From the middle of January through the first week of February, the town that is “nicer” will host their annual WinterFest celebration. Spicer, home to 1,200 smiling residents, is continuing a tradition that fosters community and celebrates the unique town at the edge of Green Lake. The celebration is filled with fun events and an impressive ice sculpture built with blocks of ice from Green Lake.  And although the temperatures sometimes sneak into the negative range, all event-goers seem happy to forget the cold and enjoy the festivities and each other’s company.

A great way to start off WinterFest is to watch the WinterFest Spicer Speed events on Green Lake Saturday, January 21st. This year there will be two races taking place on the ice in front of Zorbaz: the Central MN Pond Racing Ice Ovals Race Series and a Speed Run. Racing begins at 10:00 a.m. for the Speed Run and 11:00 a.m. for the Central MN Pond Racing Ice Ovals. It is free admission to spectators so dress warm and enjoy a day of snowmobile racing action on Green Lake.

On Saturday, January 28th, from noon to 6:00 p.m. the festivities continue with the WinterFest Family Fun Day on Saulsbury Beach. Activities include sledding by the ice castle, hay rides, kick sleds from Prairie Woods, Disney characters, live music, and a bonfire and s’mores on the beach. While event-goers are encouraged to dress warm, there will be a large walled tent with heaters inside to keep visitors warm. Lakeland Broadcasting will be on site with a live broadcast, narrating the event for those still at home. The fireworks show will begin at 6:00 p.m. After the oohs and aahs from the fireworks, there’s a Fire on Ice Dance from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. to finish off the day’s events. Uncle Chunk will be rocking out the venue, with a $10 admission fee for those 18 and older, $5 admission fee for those 13-17 and free admission for those 12 and under. The proceeds will go to the Spicer Fire Department and Spicer Commercial Club.

Also on January 28th is the 18th annual Polar Plunge into Green Lake. At 12:00 p.m., brave participants will jump into the frigid waters of Green Lake. The event is centered around Special Olympics Minnesota, with all proceeds going toward programming and events for more than 8,000 Special Olympics athletes statewide. Participants raise $75 (or more!) and launch themselves into the icy waters of Green Lake, often wearing goofy costumes for an added element of fun.

On Saturday, February 4th, take part in the Frozen 5K starting at 9:00 a.m. or cheer on those willing to race in the frigid temps. Participants will race along Green Lake from Zorbaz to the Green Lake Bible Camp, looping back around to complete the full 3.1-mile race. Walkers are welcome, so everyone can come and enjoy the brisk winter morning air. Past years have seen 200 runners trotting at the lake’s edge.

Throughout WinterFest there will be many other fun events to enjoy, including BINGO nights at Zorbaz, live music at O’Neil’s, the 5th Annual Kids Ice Fishing Derby, Green Lake Pond Hockey Tournament, the Sno-Skippers Speed Run, the 10th Annual Tommy Swenson Memorial Ice Fishing Tournament, and Winter Family Fun Day at Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center. So regardless of how long you’re in town or what events you’re interested in, the 2023 Spicer Winterfest has plenty of festivities for you. So, head on over to the town that is always “nicer,” and participate in a community event that highlights all the great things about winter in Minnesota and the Willmar Lakes Area.

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View the WinterFest Calendar of Events