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Pope County Tribune - Starbuck Times
Written by Deb Mercier - Tribune Reporter   
Friday, 03 February 2012 08:07

Winterama gears up for Feb. 11 festivities


polarp-ashleyjimchan_250-307The 15th annual Winterama celebration is coming up fast. Festivities take place on Saturday, Feb. 11 at Lakeside Ballroom in Glenwood, kicking off with a noon burger special. Next up are the kids’ games, running from 12:30-2:30 p.m. outside the ballroom on beautiful Lake Minnewaska.

Kids’ games include a nickel pickup, minnow races, a fishing booth, ring toss, turkey bowling, saucer races, a hockey shoot-out, mini golf on the ice, snowshoe races and a free-play snow area. More games may be added, according to Jim Palmer of Glenwood & Beyond.

While in past years, kids have earned small prizes for individual games, this year, Palmer said Glenwood & Beyond decided to try something different. A $5 wristband buys kids unlimited access to all the games. Each time they complete a game, a hash mark will be made on the child’s wristband. At 2:30, kids can turn in their wristbands for coupons—one coupon for each hash mark. Those coupons will then be placed in a drawing held around 2:30-2:45, giving kids chances to win larger prizes donated by area businesses. “That way parents don’t have to deal with cash and tickets and mittens,” said Palmer.

Also new this year, some of the games will be held in a large tent—a way to stay toasty even if the thermometer plunges.

And speaking of plunging… the ever-popular Polar Plunge follows the kids’ games at 3 p.m. The Plunge is a fundraiser for Waterama; last year Minnewaska’s icy waters took in 52 brave jumpers who raised money through sponsorships to support Waterama activities. If you’re interested in taking the plunge this year, visit www.waterama.org and contact one of this year’s Waterama brass.

After the Polar Plunge, head back inside to warm up with the annual Chili Cook-off from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Palmer said there are more teams competing this year and more would be welcome. Area teams are encouraged to spice up the festivities with their own unique take on the Minnesota classic winter dish. Teams can be made up of organizations, individuals, families—anyone with an appetite for serving up down-home chili with a dash of competition. Cash prizes will be awarded to first and second place winners for Best Chili, and first place winner for Best Booth. For questions about registering for the Winterama Chili Cook-off, contact Kellie Janssen 320-763-0208.

Just as the Chili Cook-off starts winding down at 6 p.m., the joint will get jumpin’ with a Wii game—Just Dance—on Lakeside’s giant stage screen in the ballroom. Kids and kids at heart are invited to show off their moves. For a break in the action, a craft table will also be set up during this time.

At 7 p.m. the activities at Lakeside will conclude with a bang—a spectacular fireworks display sponsored by the Glenwood Jaycees.

The Minnewaska House is keeping Winterama going strong on into the night with a dance featuring the band Judd Hoos.

As Winterama draws closer, activities may be added. Check future issues of the Pope County Tribune or visit the Glenwood Lakes Area Chamber website at www.GlenwoodLakesArea.org for the most current information about Winterama events.