Skip to content
You are here: Home Area News Archive
Welcome to Winterama
Pope County Tribune - Starbuck Times
Written by Zach Anderson - Starbuck Times New Editor   
Saturday, 13 February 2010 10:16


Terri Richards is the Waterama Vice-Commodore, and she's in charge of organizing and promoting the Polar Plunge: "Last year was my first year jumping and it wasn't as bad as I expected. Taking the plunge is a very exhilarating experience. You are in and out so fast that you don't even realize what you just did. Enjoying Waterama during the 'hot days' of summer is a great reward for taking the Plunge."

Lots to do

Winterama festivities start Saturday with kids games run from 1-2:30 p.m., including: ring toss, long putt, fishing game, turkey bowling, washers and nickel pick up. Prizes for game winners will be presented at 3 p.m.

At 2:15 p.m., judging will take place for a snow sculpture contest.

At 2:30 p.m., a crowd is sure to gather for the ever popular, Polar Plunge. People ready to take the icy dip in Lake Minnewaska are asked to be on site and checked-in by 2 p.m.

Jumpers are required to raise $150 to take the plunge and Richards said the event is one of the most important fundraisers for Waterama. "Come out and watch people who love Waterama take the plunge," Richards said. A list of jumpers is on this page.

And a memorable end to the afternoon is the annual Minnow Eating Contest which begins at 3:15 p.m. Otherwise, the concession tent will also be open for business at 12:30 p.m.

At 5 p.m., come hungry to the annual Chili Cook-off and fundraiser in the ballroom. Fill up on the best local chili, plus take part in a 50/50 drawing each hour!

After an afternoon outside in the cold, get the blood moving again while dancing to the DJ set up in the ballroom - the DJ will entertain from 5-9 p.m.

Finally, Winterama 2010 will wrap up with a fireworks display over Lake Minnewaska at approximately 7:15 p.m.

Nelson said, "The weather is going to be warmer, so come have some great fun for the whole family and what a better way to spend Valentine's weekend together."

Richards added, "My favorite part of Winterama is the Polar Plunge and seeing families spending time together while supporting the Jaycees and Waterama. Going to the chili cook-off after the Plunge is a fun and great way to warm up, too."

The Minnewaska Jaycees sponsor several events throughout the year, including: Easter Egg Hunt, Christmas Care, Punt-Pass-Kick, Minnewaska Warm Up refreshments and the Heritage Days parade, kiddie parade and tractor pull.