Hess Lake to Host Annual Winterfest Ice Fishing Contest

While Hess Lake is know for giant crappie, it's also well know for it's annual WINTERFEST on Hess Lake which feature snowmobile races, motorcycle races, fly in planes, helecopters amd popular polar plunge!

The ice fishing contest, sponsored by Parsley’s Sport Shop, will take place with weigh-in set for 2 p.m. on the deck of Smuggler’s Cove Restaurant located on Hess Lake. There will be an adult division and a children’s division. The contest is open to all lakes, and gift certificates will be presented to first, second, and third places.


“The contest has really, really grown,” said Ron Parsley, owner of Parsley’s Sport Shop. “It’s a big event that is a lot of fun. It stirs up a lot of business for local stores.”

An extreme plunge is set for 1 p.m. Other events taking place on the ice include a chili cook-off, family-friendly wet T-shirt contest, chicken bowling, snowshoe races, and slap-shot hockey.

A raffle drawing will take place at 3 p.m. at Smuggler’s Cove. The first-place winner will receive $1,000; second place will get $500; and third will be awarded $250. Tickets may be purchased for $5 each at various local businesses.

“It’s just a really fun day out on the ice with family and friends,” said Robbin Faulkner, chairperson of the Winterfest Committee.

Saturday’s events will wrap up with a dinner and dance at Sportsman’s Bar and Restaurant. Happy hour will be 6-7 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m. Live music will be provided by Just Jake. Tickets are $25 in advance at the chamber or $30 at the door.

The Events are held behind Smugglers Cove on Hess Lake, parking will be across the street from Hess Lake and features a chili cook off tent, sloppy joes, hot dogs and hambergers along with snacks and drinks available.

All festivities will be visible from the deck at Smugglers Cove!