Wacky winter fun in Spirit Lake

SPIRIT LAKE - If you want to see people on saucers being used as a bowling ball, you may want to head to Spirit Lake on Saturday.

The second Winter Fun Fest, a fundraiser for the city's parks department, starts at 11 a.m. on Maine Street.

"At first light on Saturday we'll use loaders to take snow from wherever we can find it to build a giant mountain downtown," said Marc Kroetch, a business owner and parks board member.

Four-person teams compete in a variety of wacky events, including human snow bowling, smushing, snow volleyball and an igloo pull. Teams do not need equipment to participate.

"They're games of skill on slippery snow and, once you see them, you catch on pretty easy," Kroetch said. "It's open to anyone who wants to put a team together. The teams with older teens or those in their early 20s - people who have lots of energy - seem to do the best."

With human snow bowling, teams send a teammate on a saucer toward a triangle of Budweiser punching dummies.

"That's the event that seems to get people screaming and cackling the most," Kroetch said.

Cost is $20 per team and entry forms can be obtained by contacting City Hall at 623-2131 or dropping by the office.

The Chamber of Commerce is hosting a chili challenge during the event.

"We're trying to create something fun in the dead of winter when merchants are saying, 'Oh my God. What do we do next?'" Kroetch said, adding that a similar event is held in Leavenworth, Wash.

There will also be other games the public can try and T-shirts for sale.

"We're hoping to raise a couple thousand dollars," Kroetch said. "Nobody knew what to expect last year, and quite frankly I didn't either."

A check-pass ceremony of $38,780 from an anonymous local donor for improvements to the park at the end of Jefferson Street will kick off the event at 11 a.m. The games are expected to last until about 4 p.m.