Enjoying a fun winter day!

We had a great turn out this year with many new faces meeting and signing up for winter games for all ages.

Kick off at the boathouse with scrambled eggs and sausage prepared by Tom Rowley the man with the pan- set up was made by Bill Zebro, who stayed up all night to make sure we were ready for food and events.

This year we had an ice fishing contest and the kids big and small hit it hard with over 70, one and a half to two pound trout brought through the ice. First fish award went to Marie Schell and the most fish went to Charlie "Spud" Rowley. Other fierce competing anglers included Conner and Parker Cole, Ben Schell, Tommy Rowley, Chris Cole, and a half fish caught by Scott Schell.

The games were delayed slightly when the set up crew became the entertainment crew, as they decided to crash the snow plow through the ice during the ice fishing contest. No one was hurt except for the driver's ears from the screaming of the passenger and co-pilot, Naomi. Pat Brauner, friend of the resort, from Brauner Garage and Tow was quick to respond with a wrecker to save the equipment from becoming a fish crib.

After the ice fishing and the plow disaster, we took a break inside the boathouse where we all gathered around the pot luck chili, cocoa and hot totties brought by most if not all of the families attending. Plenty of food, laughs and smiling faces. Several compliments made by management and adults about the kids ranging from five years old to 16 years old, about their manners and being so courteous.

Bill Zebro rallied up the troops for the next game of ice Frisbee pitch and then to the snow pole, while the kids went to sledding. The last of the individual games was snow golf, which went into over time with Amanda being the champion. Winner of the Frisbee was Loosha Rowley and Chris Cole won the snow pole event.

We finished up with freestyle sledding, which many did not dare to try but many did. As we watched in awe, the "Double Mint Twins" continued their escapades with the kids riding on each other's backs while sledding.

Jeff Rowley won the best crash, while coming back to the games after a long nap. He proceeded to destroy the sled run with three or four kids on his back, while making his scored run.

Naomi Knourek had the best style on her run but was beat out when Julie Zebro made her run and pulled a 90 degree sweeping turn to grab her beer! Extra points were rewarded from our sponsors at Black River Falls Sand Creek Brewery.

Once all points were totaled and sledding scores factored, the 2008 Winter Fest Champions...Gold- Dennis Rickert, Silver- Dustin Segel, Bronze- Loosha Rowley!

We had then set up a two person ice soccer tourney and competition was fierce, no fatalities but one injury to our girl Karen Rickert, but she was quick to get up and share a smile with everyone and enjoy a seat in the boathouse. Once all had settled the winners were Chris Cole and partner Amanda Haugen.

Our friends and sponsors from Sand Creek, Todd and Nancy Kruger with partners Jim and Trish Wiesender joined us with friends and family, as well as our sponsors from Tegarosa, Kevin and Lizzy Tegels to watch a professional fireworks display to cap a great day of fun and camaraderie.

Sunday morning most gathered at the main lodge for pancakes and sausage. Then set out for Winter fest Bowla-Rama at Duffy's in Galesville, Wisconsin. Over 20 members had a blast at Duffy's, whose owner Duffy himself went out of his way to meet, greet and satisfy all who attended- he then surprised us all with a special Winterfest Trophy, which all who attended were allowed to sign.

If you are ever near Galesville and would like a great family outing we highly recommend Duffy's- book a lane or two, the place is very clean and service is outstanding, ask for Duffy 608.582.4870.