Editorial: Time to gear up for Winterfest

Talk about it

A look at Worthington’s extended forecast Monday afternoon made it clear that the weather should be appropriately cold for Winterfest.

Considering an ice fishing tournament is a key component of the annual Worthington celebration, that’s a good thing.

Organizers of Winterfest have worked diligently to forge a new seasonal tradition in this community over the last few years, but unusually warm winter conditions have wreaked some havoc with this year’s extravaganza. Winterfest was ultimately postponed from its original Jan. 14 date until this Saturday, but there should be little difficulty in keeping that date. After all, with a high of 15 forecast for Friday — and overnight lows in the zero-to-5-above range on Thursday and Friday — Lake Okabena’s ice should be plenty thick for the big day.

There will be more to do than just take to the ice, however. The YMCA’s annual Heart Walk will provide both good exercise and a means of warming up, as participants take a two-mile outdoor stroll.

Other highlights, of course, will include the crowning of this year’s Snow Queen and the always-popular Deep Freeze Dip, which this year is raising money to provide free swimming lessons to Nobles County youths.

We hope for a large, enthusiastic Winterfest crowd this Saturday, and that this community festival will continue to grow in years to come.

Tags: opinion, editorials, winter, weather, worthington, winterfest