BY CAMERON WERTZ
Diakon Community Services will bring a little warmth to the winter chill with its annual Fire and Ice Winter Fest at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park, Pine Grove.
The free event will take place 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the clubhouse.
Diakon has been hosting the event for many years to give people something to do when the weather is a little less forgiving than the warmer months, Susan Long, director of center services, said.
“We’ve been doing it for about 10 years. It’s a community event to encourage people to come out to the lake in the dead of winter, give them something to do, a fun thing for families to come out and enjoy the winter,” she said.
There will be an open fire outside, where people can roast hot dogs. Weather permitting, the Schuylkill Haven Dive Rescue and Recovery Team will do an ice dive presentation on the lake.
“And again, weather permitting, folks will be ice skating or sleigh riding, enjoying the outdoors in the winter time,” she said.
Some activities will take place in the clubhouse as well.
“Inside, (we’ll be making) homemade ice cream. We’ll be doing that so everyone can enjoy ice cream. Again, we’ll have hot dogs either inside or outside. We have hot chocolate and water to drink, and we have the fire hot chili cook-off. We encourage people to compete,” Long said.
Those wishing to compete in the chili cook-off are asked to register in advance by calling Long at 570-624-3018.
People who would like to taste and vote for the best chili are asked to donate $5, Long said. Although the event is free, donations will be accepted for Diakon Community Services.
Other entertainment for the event will include a longtime musician and a friendly face for the kids.
“We have entertainment by Jesse Wade. He’s been an entertainer for 30-plus years. Also, we have Splash the Clown coming for the kids. He’ll be making balloon animals and have some fun with the kids and the adults,” Long said.
For more information on the event, call Long at the aforementioned number.
Contact the writer: cwertz@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6004
