First time attending Buckeye Lake Winterfest? Here's what to expect

Steve Stephens
·3 min read
An eager (and chilly) Winterfest visitor takes the Polar Plunge.
An eager (and chilly) Winterfest visitor takes the Polar Plunge.

BUCKEYE LAKE – Benny the Bass may not have been predicting the weather for as long as Punxsutawney Phil, but the finny forecaster is just as accurate as his landlubber groundhog counterpart, who has been at it for 125 years.

That is, not very.

And yet, these days no one actually visits Punxsutawney – or Buckeye Lake – for inside info on when to plant crops.

Phil and now Benny are figurehead kings, reigning over a people who are ready to shake off the winter blahs for at least a day or two of fun, entertainment and at least a tiny hope that spring really is just around the corner.

Benny’s domain is the Buckeye Lake Winterfest (buckeyelakecc.com/winterfest/), which has become the most popular event of the entire year in a region better known for warm weather diversions.

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For eight years, Benny has worked his meteorological magic a few days before Phil’s Groundhog Day performance, on the last Saturday of every January – this year on Jan. 28.

As they say, the early bass gets the worm – or not. Benny’s prediction takes place at 6:30 a.m. in his custom aquarium after it’s trucked to the Buckeye Lake North Shore Ramp.

According to the ancient texts, or perhaps the Buckeye Lake Chamber of Commerce, if Benny takes the offered bait, we’re in for an early spring. If not, well, you know.

Winterfest visitors watch as Benny the Bass predicts an early spring—or six more weeks of winter.
Winterfest visitors watch as Benny the Bass predicts an early spring—or six more weeks of winter.

Either way, fireworks are shot off over the lake into the predawn sky to celebrate, or rue, the forecast.

Winterfest continues with live entertainment, food, beverages (including plenty of the adult variety), community events and general, good-natured tom- (or Benny-) foolery.

The festival is a great time for anyone, but especially newbies, to visit Buckeye Lake, said Jonett Haberfield, executive director of the Escape to Buckeye Lake visitors bureau.

“Every business is doing something special,” Haberfield said.

“This gives visitors a chance to see everything here all at one time.”

Most businesses open early for the event to accommodate all-day revelers.

In case that revelry includes the aforementioned adult beverages – or for those who just don’t want to drive themselves around – three area shuttle bus companies sell wristbands providing unlimited transportation between participating area businesses, event sites and overnight lodging.

“And we have a lot of people who charter their own bus and bring all their friends,” Haberfield said.

The annual Polar Plunge at Buckeye Lake Winery attracts a large crowd and marks the end of Winterfest weekend.
The annual Polar Plunge at Buckeye Lake Winery attracts a large crowd and marks the end of Winterfest weekend.

Among the many participating businesses is Buckeye Lake Brewery, which will feature a Winterfest lager and host Benny after his prediction.

Most restaurants and taverns in the area will be joining the celebration with Winterfest specialties, including coffee and breakfast beginning at 6 a.m. at Millersport Coffee; mermaid bartenders at Mill Dam Corner Grille; an all-day happy hour at the Canal on Buckeye Lake; and live entertainment at more than a dozen sites.

The Buckeye Lake Yacht Club will be open to the public until 5 p.m. during Winterfest Saturday, and will host a local art show, live entertainment, a coffee bar and a Bloody Mary and Screwdriver Station.

Many retailers and other businesses will also offer specials and prizes during the festival, including LakeBound Outfitters with a drawing for a gift package including all-day kayaking and lunch for two during the 2023 season; and free coffee and a mystery merchandise bag from Buckeye Lighthouse CRT Realtors.

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Costumes are encouraged for participants and spectators at the Polar Plunge.
Costumes are encouraged for participants and spectators at the Polar Plunge.

Festivities continue on Jan. 29, wrapping up at 1 p.m. with a Polar Plunge off the dock at the Buckeye Lake Winery, with all proceeds benefiting United Way. Many attendees, whether plunging into the icy waters or not, dress in costume for the event – a fun, watery and appropriately goofy celebration in honor of everyone’s favorite piscean prognosticator.

A list of all activities, specials and participating businesses and institutions, as well as an interactive Winterfest trail map, is available at bit.ly/3GTp7Pq.

Steve Stephens is a freelance travel writer and photographer. Email him at sjstephensjr@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Buckeye Lake Winterfest and Benny the Bass return Jan. 28