The Empire Winterfest returned to Empire with success due to the efforts of local “Ladies of The Lake” led by the Empire Area Community Center Chair Mae Stier and cochair Ella Skrocki Saturday.
“A huge shout out to all of the members of the community who made very generous financial contributions by means of free will offerings totalling $614.47 at this event and will be used by the EACC General Fund to further its mission of providing ongoing support for events and worthy causes throughout the Greater Empire Area Community,” EACC President President Gerry Shiffman said in a press release. “Please know that this extraordinary community and the success of these events, would not be the same without you all.”
A popular yoga session kicked off the day at the Township Hall which was followed up by the long standing ritual and rite of passage, The Polar Plunge, which would not have happened without the aid and efforts of a committed team of women and men from our local Fire Department.
This group of first responders worked together to cut an at least 10-foot wide hole in the ice on South Bar Lake and maintained safety and support both in and out of the frigid water.
Another local “Ladies of The Lake” Faith Hoekstra fulfilled her role as lead safety officer as she oversaw and directed the willing participants who plunged their way into history with dips, dives and splashes into the frozen depths of South Bar Lake.
Stier and Skrocki arranged for two portable saunas that they set up alongside the Polar Plunge site and were enjoyed by many who took shelter in the warmth and privacy of the units to change clothes and also to pre and post warm themselves before and after plunging.
The folks at Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate Shop brewed up and delivered a huge pot of their specialty hot chocolate to the plunge site for all to enjoy.
Outdoor winter games were hosted by Skrocki and Michael King alongside the Sleeping Bear Surf and Kayak Shop which were organized and led by March Dye and Meg Walton, where a large fire pit spread warmth and kids of all ages played games and enjoyed climbing “snow mountain.”
Tina Dumphey and her family hosted a community meet and greet at Tiffany’s Ice Cream Shop and Cafe serving coffee and hot chocolate which was enjoyed by many.
David Diller and the Friends of the Library hosted an event at the Glen Lake Library and EACC’s Wendy Peplinski led story time along with art crafting for kids to enjoy.
The township hall hosted by EACC was the site of a community gathering where many caring community members brought delicious soups, breads, side dishes and desserts to share with the 75+ folks who attended and enjoyed the beat and sound of live music provided by Chris Skelleger and Paul Koss.
Organizers gave special thanks to Paul Skinner and the Empire Chamber of Commerce for their very generous donation of support as well as the Empire Village Council and the Empire DPW for all of their willingness and efforts of support for this splendid community event.
Special thanks also go out to local printer and citizen extraordinaire Jack Gyr of Fieldcrafts and Bookware who has created, printed and supplied by way of donation all of the printed posters and advertising for not only this event but for every event that EACC has sponsored for upwards of 13 years now.
“Many thanks and recognition to Joanne “Yogi” Beare EACC’s vice president and to each and every Member of EACC who in their own way have contributed to not only the success of this wonderful Winterfest event but who have contributed selflessly throughout the years as volunteers in support of improving the quality of life for ALL members of this extraordinary community and its visitors and guests,” Shiffman said.
Gary Shiffman jumps into South Bar Lake during a polar plunge Saturday Courtesy photos
