42nd Winter Festival: Cedarburg Salutes America

Cedarburg Salutes America is the theme at the 42nd Annual Winter Festival, this Saturday and Sunday, February 20th and 21st, in downtown Cedarburg. 

The traditional Ice Sculpture Contest will begin bright and early at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday.  Visitors can watch as blocks of ice take shape while strolling Washington Avenue and checking out the Petting Zoo in the Community Center parking lot between 10 and 3.  Stop into the Community Center for make 'n take crafts, sponsored by the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts; coffee, cocoa and sweet bar; Upstairs Marketplace from 10-4; Individual Chili Contest from 11-1 and Restaurant Chili Contest from 11-4; and, also, the Festival Food Booth, featuring food from Out & Out Custard, and more.  

The parade begins at 1:30, featuring the entries for the annual Bed Races.  Follow the parade to the Mill Pond on Cedar Creek, behind the Settlement, and you'll get a good look at all of the sculptures before they're judged at 2 p.m.  The bed races take place from 1:30-2 on the Mill Pond, ice conditions permitting, with the Barrel Races immediately after.

The Cedarburg Cultural Center will have a Cool Notes Musical Talent Competition between 1:30 and 5, featuring local talent.  Then, in the evening, come back to the CCC for Cool Brews and Tunes, featuring Dueling Pianos, appetizers from Cedarburg's finest restaurants, a beer tasting, and wine from Cedar Creek Winery.  Tickets are $25, and attendees must be 21 or over.

On Sunday, fill up at a Pancake Breakfast from 8-11:30 at the Community Center, and then head out to more festivities, including the Dog Weight Pull Contest from 10-4 in the Community Center parking lot, and an Egg Hunt on the City Hall grounds at 10:30.

There is so much to do at the Festival, it's impossible to mention it all here!  Go to:  http://www.cedarburgfestival.org/#!wf-schedule/ for a full listing of events.