If there’s one thing northern Michiganders know how to do best, it’s how to have fun and bring the community together in the middle of winter.
This President’s Day weekend in Leelanau County was evidence of just that, with families, friends, and local small businesses getting outside to celebrate in popular annual events like the Yeti Fest in Suttons Bay and Winterfest Chili Cook-Off/Perch Fishing Contest in Glen Arbor.
The Suttons Bay Chamber of Commerce presented “The Best Yeti Fest This Side of the Himalayas” on Saturday, which featured a chili cook-off throughout the village prepared by area restaurants. A big congratulations to Boone’s Prime Time Pub for winning “judges choice,” as well as Hansen Foods for winning the “people’s choice award” for this year’s chili cookoff. The VIP secret chili judges, radio personality Vic McCarty, Leelanau Christian Neighbors Executive Director Mary Stanton, and Karen Pontius, from Suttons Bay Spices, helped make the event exciting (and tasty) for all. Besides the chili festival, there were many other entertaining activities for people of all ages, including an interactive scavenger hunt, a Yeti Cup Hockey Tournament, and a screening of “Abominable” at the Bay Theatre.
In Glen Arbor, the Winterfest Chili Cook-Off and Perch Fishing Contest celebrated its 25th anniversary at Boonedocks since owner Bob Ewing and Jon Velis began the event in February 2000. Congratulations to Glen Lake Community Schools staff, who won the best chili award, followed by Joel from Boonedock’s who took home second place, as well as the numerous other winners that trailed close behind and participated. Hundreds of people had the chance to partake in the chili tasting festivities, with over 800 ballots submitted for voting by attendees.
Ewing and Velis started the event as a scholarship fundraiser for Glen Lake Community School seniors, which unsurprisingly aligns with the spirit of giving in not just the Glen Arbor area, but the county as a whole. While the money still goes to the school, Boonedocks owner Stephanie Ewing said they’re now able to donate to other charities and food banks in the area and around the world. The participation of community members that care deeply about their neighbors and the place that they live is certainly one of the reasons that made those donations possible.
Most importantly, a big shout out to the dozens of volunteers that dedicated their time to help ensure another successful weekend of Yeti themed activities and delicious chili tastings throughout Leelanau — It truly takes a village to make a (county-wide) community a good one year after year.
