By Pat Maurer
Correspondent
February 1st will be a special day in Lake – the annual Winterfest, sponsored by and benefiting the Garfied Township Fire Department, is set to wake up the sleepy little village to get out and have some winter fun!
Events, most downtown centered around the Depot, will include a bonfire, food and drinks from the Patty Wagon, a petting zoo, bowling and fire department and Winterfest merchandise available for sale.
The highlight of the day will be an Ice Fishing Tournament for Pike, Crappie, and Pan Fish from 7 to 4 pm on Crooked/Perch Lake.
Details for the tourney include a cash prize, cost is $30 per person, and a live fish weigh-in. All state regulations will apply and there will be prizes for each category. Registration is from 6:30 to 10 am at the Depot and Crooked Lake Resort. Pre-registration is $25 per person until January 31 at 5 pm. For more information call Kevin at 989-741-3794 or Jen at 989-544-0755.
Another fun event will be the Double Elimination Cornhole Tournament from noon the 3 pm by the Depot. Registration begins at 11 am ($40 per team) and the tourney runs from noon to 3 pm. There will be a cash prize.
For the kiddos there will be Carnival Style Kids Games including Bounce Houses from noon to 4 pm. Cost is $1.
Another event for youngsters will be held in the nearby pop-up shop where they can make free crafts.
Merchandise for the fire department and this year’s Winterfest will be for sale in the Depot.
There will be a Hot Dog Eating contest at 11 am (cost to participate $10) with a cash prize; a Saltine Challenge at 1 pm (cost $5 per person) for two age groups: Age 10 and under and ages 11 and up.
Don’t miss the Polar Dip! (cost is $5 per person) Costumes are encouraged!
And be sure and get your 50-50 tickets at the Depot (drawing at 5 pm), where the Silent Auction will be ongoing until 4:30 pm.
If you forget to get your ticket at the Festival, don’t despair. There will an After Party at the Lakeside Bar and Grill complete with a DJ by Sound Productions and another 50-50 raffle with the drawing set for 10 pm.
Remember: Alcohol consumption is prohibited on Township property; Events, except for the fishing tourney, are all held in the Garfield Township Depot area; and all proceeds will go to the Garfield Township Fire Department and community events (with 25 percent earmarked for new fire equipment).
For more information and updates, check out the Garfield Township Fire and Rescue Facebook page or the Winterfest 2025 Facebook page.
