Bundle up! Winterfest kicks off this weekend

PENTWATER — Winterfest begins this weekend and continues next weekend when the highlight event, Freezin’ For A Reason Polar Dip, takes place Saturday, Feb. 21, at noon at the Pentwater Lake Boat Launch.

Saturday, Feb 14

Free Fishing Weekend (Feb. 14-15); Pentwater Lake Perch Fishing Tournament, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; register at: Pentwater Angler or www.pentwater.org; fee: $5 per adult, $2 per kid, $10 per family; vie for the longest perch. Tournament pays down three prizes with 100 percent payout, first, second, and third place trophies for kids. For more information call Joe 231-869-8681.

Soup Competition, noon to 2 p.m. at The Antler Bar, register the day of event or at www.pentwater.org. Create an original recipe and have it rated by attendees. All are welcome to sample the soups and vote.

Pentwater Pathways Open, noon to 4 p.m. free cross country skiing, hot chocolate, cookies and campfire at trailhead. Skis will be provided. No snowshoes. For ski and trail info, call Gaye at 231-873-5247 or www.oceanaski.org.

Sledding, all day at the Village Green

Corks and Canvas Winter Wine Tasting and Art Walk in downtown Pentwater, 2-5 p.m.; advanced tickets: $20; day of the event, $25 at the door. Advanced tickets available at Marilyn’s Style, Oldewick Post, Hansen Foods, Snyder’s Shoes and Cenzo’s Market. Enjoy wine from around the world and local wineries as you stroll through the Pentwater galleries. Proceeds benefit Pentwater Arts Council.

Mardi Gras Party at The Antler Bar, begins at 5 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 21

Fourth Annual Ryan Williams Perch Tournament, 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; register at: Pentwater Angler or www.pentwater.org; fee: $5 per adult, $3 per kid (15 or younger); 100 percent cash and prize payout for first, second, and third places. Final Weigh-In at the Boat House Bar & Grille by 3 p.m. For more information, call Pentwater Angler at 231-869-5357.

Storytelling at Storybook Village, 10:30 a.m.; interactive storytelling with puppets.

Freezin’ For A Reason – Polar Dip, noon at Pentwater Lake Boat Launch, 191 Lake St., Pentwater. Jump in and freeze in Pentwater Lake for a good cause. Pick up your sponsor sheets at the Pentwater Chamber of Commerce, www.pentwater.org or register day of event. Proceeds to benefit Crystal Valley Care Fund. Miss Ludington, Marie MacDonnell will be the  Grand Finale jumper.

Sledding, all day at the Village Green

Cabin Fever Beer Tasting to Benefit COVE, 2-5 p.m.; advance tickets, $20; day of the event, $25. Advance tickets available at COVE in Ludington; tickets available at the door of participating locations the day of event. Taste different beer from around the world and from Michigan breweries. Visit The Antler Bar, The Boat House Bar & Grille, The Brown Bear, and The Landing Store.