It’s cold as a wagon tire out there, y’all. But things are heating up in Cedarburg, where they’re getting ready to have a rootin’ tootin’ good time at their annual Winter Festival.
“Wild West Winterfest,” takes place on Saturday, Feb. 18 from 10 a.m to 9 p.m. and Sunday Feb. 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
There’s something for everyone at this two-day celebration which will feature a western themed ice carving contest, barrel races, bed races on ice, plus shopping, golf and a Saturday night all ages “Hoedown Showdown” during which four bands will compete to win a spot on stage at the Cedarburg Strawberry Festival.
Highlights
Bundle up the nippers and head outside for camel rides, a petting zoo, sledding or ice skating. Be sure to stop by at the new Kids Corral at the Community Center to take part in crafts, make treats and make some memories to take home at the Summit Credit Union Selfie Station.
Throughout the festival, you can mosey along the main drag where ice carvers will transform 300 pound blocks of ice into sparkling Western-themed art. While you’re there, peruse the wares at shops and studios along Washington Avenue and throughout the Cedar Creek Settlement. Many are offering discounts, product sampling, giveaway items and fabulous winter sales, and you could hit pay dirt and win a gift basket featuring $100+ of items from Settlement shops on Saturday afternoon.
Grab a bite to eat from food trucks along the street and be sure to stop by the Cedar Creek Winery for a cup of hot mulled wine. You can also head over to The Anvil Pub & Grille for their chili bar and festive drinks from their snow bar.
Don’t miss the Winter Festival’s Grand Parade at 1 p.m. on Saturday. Follow the costumed characters down the street to the frozen pond of Cedar Creek to witness the hilarious bed races on ice competition at 1:30 p.m., followed by barrel races at 2 p.m. (weather permitting). Afterwards, enjoy open ice skating on the Mill Pond. The Festive Ice Rink located in Cedar Creek Park will also be open if weather permits.
Feeling competitive?
Sign up online for the barrel races, bed races or the Cedarburg Lion’s Ice-Burg Open Golf Tournament featuring 18 rounds of tennis ball golf in Cedar Creek Park beginning Saturday at 9 a.m. Budding grub slingers are also invited to whip up a pot of award winning chili for the Individual Chili Contest, which takes place at the Community Center at noon.
For more information, event registration, festival map and tickets to the Hoedown Showdown head to cedarburgfestivals.org.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
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