Fish Creek is a premier destination tucked away in Wisconsin's world famous Door County. Travelers will love the town's top tier accommodations, shops, and restaurants. There is something for everyone in Fish Creek, from family-friendly community festivals to outdoor activities.
Fish Creek Winter Fest has been a mainstay in the community since it began in 1987. This three-day festival attracts nearly a thousand people each year. Attendees will encounter a variety of different activities including kickball on the frozen waters of Green Bay, minnow racing, a chili cook-off, candlelight skiing, and much more. A heated tent in Clark Park will contain games, a DJ, a special live concert, and refreshments. Local businesses will be open during the festival, offering specials and comfortable places to warm up. We got the opportunity to interview Jackie Campbell, Marketing & Events Coordinator for the Fish Creek Civic Association, to talk about this great winter experience.
RAL: How long has the event been running?
JC: The first year of the event was in 1987, this is our 30th anniversary!
RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?
JC: We estimate the event draws roughly 1,000 participants each year. It’s a great mix of visitors, summer/holiday-locals, and year-round residents. It’s just a blast!
RAL: What makes this event unique?
JC: After 30 years of formation, Winter Fest has taken on a definitive personality rarely seen in an annual event. Started by people who are quintessential Fish Creek “personalities”, the event is true to the fun-loving, easy-going, cultured-yet-goofy persona of Fish Creek.
RAL: Take me through the activities, what can I expect as an attendee?
JC: Where to begin? Start off by wetting your whistle with a beer and warm up with some of the Villagers’ snowmobile club’s “famous” BBQ sandwiches. Once you’re well-nourished, try one of the games of skill outside the heated tent (sponsored by the Sevastopol Booster Club). The Toilet Seat Toss, Wheel of Meat, Bicycle Toss, and other whacky games will have you belly-laughing in minutes.
Once you’ve played everything at least twice, head inside to test out your minnow-racing, pie-tin-throwing, and booze ring toss skills. Attendees can try and/or watch activities like ice kickball, dog sled rides, the chili cook-off, and the hilarious Stumpf Fiddle Contest.
Then, take the FREE trolley up to the Peninsula School of Art for their SOUP!, or to Lautenbach’s Orchard Country for their Winter Wine & Cherry Fest. After doing the cherry-pit-spitting contest at Orchard Country, head back to the tent to watch a live music performance by local celebrities Bacchus Lotus, and make sure to catch the fireworks at the end of it all.
RAL: Will there be any guest appearances?
JC: Bacchus Lotus, our musical guests, will grace our stage in the afternoon for a two-hour show before the fireworks! They’re an awesome group that’ll be sure to bring a great show. All four of our guest judges for the “Smokin’ Hot Chili Cook-Off” are guests as well, including Fox 11 news anchor Rachel Manek.
RAL: Tell me about the dining options?
JC: Lots of restaurants are open throughout town, many within close walking distance to the heated tent!
RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?
JC: Several lodging establishments in Fish Creek are open all winter long. Many of our winter accommodation options are within close walking distance to Clark Park! A list of businesses open throughout winter can be found at visitfishcreek.com
RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?
JC: Winter Fest weekend is a HUGE driver of our local economy. The winter is a growing part of our tourism industry and when the event began in 1987, it was only a local thing. Now, people come back up year after year, and more people come each time.
RAL: Does the event support a special cause in the community?
JC: Yes! As a community-minded organization, the FCCA makes sure that their festivals benefit community organizations. More than 10 local nonprofits use Winter Fest as an opportunity to raise funds for their respective causes. Several non-profit organizations raise their year's primary funds during Winter Festival every year.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
JC: People should come for the same reason they’ve come year after year -- it’s one of the best winter events you’ll ever experience!
For more information about Fish Creek Winter Festival, please visit their website.