No snow? No problem for WinterFest

SPIRIT LAKE - Where else are you going to find a colored ice cube hunt and four-person smooshing race on skis and grass?

The activities will be part of the fun at the sixth annual WinterFest in Spirit Lake on Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. on Maine Street.

"We're definitely going to have a winter/spring fest this year," said Jodi Johnson, director of Spirit Lake's Parks and Recreation Department, which is sponsoring the event.

"There was also no snow last year, but we made it work and had a great turnout with a lot of fun. There's a lot of family-friendly activities."

The event features a chili challenge and four-person team challenge, both starting at noon. People can register at City Hall during regular business hours or at 11:30 a.m. at Fourth and Maine on Sunday to enter both activities.

There is no charge for people to compete in the chili challenge. The cost for taste-testers is $5. They will vote on the best chili. Ten people had entered the challenge as of Wednesday.

In the team challenge, which is open to youth and adults, the events will be a basketball shoot, hockey shoot, punting/field goal contest and smooshing.

"Smooshing will be on grass since we don't have snow," Johnson said.

The cost to enter is $25 per team. The winning team will earn a trophy and a half-day rental from Spirit Lake's summer recreation center for each team member.

Free kids activities include the colored ice cube hunt, ring toss and bean bag throw.

"We will have change or a toy that are in the ice cube," Johnson said.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Parks and Recreation Department. Attendees can sign up for park and recreation programs during the event.

For more information, call Johnson at 623-2131.