a sneak peak of the new Driftless Area Education and Visitor Center just south of town on the Great River Road. The Center will be open for sneak-a-peak tours from 10 a.m.-noon and will be officially opening later this summer.
For the second year, the Galema family will demonstrate a tradition that has been in its family for many years, ice harvesting on the river from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Before the days of refrigeration, Lansing had several ice houses where large blocks of ice were stored and eventually shipped out to different areas of the country for assisting with cold storage. Watch as large ice saws cut through the river ice and are hauled up on shore. Iowa Public Television will be filming in the area this weekend and will stop by to capture this historic event. The Lions will have warm beverages and walking tacos for sale at the Village Creek Boat Landing area.
Love looking out from the top of Mt. Hosmer in the summer? How about a winter view? Those hiking up Mt. Hosmer will be treated to a bonfire, free hotdogs and s’mores (with a wristband) as a reward for making the trek. Trekkers will leave from the Community Center at 11:30 a.m.
Meanwhile, down at the ice rink by the sports complex, visitors will find ice bowling, snowshoeing and a few other surprise activities like frozen bubble blowing. Once again, the Allamakee County Conservation Board will supply the snowshoes.
For a chance to warm up, families can participate in indoor activities sponsored by Center Baptist Church volunteers at Milty’s party room from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Hot Wheels racetrack, snowball toss, winter crafts and more will entertain folks of all ages. Free coffee and hot chocolate will warm up wristband wearers.
Also at the Kerndt Brothers Community Center, kids can stop by for face painting from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. End the day with a sweet treat with kids decorating cookies from 2:30-4 p.m. at the Community Center. Participation in all activities requires a wristband.
The Great Allamakee County Chili Cook-Off will pit competitors against each other, hoping to win the prize for the best chili from 4-6 p.m. at T.J. Hunter’s Banquet Hall. 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. Winners of the Chili Cook-Off Trophy will be crowned 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, the Red Geranium or may download one off the Main Street Lansing website at www.mainstreetlansing.com and click on Chili Cook-Off. No entry fee is required to register. All registrations must be made with the Main Street Lansing office by February 13.
