President’s weekend will bring plenty of flavor to both Glen Arbor and Suttons Bay as both chili festivals are set to make mouths water with excitement.
The annual Winterfest Chili Cook-Off and Perch Fishing Contest is on the deck of Boonedocks in Glen Arbor on Saturday, Feb. from noon to 3 p.m.
The chili cook-off will be celebrating its 25th anniversary at Boonedocks since owner Bob Ewing and Jon Velis started it in February of 2000. Ewing and Velis started the chili cook off as a scholarship fundraiser for Glen Lake seniors.
“I think it’s a great place for people to meet up in the middle of winter and see some people you haven’t seen in a while. It’s a great cause,” Boonedocks owner Stephanie Ewing said. “We’ve actually morphed it now to where the bulk of the money still goes to school, but we are also donating around the area and around the world. We are donating some of the money to local charities, food banks and the like.”
Roughly $20,000 was raised last year, and Boonedocks calculated more than $10,000 from entrance fees.
“We have people starting to call the restaurant and email me in November, asking me if it’s happening ... It’s a big thing for people, for sure,” Ewing said.
The event promises a flavorful showdown and celebration of winter in northern Michigan.
Steve Nowicki, owner of Shipwreck Cafe in Empire, has been entered in the chili cookoff for the past eight years.
“Everybody is just happy to come out because generally everyone is locked up during winter,” Nowicki said.
Nowicki is known for his different variations of chicken chili.
This year’s chili recipe for Shipwreck will feature black beans, northern beans, jalapeno, salt, cumin, corn salsa and tomatoes, cream, and chicken.
Nowicki says the best beer that goes with chili is “whatever is free,” he said. “People are always bringing beers to me.”
Admission to the chili cook-off is $10 per person, which includes unlimited chili samples; $5 for kids ages 6-12; seniors 70+, kids under 6 enter for free.
Sportsmen will be perch fishing on Big and Little Glen Lake, beginning at 7 a.m. Catches will have to be weighed in at 1 p.m. at The Sportsman Shop in Glen Arbor, next to Boonedocks, with Captain Bob Smith. Winners will receive payouts from the perch tournament. Register for the perch fishing contest Wednesday through Friday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Boonedocks.
There is still time to enter your chili. “There may still be room for additional contenders to join the chili frenzy. Whether you’re a seasoned chili chef or a first-timer, consider entering your chili as a family or group of friends. It’s a fantastic way to showcase your skills and support a good cause.”
Top 5 chilies from Winterfest 2023: Hansen Foods, Boonedocks, Cherry Republic and Shipwreck Cafe. Over 800 people were in attendance last year, which set a new record.
Yeti Fest in SB
Chili is also on the menu the same day in the community of Suttons Bay which will celebrate “The Best Yeti Fest this side of the Himalayas.”
The Suttons Bay Chamber of Commerce will host the event, scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The chili cook-off will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. throughout Suttons Bay and will include a variety of chilies prepared by area restaurants.
The VI Grill will be Yeti central from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Activities include Yeti Exploration and activities for children at the library from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; the Yeti Cup Hockey Tournament at Ice Rink Park 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sledding is planned from noon to 2 p.m. behind the library. Hot dogs, face painting and hot chocolate will be served from noon to 2 p.m. at VI Grill. Free kid’s scavenger hunt for Yeti is set from noon to 4:30 p.m. An Interactive Digital Scavenger Hunt, is planned from noon to 4:30 p.m.
A free screening of “Abominable” will be shown at 1 p.m. at the Bay Theatre; live music at Yeti Central and an awards ceremony at 5 p.m.
