The post-holiday gloom is real. The lights and decorations are down, the jolly spirit dissipates and the dark days of January seem to drag on far too long. But in northern Utah, the fun is only beginning.
The annual Bear Lake Monster Winterfest, Bear Lake’s largest annual winter event, is starting the new year off with a splash. Held Jan. 22-24, Bear Lake’s Winterfest is a fresh blast of fun that’s sure to make the snowy season something to look forward to.
From games, events, prizes, and more, there are many reasons to check it out. Here are a few.
Prizes
Each activity and event of the two-day Winterfest offers prizes in one form or another. Between door prizes and a raffle, attendees will enjoy being showered with opportunities to win something. What’s more, you can enter your chili recipe into the Monster Chili Cook-off to win prizes your neighbors will drool over.
Whether you dress up in the costume contest or try your hand at winning the biggest cisco fish award, there are plenty of fabulous prizes to compete for at Winterfest.
Helping others
Should you have a hankering for giving back in the post-holiday doldrums, Winterfest is a great way to make it happen.
Dedicated to strengthening families, protecting children, and helping victims of domestic abuse and assault, The Family Place non-profit is the 2021 recipient of registration fees for events like the Monster Plunge and other portions of the 2021 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest.
Most activities take place in the Utah Bear Lake State Park Marina and Sunrise Resort & Event Center. The state park’s entrance fee at the Marina will be waived for those attending the event, with the hope that you’ll donate to The Family Place.
No matter which activities you choose at Winterfest, there will be several chances to pay it forward and help families, children, and victims of domestic abuse through supporting The Family Place.
Bragging rights
Each year, the bravest of the brave take the Monster Plunge in silly costumes, wetsuits, or even just a plain, old swimming suit. The winter waters of Bear Lake’s Marina may be frigid, but it’s all for a good cause, with the proceeds raised from registration fees given to The Family Place.
Jumper entries cost $30 (if you buy in advance), but included in the fee is the proof of your daring act — a Monster Plunge commemorative sweater. Find out more about plunge registration here.
Take the plunge and proudly wear your commemorative sweater so everyone will know that you braved the icy waters of the Bear Lake Monster Plunge.
Good fishing
One of the most anticipated Bear Lake Monster Winterfest events is the cisco fishing.
There are several opportunities to fish throughout the event, provided you have a fishing license, but the best time to catch cisco fish is at sunrise. At dawn, novice and experienced fishers alike will join on the east side of Bear Lake at Cisco Beach for the Monster Cisco Disco.
State Park fees apply, but the small cost pays off with a net full of cisco fish. The best part? If you have a fish you think worthy of the Cisco Fish Tournament, you can enter your big little fish to win a prize in a variety of categories. Entries must be brought to the Marina between 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., with winners announced at noon.
Tasty (hot) food
Start your Winterfest experience the right way by attending the Monster Taste of Bear Lake at the Sunrise Resort & Event Center (865 N Harbor Village East Drive, Garden City Utah) 5-7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22. The event features local restaurant specialties.
Free fun
Whether you’re watching the craziness of the Monster Plunge or a free movie at the kickoff party, there’s plenty to do and see that doesn’t cost money. Family-friendly fun at a reasonable price can be hard to come by — especially in the winter — but the Bear Lake Monster Winterfest does not disappoint.
Come take in the beauty of Bear Lake in the winter while enjoying time-old traditions, good food, and a friendly community atmosphere Jan. 22–24, 2021.
There will be COVID-19 precautions in place. Masks are required at all events and hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the venues.
Put on by the Bear Lake Rendezvous Chamber of Commerce, Bear Lake Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau, Garden City Fire District, and Bear Lake State Park, as well as numerous sponsors, the community of Bear Lake want to spread some January joy and fun, all while helping those in need.
For more details about the event, visit their website at bearlakemonsterwinterfest.com.