It’s winter in Minnesota and brave folks don’t mind bundling up for some outdoor fun. This year there is plenty of snow to enjoy the festivities at North Branch’s 8th Annual Winter Fest. And there really is something for everyone, indoors and outdoors.All five senses will be treated this weekend when you and your family and friends come out to enjoy the fun.

The North Branch Area Chamber invites everyone to join them for the Winter Fest Feb. 6 – 10. Kick off the festivities with the medallion hunt starting today, Feb. 6.  Look for clues in the Post Review, Cambridge Star, at all button sales locations, aired on KBEK and WCMP and at www.NorthBranchChamber.com. With a registered button the medallion is worth $500. For warmer winter fun, stop by JJ’s Bowl & Lounge for the first-ever Sno-Bowl today. The fun continues on Friday at 7 p.m. with the Swingin’ Sertomans at the North Branch High School auditorium.      

On Saturday, start your morning off with a brisk run on the Sunrise Prairie Trail at 10 a.m. with the “Freeze Your Bunz” 5K Run/Walk. Then come to Central Park for some chili and you can help choose the winner in the Chili Show Down. It starts at 11 a.m. with the awarding of the “Healthiest Chili.” Be sure to “vote with your spoon” for your favorite. Don’t miss the ice sculpting demonstration as professional ice sculptors bring Dr. Seuss characters to life out of huge blocks of clear ice. Or come in your “old sled” for the Vintage Snowmobile Ride and Expo starting at noon. Take a ride on the Sunrise Prairie Trail following the awarding of the trophies. Enjoy a good book at the Seuss House with “Cat in the Hat’ reading his favorites from his collection of Dr. Seuss. Bring your skates and meet at the municipal rink.  The Family Ice Skate with “Frosty” begins at 1 p.m. with prizes, refreshments and pictures with Frosty. New this year will be Snow Olympics for the kids. Join in the fun on the soccer field across from the skating rink from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Enjoy a spaghetti dinner at the Chisago County Senior Center serving from 5 p.m.  – 7 p.m.

On Sunday start your day with an omelet at the American Legion from 8 a.m. – noon. As the fun continues, take a break in Stacy Lion’s Park with “S’more Fun” sliding with Frosty starting at 1 p.m. Be sure to bring your own sled and enjoy treats. Brush up on your history of the area with a book discussion with Max Malmquist from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. at The Villages of North Branch. Refreshments will be served.   

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