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. 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.

On Saturday, January 29th, enjoy a full day of events beginning at 9:00 a.m. with the Frozen 5K. 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.

From noon to 6:00 p.m. the festivities continue with the WinterFest Family Fun Day on Saulsbury Beach. Activities include sledding, hay rides, kick sleds from Prairie Woods, Disney characters, live music by Jeff James, 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. And inside, there will be an ice bar where wine and beer can be purchased starting at 3:00 p.m.

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. The Dam Jammers 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 29th, Zorbaz on Green Lake will be hosting the 17th annual Polar Plunge! 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.

Throughout WinterFest there will be weekly events, including BINGO nights at Zorbaz, the 4th Annual Kids Ice Fishing Derby on Green Lake, Sno-Skippers Snowmobile Club Speed Run on Green Lake, Central Minnesota Pond Racing Ice Ovals Race Series on Green Lake and live music at O’Neil’s. So regardless of how long you’re in town or what events you’re interested in, the 2022 Spicer Winterfest has plenty of festivities for you. So, head on over this month (or the next) 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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