Zany Excitement: Polar Bear Plunge
Each year, spectators gather around the north end of Chetola Lake on the Saturday morning of WinterFest to watch an exuberant celebration of winter fun! Be part of the excitement as dozens of jumpers brave the cold waters and take the plunge into the lake! Spectators are introduced to every jumper by the event emcee. Al Conklin, Chief Meteorologist at WBTV Charlotte, will be the event emcee for 2025. One of the best things about the Polar Bear Plunge: most jumpers are in outrageous costumes! Be there to see which costume takes the prize of the coveted Golden Plunger. It’s all for a good cause, too, as proceeds from jumper registration go to local non-profits. This event has been part of Blowing Rock WinterFest since the first festival 27 years ago. 2020 welcomed the largest number of Polar Bear Plunge jumpers ever, with 155 registered participants. Spectator attendance is free!
Sponsored by ERX
– Saturday, January 25, 10am at Chetola Resort
Awesome Photo Ops: Ice Stroll
This is a truly unique winter experience! Take a tour of nearly two dozen specialty ice sculptures all over town, starting Friday evening (weather permitting). Local businesses commission the sculptures just for Blowing Rock WinterFest and display them outside their businesses. The principal sculptor, Nathan Moran of Artisan Ice Sculptures, is one of a few Master Ice Carvers in the United States, so the work is incredible. There have been some memorable designs and you don’t want to miss the collection this year! Past sculptures have included a teapot pouring tea, a trout jumping from a stream, a gang of playful Minions, a British phone box, Bigfoot, and a piggy bank complete with loose change inside. The sculptures remain on display throughout the weekend, as long as it’s cold enough for them to last. (If it’s warm on Friday, sculptures may be set up on Saturday morning.) Find stroll maps online and at each sculpture site.
– Starts Friday, January 24, 6-8 pm in various locations
See more carvings created LIVE on Saturday, January 25, 12pm-4pm in Memorial Park
Flavors for a Good Cause: Sip & Savor Wine Tasting & Charity Auction
Try delicious wines and tasty nibbles at this highly anticipated WinterFest event! Warm up in a cozy and friendly atmosphere with plenty of samples. Find a wide selection of international and quality NC wines. Then enjoy a rollicking, fast-paced, live auction of luxury items, experiences, and wine lots! Drink Responsibly and designate a driver for this 21+ event!
Presented by Life Store Bank & Insurance
– Saturday, January 25, 3-6 pm at Chetola Resort
Tasty Competition: Rotary Chilly Chili Challenge
If there’s one dish that always goes perfectly with a winter day, it’s a bowl of chili. The Rotary Chilly Chili Challenge presents the opportunity to try out all kinds of different chili samples presented by local restaurants. This event has a twist, though: attendees are encouraged to “vote” for their favorite chili with donations to local non-profits. Each restaurant is paired with a local non-profit, bringing awareness to local needs and gathering donations with delicious chili. So bring some cash to cast your vote for People’s Choice! Additionally, at-the-door ticket sales are cash only.
Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Blowing Rock
– Saturday, January 25, 11am- 2pm at Blowing Rock School Gym
Incredible Local Finds: Raffle & Silent Auction
The Mountain Alliance Raffle and Silent Auction is THE spot to find some real High Country treasures. It’s one of the best silent auctions anywhere! The selection is always incredible, including items like local art, outdoor gear & equipment, memorabilia, and more. Find experiences like local spas treatments, event tickets, and attractions packages up for auction as well. It’s all donated by generous residents and business owners and it benefits Mountain Alliance, a local organization providing transformative experiences and support for teens.
– Saturday, January 25, 10am- 4pm at Blowing Rock American Legion Hall
Fun with the Locals: WinterPaws Dog Show
This neighborhood event is the perfect wrap up to a community celebration. Everyone is invited to bring their canine family members to join in the fun! Enjoy a sweet and silly set of delightful categories like Most Clever Trick, Owner & Pet Lookalike, and Golden Oldie for adorable senior pets. It’s playful and neighborly, and great fun for everyone, even if you don’t have a pet! Advance registration is encouraged, but you can register on-site. Registration and admission proceeds benefit the Hunger & Health Coalition. All are invited to bring canned goods for donation to their efforts in the community.
Benefitting the Hunger & Health Coalition
– Sunday, January 26, 12-3 pm at Blowing Rock School Gymnasium
