Winterfest in Pentwater, Feb. 8 and 15.

Winterfest in Pentwater, Feb. 8 and 15.

PENTWATER – Two weekends of winter fun are on tap that are sure to combat cabin fever.

Winterfest is set for the weekends of Feb. 8 and Feb. 15. One of the most popular events is the Freezin’ for a Reason Polar Dip, Feb. 15, at the Pentwater Lake boat launch. Dozens of brave souls plunge into the frigid water as hundreds of spectators cheer them on.

“A mix of participants and spectators from local residents to visiting sportsmen, families, artists and more come to our winter paradise eagerly anticipating the annual two-weekend Pentwater Winterfest,” states a press release from the Pentwater Chamber of Commerce.

“Winterfest is designed to promote wintertime activities while raising awareness and funds for events sponsored by organizations in the Pentwater area. There is something for everyone, young or old, indoors or out. Winterfest 2019 was a grand success.

“Many attendees broke their cabin fever by attending the activities. Returning favorites include the Polar Dip, Ice Fishing Tournament, Pentwater Pathways Cross Country Skiing, Snowman Scram 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run, Sledding, Colleen Plummer Memorial Craft Beer & Music Fest and Two Town Tasting (formerly Corks & Canvas).

“Get rid of your winter blues and come enjoy Pentwater’s annual Winterfest. Local establishments will have specials, deals, sales and more. Visit www.pentwater.org for a complete list of activities.

Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020:

The Snowman Scram Run/Walk and 1 mile fun run is a fun wintertime event designed as a fundraiser for the Pentwater Cross Country and Track teams.

TIME: 1 Mile Fun Run starts at 11 a.m. with the 5K run/walk to follow.
LOCATION: Start and finish in front of Pentwater Public School.
ENTRY FEES: $15 for 1 mile Fun Run and $25 for 5K run/walk.
Hot chocolate, post race snacks and entertainment will be provided.
T-shirt is included with all pre-registered participants by Jan. 24.
Contact Erika Fatura at ‪(231) 869-4100, extension 243‬ for more information.

Pentwater Pathways Open
Noon to 3 p.m, Free
Cross country skiing, hot chocolate, cookies and campfire at trailhead. Skis will be provided. Please, no snowshoes.
NEW PARKING AREA on Railroad Road at the end of Jackson Road.
For ski and trail info call Gaye ‪231.873.5247‬ or visit www.oceanaski.org

Sledding
All day at the Village Green

Two Town Tasting

The Pentwater Arts Council and Hansen Foods host a wine tasting and art event. Proceeds will benefit the Pentwater Arts Council.

Twelve locations in Pentwater and Hart host a wine distributor and tasting. The Hart Tasting will be from 1-4 p.m. at Hansen Foods, Big Hart Brewing Company, Hart Pizza and Dale & Gail’s Music and Art Gallery. The Pentwater Tasting will be from 2-5 p.m. at Jilly’s Gallery, Petri Gallery, Painted Frog Art Studio, Birch Michigan, Pentwater Toy Box, Kook’s Eye Gallery, The Boathouse and The Antler Bar.

Tickets are $30 per person if purchased in advance or $35 per person at the door. They can be purchased at Hansen Foods, Jilly’s Gallery, Birch Michigan and Pentwater Toy Box.

Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020:

Free Fishing Weekend Feb. 15 and 16

10th Annual Ryan Williams Perch Tournament, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Event day registration is 7-10 a.m. at the Pentwater Convenience Center. Weigh-in at 4 p.m. at the BoatHouse Bar & Grille.
Fee: $10 per adult, $5 per kid (15 or younger)
100 percent cash and prize payout for first through third place.
For more information contact: BoatHouse Bar & Grille ‪231-869-4588;‬ Pentwater Convenience Center ‪231-869-4203; or ‬Ryan Williams ‪616-617-7984.‬

Freezin’ for a Reason Polar Dip, noon at the Pentwater Lake boat launch, 191 Lake St.

Polar dip participants jump into the water through a large hole cut into the ice-covered lake or — in the event of unsafe ice conditions — will run down the boat launch and into the water.

Registration for Freezin’ for a Reason is underway at www.pentwater.org. Cost is $50 per participant, with the proceeds going toward your favorite Pentwater events. Registration is at 11 a.m.

Participants are encouraged to collect sponsorships for their plunge. The first 30 people to register will receive a free 2020 Freezin’ for a Reason shirt. Sponsors of jumpers submitted prior to Feb. 1 will be included on the official Freezin’ for a Reason shirt. A limited number of shirts will be available for purchase at the event.

Sledding all day at the Village Green

Colleen Plummer Memorial Craft Beer and Music Fest, 2-5 p.m.
Proceeds benefit COVE (Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters)

“A memorial to Colleen Plummer who was a beautiful, free spirit with a golden heart. She spread joy to anyone she met. She spent her life as a crusader always striving to make others’ lives better.”

Tickets are $25 per person in advance online or $30 at door, and include six drink tokens and a commemorative tasting glass. Each token is good for a 4 ounces of beer or cider. Five additional tokens can be purchased for $5. Live music will be provided and snacks. Purchase advance tickets online at eventbrite.com or at local establishments in downtown Pentwater beginning in mid January. For more information: cfoggo@callcove.com or ‪231-843-254‬. Check out COVE Facebook for up-to-date information and participating downtown Pentwater locations.

This event is only for those 21 and older. Designated drivers can purchase a separate wristband to gain entry for $5 (commemorative mug and snack provided).