10 Reasons to Check Out Winterfest 2017
Winterfest is a full weekend of winter fun in Grand Haven, Michigan during the last week of January. Winterfest began in 1979 and has grown into a big event along the West Michigan shoreline. This is an interactive festival with something for everyone – from the very young to the young at heart.
Here are 10 reasons you have to check out Winterfest 2017 in Grand Haven, Michigan!
1) Glow-Bowl
Thursday, January 26
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
@ Mulligan’s Hollow Ski Bowl
$5.00 gets you a lift ticket for Glow-Bowl – the kick-off event of Winterfest. If it glows, flashes, or lights up, slap it on and glow it up!
More info.
2) Art Reception
Friday, January 27
Come on down to the Tri-Cities Historical Museum to celebrate West Michigan talen and view works of the 2017 Winterfest Photography participants at our our Art Reception. Award winner will be announced. All are welcome to attend. Refreshments, provided by Co-Sponsor Meals for a Week, will be served. Call the Tri-Cities Historical Museum at (616) 842-0700 for more information.
3) Intergalactic Human Sled Race
Friday, January 27
Intergalactic Human Sled Race:
Harborfront parking lot
• Registration: 7:00 pm
• Races Begin: 8:00 pm
Get your team of six (4 Pullers, 1 Musher, 1 Rider) and cruise in Winterfest style, downtown Grand Haven, during our Intergalactic Human Sled Race Championship. Registration is free and the sleds are provided. More info.
4) Family Dog Pull
Saturday, January 28
Registration at 9:00 am. Races from 9:30 am – 11:00 am at Mulligan’s Hollow. Gear up for the most fun that you can have with a saucer sled and a four-legged friend. Children of all ages are welcome. More info.
5) Cardboard Sled Race
Saturday, January 28
Registration: 10:00 am. Sled Judging: 10:30 am. Races begin: 11:00 am at Mulligan’s Hollow. Build a cardboard sled and race it down the snowy hill at Mulligan’s Hollow. Sleds must pass inspection to participate. More info.
6) Kid’s Day
Saturday, January 28
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm at the Tri-Cities Family YMCA. Doors open at 12:00 pm. Creative projects, balloons, face painting, hamster & gerbil races, and more! More info.
7) Race of Kings: Hamster/Gerbil Race
Saturday, January 28
Registration: 1:00 pm Races: 2:00 pm at the Tri-Cities Family YMCA.
Bring your pet & gerbil ball to Kid’s Day and let ‘em roll. Be signed up and ready to race in this crowd favorite. More info.
8) Bonfire Bash
Saturday, January 28
Harborfront parking lot
• 3:00pm – 10:00pm
Come warm your buns by the fires…a dozen fire pits right downtown. Music, drinks, free hot dogs, hot chocolate, s’mores, and more. All ages welcome. It’s the middle of winter, so let’s roast some marshmallows by the fire! More info.
9) Dumpster Dive
Saturday, January 28
4:00 pm – DURING THE BONFIRE BASH
You know at least a few people who would LOVE to see you do this. In fact, they’re willing to put their money where their mouth is to see you do it.
Or better yet, convince a friend or coworker. Say, “Hey John, we’re going to raise ($50, $500, $5000, whatever you want to say here or let them pick the number) to see you do the Winterfest Dumpster Dive. When we hit that goal, you have to jump in!”
Or get a couple people and a couple buckets. Each person gets a bucket. People put money into the buckets. The person whos bucket has the most money dives in!
Your boss would love to do this. Ask them at a really crowded company meeting!
10) Sleepwalker Run
Saturday, January 28
6:00 pm – DURING THE BONFIRE BASH
We’re running through town in our pajamas! Fun and prizes for an exciting run around downtown from the Bonfire Bash and back.
6:00 pm – The Sleepwalker .62 – Join us for the free, fun, family run up the snowmelted sidewalks and back. No registration required. Just show up in your pajamas and have some fun!
6:30 pm – The Sleepwalker 2.62 – Register for this fundraising fun run and help us Save the Catwalk. This family friendly 2.62 mile jaunt in your pajamas will take you up Washington, around town, and back again. It’s the most fun you’ll have in your longjohns this winter! Pre-register for $25. You can register at the event for $30. More info.
The snow is upon us and with Michigan’s winters being long and cold, this is a perfect time to get out and be active. There are plenty of activities to keep everyone warm and having a great time. Come out and enjoy the fun at Winterfest 2017!
Photo credit: Randy Riksen Photography