Chelan, Washington – The Lake Chelan “Winterfest – Fire & Ice at
the Lake” was a great success this
weekend and despite the cold weather and the lack of snow, everyone seemed to
enjoy our activities. The Lake Chelan
Chamber Lake Chelan Tourism and Promotion Group, The City of Chelan and local
service groups, local businesses and residents organized Winterfest 2007.
Larry Pratt, a local artist built two ice
sculptures during Friday afternoon and early evening downtown Chelan. The sculptures are still available for
viewing. They were very good; one was of
an eagle taking flight and the other was of a salmon jumping out of the
water.
The Snow Sculpting contest was a fun event and as
always we had some great entries. In the
Open Division, 1st place winner was Mark Fankhauser, from Chelan who
sculpted a guy laid back in an easy chair, with his belly sticking out. 2nd place winner was Larry Pratt,
also from Chelan did an amazing sculpture of several big horn sheep. Gabe and Chris, from Chelan did a sculpture
of a Seahawk helmet. In the Family
Divison; 1st place winner was the Rutter Family, from Chelan who did a fun
sculpture of a “cold/hot” tub.
2nd place winner was Andrew and Karen Keebler, from East Wenatchee who completed an alien space ship. Kelly Lawson and her friends from Seattle did an importu
sculpture of a Polar Bear and won 3rd place.
The Chili Cook-off sponsored by Millennium Digital
Media and Apple Cup Café was held at the Chamber offices. We had some great tasting chili recipes and
the judges were very impressed. There
were 30 entries, with the $5 entry fee, making a total of $150 that will be
donated to the Lake Chelan Food Bank.
The top 3 winners were; Richard Wynn from Mukilteo/Chelan for
1st place and will have his Chili featured at the Apple Cup Café
during the 2008 Winterfest weekend.
Rob Goolsby from Auburn won 2nd
place, and Irene Mewett from Chelan finished with 3rd
place.
Jackie Tupling and her many helpers; Kate
Tomlinson, Elsa Orsozco and Theresa Weldy coordinated the kid’s games at Don
Morse Park. Over 50 kids participated in
the activities and there was fun all around.
The Keg Toss which demonstrated the strength and agility of the
competitors was very popular. In the
Men’s division, we had 28 entries, Dave Richards, from Covington won
1st place throwing a total of 33 ft and 2nd place went to
Rick Long, from Chelan threw 30 ft. In
the Women’s division we have 13 entries and Nicki Biagi, from Spokane, Washington won
with a toss of 15 ft and Lyndsey Pate, from Snohomish, WA
won 2nd place with a toss of 13 ft.
A total of $200 was collected as entry fees and will be donated to the
Lake Chelan Food Bank.
Throughout the day, the Lion’s provided the
“always” awesome chili for the spectators and the evening continued with the
Torchlight Parade, with 17 entries proceeding down Woodin Ave. and Hwy
150 to Don
Morse Park.
The Lion’s Community Bonfire provided warmth for the Splashers and
spectators. Approximately 40 “crazy”
people participated in the Polar Bear Splash, braving the cold air
temperature. A spectacular Firework show
ended the event festivities. A special
thank you to Eagles Fireworks for a job well done.
Winterfest was a success thanks to the work of all
the volunteers and participants. And
special thank you to our presenting sponsors; The McNaughton Foundation, as well
as our other sponsors; The Lake Chelan Tourism and Promotion Group, Millennium
Digital Media, Shaw Plumbing, Inc., Raycom Radio Shack, Windermere/Lake Chelan
Real Estate, LLC. Donations were made by
Marci Hale – Quite Acres and C.E. Pulliam – Apple Blossom Home. A special thank you for the following “In
Kind” sponsors; Caravel Resort & Grandview on the Lake, along with John
Walcker, Lake Chelan Lion’s Club, Lake Chelan Rotary Club, Historic Downtown
Chelan Association, The Lake Chelan Snowmobile Club, The Chelan Teen Center, All
Seasons Rental, KOZI, Prairie Media, Safeway and Red Apple and especially the
City of Chelan for all their hard work.
Dow Jones
