On Saturday, Jan. 25, and Sunday, Jan. 26, the YMCA will be hosting their 34^th year of Winterfest. Winterfest will be held at Parker Dam State Park with lots of activities to be expected.

Saturday activities start at 10 a.m. with the Freeze Your Gizzard 5k. For the Free Your Gizzard event wear the craziest hat or costume and kick off the Winterfest journey over the frozen tundra enjoying beautiful scenery. The race is all for fun, and awards will be given out at conclusion of this event at 4 p.m.

Sunday events will get started at 11 a.m. and conclude after the Polar Bear Swim at 4 p.m. The Polar Bear Swim is one of the main features at Winterfest. The swimming hole is cut through the ice at 11 a.m. so the participants can feel the full impact of the icy cold water. The plunge starts at 4 p.m. All plungers get a polar bear t-shirt, however, remember to pick up a pledge sheet and get your friends and family to sponsor you. A minimum of $25 in donations is required to participate for adults and $15 or more for children 12 years – 22 years old.

However, there are many more activities going on other than the Freeze Your Gizzard 5k and the Polar Bear Swim. At Winterfest some more activities that you can expect are: Snow Box Derby for kids, Snowman/Sculpture Contest, Sledding, Frozen Salami Sling, Concession Stand, Learn to Ice Skate, Cross-Country Ski Basics, Winter Backyard Birding, Dog Show, etc.

Each year Winterfest is planned out so that family and friends can get outside and have some fun during the wintertime. So, gather up your friends and family, clear your calendars and go have some fun at this year’s Winterfest.