Glen Lake WinterFest would be cancelled, right? We just couldn’t envision people, strangers, neighbors, shoulder to shoulder on the decks of Boonedocks to sample chili – in a world still pushing through covid times. Like so many other annual events that had to be cancelled this year, the expectation seemed certain.
After collaborating with other local restaurants in both Empire and Glen Arbor, they decided they could pull off a revised version of the event where it is spread out at different locations and over a 2 day period of time, with no set event time of day.
The Chili Cook-off fundraiser will take place at locations in both Glen Arbor & Empire, President’s Day/Valentine’s Day weekend: Saturday February 13th & Sunday the 14th, 2021. There will be no “contest” or sampling this year, however you are invited to choose one or more of the participating locations to enjoy Chili. This year, chili will be for sale. Order by the bowl or get some Chili to-go. For on-site dining, many restaurants anticipate the re-opening of seating at 25% capacity. Participating locations for this year’s Chili Cook-Off include:
- Boonedocks, Glen Arbor
- Art’s Tavern, Glen Arbor
- Glen Arbor Wines, Glen Arbor
- Market 22, Maple City
- Cherry Republic, Glen Arbor
- Anderson’s Market, Glen Arbor
- Shipwreck Cafe, Empire
- Joe’s Friendly Tavern, Empire
NOTE: Each restaurant/location participating will have Chili for sale Saturday and/or Sunday, during their own business hours.
All of the proceeds and donations made from WinterFest are all given to the Glen Lake School Scholarship fund. A donation box may be available at each restaurant to accept cash or a check. For your safety and convenience, you can make a contribution to the Scholarship fund, online here:
Normally, as part of the WinterFest event happens all in one day, with The Sportsman Shop (situated next to Boonedocks in Glen Arbor) hosting the anticipated Perch Fishing Contest. This year, the contest will take place on the following Saturday, February 20th from 7am-1pm.
Sign up will take place at the Sportsman Shop in Glen Arbor, MI from 6-7:30am. Ice fishing takes place out on the Glen Lakes. Bring your catches back to weigh in at the Sportsman Shop at 1pm. There is a $10 entry fee – 100% payout. Call Bob at 231-883-5638 for more information.
Raquel Jackson, has been doing marketing and event promotion for the Glen Lake Chamber the last 7+ years, via her business Rockwell Art & Design. She continues to work with local businesses to help with their marketing on social media, website design, graphic design and photography, as well as the Press Releases necessary to promote community events, like this.
