Winterfest returns this weekend
Winterfest will return to New Baltimore this weekend with a slew of activities and a special “salute to service.”
The New Baltimore Lions Club will host this year’s event Friday to Sunday on Washington Street downtown. The weekend will be dedicated to military members.
“I am thrilled to have this year’s festival dedicated to our military,” said Laura Szymanski, vice president of the Lions Club and Winterfest chair. “When our guests enter our tent this year you will see the faces of our beloved soldiers. We wish to thank all those men and women with grateful hearts.”
Leading up the event, the Lions Club invited the public to join them in honoring veterans and service members by ordering a commemorative banner to be displayed in the Winterfest tent throughout the weekend. The banners include information like a service member’s name, branch and rank, along with a photo.
“Please tour the tent sections where the military banners will be placed, remembering and honoring those that fought for our freedoms and peace worldwide,” Szymanski said, encouraging attendees to wear red, white, blue or camo to join them in a “salute to service.”
Now in its 31st year, Winterfest kicks off Friday with social cornhole beginning at 5 p.m., followed by live music performed by the Anchor Bay Jazz Orchestra and The Gobies. A beer stein hoisting competition will cap the night.
Saturday will bring activities
for all ages including horse and pony rides, a boxing demonstration, floor games and prizes, and a drone show at dusk. Children’s vision screening and lunch will also be available.
“The New Baltimore Lions continue to provide a free family day, packed full of family fun activities,” Szymanski said.
Live music on Saturday will include performances by Blue Skye and Paisley Grace, a local 10-year-old whose song dedicated to the Detroit Lions during their recent playoff run got a nod from the team on TikTok.
“You don’t want to miss these young artists, Blue Skye and Paisley Grace, who I am certain will be headed
into a musical career,” Szymanski said.
Sunday morning will begin with a pancake breakfast cooked by Boy Scout Troop 211. A Bloody Mary bar will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Each year, the Lions Club seeks designs for the official polar plunge T-shirt. This year’s T-shirt design winner, Genny Lang, will be introduced at 12:30 p.m. Sunday. Musician Grace will return to the stage to sing the national anthem prior to the tug of war competition between the city’s police and fire departments. Last year, the police department claimed its second straight victory.
“Both chiefs will be supporting
on the side lines to see where the prized trophy will end up for 2024,” Szymanski said.
Polar plunge participants will line up at 1 p.m. Sunday in Walter and Mary Burke Park to brave the chilly waters of Anchor Bay. The event has remained a highlight of Winterfest for decades, drawing people of all ages to take the plunge.
Winterfest is the New Baltimore Lions Club’s largest annual fundraising event. All proceeds support the New Baltimore Lions Club and its charities. Lions Club members work yearround to coordinate entertainment, food and beverage, merchandise, games and activities for the event.
Last year’s Winterfest drew more than 8,000 people downtown.
“We thank all our sponsors, volunteers and supporters of the Winterfest,” said Szymanski, who has been leading the event for six years. “A complete list of our charities as well as service projects will be posted in the tent. We deeply appreciate your participation to allow us to continue our work for the community.”
For more information, visit lionswinterfest.com or facebook.com/newbaltimorelions.