Blowing Rock WinterFest brings winter fun

Jan. 13—A polar bear plunge, dog show, ice carving, wine and a host of activities return to Blowing Rock this month with the 26th annual Blowing Rock WinterFest.

The festival, from Jan. 25 through Jan. 28, offers area residents and visitors the chance to celebrate, instead of hibernate, during the winter months. The event theme is — Don't hibernate, celebrate.

One of the highlights of the festival is the polar bear plunge at Chetola Lake where hundreds of spectators gather to watch people in zany costumes take the plunge.

Many are plunging to raise awareness and funds for their favorite local nonprofit. Plunge registration is open to anyone who wants to take a dip in the icy cold water. Those who prefer to stay dry in the chilly temperatures can join in to help countdown participants from the lakeside fire pit. Spectator admission is free. John Carter of WBTV Charlotte returns as emcee, bringing lots of energy and humor to the event.

"Blowing Rock WinterFest offers unique opportunities to come out and celebrate this exciting season," said John Goheen, event coordinator. "Of all our events, I think this festival really showcases our town's hospitality and fun-loving spirit!"

Since 1998, Blowing Rock WinterFest has been bringing extra fun to the winter season.

Through the years, the festival has grown to present a wide variety of activities and programming, most with a give-back component for the community. The 2024 festival will see the return of two popular events — the WinterFest Wine Tasting and Auction and the WinterPaws Dog Show.

"We are thrilled to have the return of The WinterPaws Dog Show and The Wine Tasting and Auction back to our list of events for the WinterFest celebration," Goheen said. "These events always pull in such a crowd and really make an impact on our WinterFest celebration.

"If you haven't experienced them before, be sure to check them both out this year. On top of just being a blast to attend, they both raise money for great causes."

The Wine Tasting offers an exceptional selection of international and North Carolina wines, and is directly followed by the auction. Attendees who participate in the auction will have the opportunity to bid on vacation packages, wines, glassware, and lots more with incredibly low starting bids on many items. It's fast-paced and lots of fun. Proceeds from the auction go to Rotary's Coins for Alzheimer's Research Trust.

The WinterPaws Dog Show invites everyone to show off their four-legged best friend or just come to see the cutest dogs around. This good-natured exhibition includes fun categories like Most Clever Trick, Best Dressed, and Owner/Pet Lookalike. Registration is paid by donation of canned goods or cash. Food items will go to the Hunger and Health Coalition, and proceeds from registrations and event admission will benefit local law enforcement K-9 units.

There's so much more packed into the weekend, starting with WinterFeast, presented at Green Park Inn.

At WinterFeast, diners sample a variety of culinary treats provided by several local restaurants. This event has already sold out, organizers say.

The Rotary Chilly Chili Challenge is another crowd favorite. Long-time festival attendees will find this year's location familiar — the gym at Blowing Rock School, which offers plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the various flavors of chili.

At the Rotary Chilly Chili Challenge, guests are invited to warm up with samples of chili and make donations to place votes for the best one in town. Donations and ticket proceeds go to partnered nonprofits.

At the WinterFest Beer Garden, attendees will taste some of the best local beers from around the High Country. The Four Seasons Ballroom at Meadowbrook Inn, with its wraparound windows and view of the duck pond, is a bright and welcoming new location for the Beer Garden. This new location is a shift from previous years where the Beer Garden was an outdoor event.

"We've moved to presenting the Beer Garden indoors, where attendees can be more comfortable and the experience isn't impacted by weather conditions," Goheen said.

Several festival activities are free of charge.

The Ice Stroll, which opens Friday night during the festival, will feature a collection of custom ice carvings hosted at local businesses.

Visitors will be able to stop by each ice carving to take a look and also take photos. Maps of the locations will be provided.

Visitors will also be able to watch the creation of more frozen masterpieces in Memorial Park on Saturday. Live ice carving demonstrations are a centerpiece of the festival, with the talented team from Artisan Ice Sculptures creating carvings throughout the afternoon.

Downtown hayrides, the Festival of Lights at Chetola Resort, and square dancing at the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum are free to enjoy as well.

There's even more, including the Silent Auction, Cork and Canvas classes, and the classic Pancake Breakfast fundraiser at Blowing Rock School.

Activities will take place all weekend along Main Street, with the Tomahawk Hill Winterhawk Tournament, Winter Duck Derby and Frozen Heart Adventure at Mystery Hill.

Tickets are available at BlowingRockWinterFest.com, along with the full schedule of events and participation information.

Blowing Rock is accessible from anywhere in the region, less than two hours from Charlotte and Greensboro, three hours from Knoxville and Raleigh, and five hours from Atlanta and Charleston. A wide range of accommodations are available. Visit blowingrock.com/lodging for details.

Blowing Rock WinterFest, which has been named a AAA "Top Pick" and a Top 20 Event by Southeastern Tourism Society, is organized by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce and presented by Hendrick Luxury Group.