Enjoy Winter Festivals and Fun in Flint & Genesee

There is a beauty to the winter that we sometimes forget as we clamor for warmer months. It’s the twinkle of light on newly fallen snow though and the glimmer of sun along the ice that takes us back to childhood and the joy of winter adventures. With so many events and festivals coming that revel in the cold, snow, and ice, this is a perfect time to make your plans for your own winter fun.

Winter is the time for ice fishing and tournament season is upon us. In Linden, the 8^th Annual Linden Ice Fishing Tournament is happening on Feb. 10 and will run all day. There’s an early morning pancake breakfast, a day of ice fishing with awards at the end, and even a chili cook-off to make for a very full day, indeed.

In Fenton, there’s a Women’s 3v3 Hockey Tournament happening at The Barn on Feb. 10 as well. The tournament has two options where it can either be a game played for fun or a game played for the competitive glory of being the best team out there.

On Saturday, Feb. 24, the Peabody Ice Climbing Club in Fenton will be holding the Peabody Ice Fest 2023. With a food truck on site for your eating needs, an afterparty, camping available, and a full day of ice climbing to test your skills and get your adrenaline pumping. The climbing runs from 10 A.M.-6 P.M. and climbing gear will be available on a first come first serve. Be aware that this is not intended for those that are just learning to climb but more of an opportunity to see what ice climbing looks like and to experience that thrill from the ground. Even spectators will have a great time though watching as people brave the temperatures and the ice to try to get to the top. Bundle up and get ready for the most excitement you’ll have all winter!

In Davison, they’re offering Arctic Splash – Freezing for a Reason on Feb. 10 at Lake Callis. Participate as an individual or as a team with proceeds going to Ireland’s Dream, which is raising money to provide therapy for children with cerebral palsy. There are even prizes available for the highest fundraisers.

Feb. 17 in Davison is the Winter Chili Cook-Off at the Davison Farmers Market. With samples for $1 and full bowls for $6, you can find out for yourself who has the best chili at the market and your vote will help decide the winners. While you’re there you can even check out a craft show that will be happening as well.

The Robert Williams Nature and Historical Learning Center in Davison offers a Twilight Trail on Feb. 16. With lantern-lit trails, the promise of a campfire, and hot cocoa, this is another fantastic way to enjoy the beauty of the season in all its glory.  

For a change of pace, you may want to appreciate winter from afar. If that’s the case, then perhaps you’d be interested in the Dead of Winter Murder Mystery Dinner on Feb. 2. Sugarbush Golf Club & Banquet Center offers this mystery set during a winter snowstorm featuring a three-course dinner. You will get a chance to live the mystery as you interact with guests and actors alike to try to deduce who really done it on a night when murder is on the menu.

The Fenton Lions Club will be presenting its 2^nd Annual A Mid-Winter Night Out on Feb. 1 at Fenton Winery & Brewery. With music by dueling pianos, a delicious dinner, an open bar, and a raffle, this event will raise money for the Fenton Lions Club for the benefit of the community.

Finally, if you still yearn for warmer days then you can stop into Back to the Bricks’ Chrome & Ice Winter Indoor Car Show to check out the many classic and custom cars of a bygone era. The Dort Financial Center presents a more intimate space than the full summer event to take in hot rods, sports cars, rat rods, and trucks as far as the eye can see. With concessions, displays, demos, and the chance to see cars that would otherwise be hibernating, the event will keep you going as you wait for warmer weather to return.

Winter’s charm is all around and just waiting to be re-discovered in Flint & Genesee.