Cedarburg Celebrates Mardi Gras at Annual Winter Festival

Barrel Races on Cedar Creek at the 2014 Winter Festival in downtown Cedarburg.

The 2017 Winter Festival promises to be a warm one, which can be a bit of a problem when it comes to such traditional events as ice carving along main street and bed races on a frozen creek, but it certainly won't be the first time warm temperatures have foiled some of the Festival's best laid plans; luckily, there is so much to do, the event is successful each year, regardless of what Mother Nature throws at it.

This year's theme is Mardi Gras, so masks and beads will abound.  The event kicks off at 8 a.m. on Saturday, February 18th, when the ice carvers will begin work on their blocks of ice, located along Washington Avenue, in front of participating businesses.  Stroll main street, where local businesses often have their own events and specials, and a host of artisans, food vendors, and other attractions, such as wagon and camel rides, are scattered from Cedar Creek Park to Cedar Creek Settlement.  Follow the Parade at 1 p.m. to the Bed and Barrel Races.  Make sure to stop in the Community Center for the Chili Contest from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. and, while you're there, make and take a project with the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts and check out the Upstairs Marketplace.  If live music is your thing, stop into the Cedarburg Cultural Center for their Cool Notes Musical Talent Competition from 1:30-5 p.m. 

New this year is the grand opening of the Cedarburg History Museum, Cedarburg Chamber of Commerce & The Cedarburg Visitors Center during Winter Festival! Doors will be open Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday from 12- 4 p.m.  Cedarburg’s newest treasure houses the former General Store Museum, the Rappold-Dobberpuhl historic photograph collection, as well as a current exhibit on historic toys.  During Winter Festival, guests can enjoy complimentary, local Cedar Crest ice cream in the old-fashioned ice cream parlor.

On Saturday night, Cool Brew & Tunes returns from 7-9 p.m. at the Community Center with the Dueling Pianos, Craft Beer Tasting, and Appetizers from local restaurants.  Tickets are $30 per person, and you must be 21 to attend.

On Sunday, start the festival with a Pancake Breakfast from 8-11:30 at the Community Center, and then head off to the Egg Hunt at 10:30, Dog Weight Pull between 10 and 4, and the 2nd Annual Dodgeball Tournament in the Community Center from 2-4 p.m.

This will be the Winter Festival's 43rd year, and each year it seems to grow a little bit bigger; whether it's your first time to the Festival, or your 43rd, you're sure to experience something new.  For more information, call 262-377-9620 or 888-894-4001, or visit the Festivals of Cedarburg website at http://www.cedarburgfestival.org/winter-festival or their facebook page at ​https://www.facebook.com/FestivalsOfCedarburg/.