January 2010

The heart of Winterfest

By Sarah Tieck

We could wax and wane all poetic about the frost and the snow and the romance of a fire indoors. But, let’s face it. At this point, winter feels cold and dark and like it can't end soon enough. There's not much else to do but hibernate or jump a plane to someplace with a beach, some sun, and a swim-up bar—right?

Wrong.

There’s stuff like Winterfest VIII that show you the bright spots of winter (aside from that blinding pile of white stuff outside your window).

For the uninitiated, Winterfest is Rochester’s annual event held during the first couple weeks of February that features everything from frozen art to steaming, spicy chili. This year is Winterfest VIII, set for February 5-14. Not only is it an antidote to cabin fever, it warms our hearts by raising money for area non-profits (last year’s event raised $286,000) and promotes winter activities (beyond booking a trip to get the heck out of here!).

Here are five can't-miss events:

Roscoe’s Root Beer and Ribs 3rd Annual Chili Cook-Off
Wednesday, February 10

Most bowls of chili are pure pleasure on a cold day. They all use similar ingredients—chili powder, maybe some cumin, a little onion—but no two are quite the same. That’s why a cook-off multiplies the magic. Sampling the different offerings—the spicy, the mild, the veggie, the con carne, and the secret—is something of a choose-your-own adventure. Add a little cheese or some sour cream to soften the heat or savor the warm tomato tang straight. Then vote for your favorites. The entry fee—a $10 donation—benefits the Alzheimer’s Association.

Goonie’s Comedy Club, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door or ahead of time at Roscoe’s, Goonie’s, and by calling the Alzheimer’s Association at 507-289-3950.

Downtown Ice/Snow Sculpture Contest
Thursday, February 11

Peace Plaza transforms into a wintry wonderland during Winterfest. On Thursday, Feb. 11, the space becomes an artist’s studio as artists compete with snow and ice as the medium. Over the weekend, savor the frozen gallery and belly up to the ice bar. Movies and a bonfire make the cold and dark seem less bleak somehow. The event is sponsored by the Rochester Downtown Alliance.

Peace Plaza, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. No cost for viewing the sculptures.  Call Heidi Mestad for more info, 507-424-2866.

Law Enforcement Polar Bear Plunge
Friday, February 12 (the Super Plunge starts at 3 p.m.) and Saturday, February 13 (regular plunge)

Each year, Rochester Law Enforcement sponsors a Polar Bear Plunge. People (often on behalf of their businesses or organizations) summon up their courage and jump into freezing cold water at Foster Arend beach for a very good cause. This is one of 13 events across the state between January and March that support Special Olympics Minnesota athletes and programs. In Rochester, the event actually begins on Feb. 12 with the utter gutsiness of the Super Plunge—24 plunges in 24 hours (weather determines the timing of the plunges). The next day, the regular plunge occurs, complete with wacky costumes and water play. Cold hard cash pledges are welcome. Registration and headquarters is at Whistle Binkies Olde World Pub. Pre-registration is Feb. 11 from 5 to 8 p.m. On Feb. 12, people can register at Foster Arend beach during the Super Plunge from 3 to 10 p.m. And, on Feb. 13, there is ‘day-of’ registration at Whistle Binkies between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. There is a $75 minimum pledge to plunge.

Foster Arend Park. The regular plunge is 2:30-4 p.m. on Feb. 13. Online registration, pledging and more information is also at http://www.rochesterpolarplunge.org. Or, call Capt. Kevin Torgerson at 507-273-5224.

Rochester ‘76 Lions Club 12th Annual Youth Ice Fishing Contest
Saturday, February 13

The Rochester ’76 Lions Club is hosting its annual ice fishing extravaganza. It is open to all interested youth, 15 and younger. Bait will be provided by Hooked on Fishing Bait and Tackle and the holes are pre-drilled—participants should be accompanied by a parent or adult and bring their own fishing talent and tackle. The cost is $7 per youth (register the day of the event). Proceeds benefit Minnesota Lions Eye Bank and Lions Hearing Foundation at the University of Minnesota.

Foster Arend Park, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit www.rochester76lions.org for more information.

Breakfast with the Birds
Sunday, February 14

Quarry Hill is beautiful in any season. And, in February, when whites and neutral shades dominate the frozen landscape, winter birds are an oasis of life and color outside. Over a light breakfast of bagels and fruit, participants can get up close with some of those lovely and lively local birds, and learn about the center’s banding program. Pre-registration required. The $5 per person fee benefits Friends of Quarry Hill Nature Center.

Quarry Hill Nature Center, 9 to 10:30 a.m. Call 507-281-6114 for more info. Information about Quarry Hill is available at www.QHNC.org.