Category: Press Releases

January 27, 2022 – Concerns over COVID-19 safety and extreme weather forecasted for Saturday, January 29 have led to the cancelation of the 2022 Polar Bear Plunge at Chetola Resort. As the centerpiece of the annual Blowing Rock WinterFest, the Polar Bear Plunge has often taken place in very cold temperatures, but potential for some blizzard-like conditions and extra impacts from COVID-19 have tipped the scales.

In a Wednesday night email to the Chamber of Commerce, owner of Chetola Resort, Kent Tarbutton, expressed frustration over the necessary measures. “The 9:00 am temperature will clock in with a wind chill factor of -8. We found little choice when considering the additional COVID spread factor, the frostbite potential, and our attempt to keep people protected.”

“Safety is always a top priority at the Polar Bear Plunge,” says Suzy Barker, Event Director for the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce and coordinator of Blowing Rock WinterFest. “Every precaution is taken and when temperatures are very cold, we have participants come to the dock in smaller groups so they spend less time waiting to jump. The need to keep participants together indoors more is a special concern for public health right now, and snow combined with high winds raises issues of visibility and safety for participants and attendees alike, so we understand Chetola’s decision to cancel.”

Other Blowing Rock WinterFest events and activities are still on for this weekend. Ice carving demonstrations in Memorial Park, Curling Exhibitions at the Blowing Rock School Gym, and the Beer Garden on the Chamber of Commerce lawn are among a calendar full of various activities and restaurant specials. More details can be found on the official event website: BlowingRockWinterFest.com.

“We appreciate the generosity and support of this year’s Polar Bear Plunge participants,” Suzy Barker added. “We will be communicating with them regarding registration fees and refunds.”

Exciting new highlight – Ice Skating in Memorial Park

BLOWING ROCK, N.C. (November 2017) – The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, which organizes WinterFest, has announced highlights of the 20^th edition of the annual event, which runs from Thursday, January 25 through Sunday, January 28, 2018.

“For 20 years, Blowing Rock WinterFest has been a tradition for many families.  Each year we strive to preserve favorite events, and to introduce fun new events like our Ice Skating Rink addition in Memorial Park this year,” said Charles Hardin, Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce President/CEO.

Already scheduled daily events include WinterFeast on Thursday; the WinterFashion show at lunchtime on Friday; the Polar Bear Plunge, The Speckled Trout Beer Garden at The Inn at Ragged Gardens, Charity Chili Cookoff, Wine Tasting and Auction, ice carving demonstrations, and kids’ activities on Saturday; and the WinterPaws dog show and brunches on Sunday. The new ice skating rink will be open Friday and Saturday. For more information and updates as they become available, visit www.blowingrockwinterfest.com.

WinterFest, which has been named a AAA “Top Pick” and a Top 20 Event by the Southeastern Tourism Society, is proudly sponsored by Hendrick Northlake Luxury Auto Mall.

For information:   Loni Miller or Charles Hardin, Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce
828.295.7851
info@blowingrock.com

BLOWING ROCK, N.C. (December 2015) – WinterFest in Blowing Rock has always been about giving visitors reasons to celebrate rather than hibernate a month after the holidays end. And its always been about fire and ice, in their many forms: bonfires, chili cook-offs, s’mores and warm hospitality, contrasted by the icy Polar Bear Plunge into Lake Chetola, ice carving demonstrations, skiing and the crisp, January cold of the High Country winter.

WinterFest 2016, which has been named a AAA “Top Pick” and a Top 20 Event by Southeastern Tourism Society, runs between Thursday, January 28 and Sunday, January 31. And the 18^th annual celebration is adding new fire- and ice-themed events, including a firewalk demonstration on Saturday and expanded ice carving displays Friday and Saturday. On Friday, ice carvings will be placed throughout the downtown for an Ice Walk, and on Saturday there will be an ice carving competition among several culinary schools. For details, visit blowingrockwinterfest.com/events.

In addition to the new events, activities include the Chilly Chili Cook-off, Polar Bear Plunge, WinterFeast, events at BRAHM, Snowflake Parade, hayrides, bonfires, Shop ‘Til You Drop, WinterPaws dog show, Little Miss WinterFest, WinterFest Tasting & Charity Auction and WinterFashion show.  The fashion show will feature tips and conversation in an interactive, friendly and casual environment.

Blowing Rock is accessible from anywhere in the region, less than two hours from Charlotte and Greensboro, three hours from Knoxville and Raleigh and five hours from Atlanta and Charleston. A wide range of accommodations is available; visit blowingrock.com/accommodations for details.

For more information or ticket purchases, visit blowingrockwinterfest.com or call 877.295.7801. Blowing Rock WinterFest is organized by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce and presented by Hendrick Northlake Luxury Auto Mall.

For immediate release

BLOWING ROCK, N.C. (November 2014) – WinterFest in Blowing Rock brings together the elements of fire and ice, set in the winter beauty of one of Travel & Leisure magazine’s “prettiest winter towns.” Bonfires, toasted marshmallows, warm hospitality and the Chilly Chili Cook-off provide the fire, while the Polar Bear Plunge, ice carving, winter temperatures and skiing/snowboarding provide the cold contrast. Musical accompaniment provided by several live concerts.

WinterFest, which has also been named a AAA “Top Pick” and a Top 20 Event by Southeastern Tourism Society, runs between Wednesday, January 21 and Sunday, January 25. Events and activities are designed to appeal to day-trippers and overnight guests alike, with family activities a major focus of the 17th annual celebration.

Events and activities include the Chilly Chili Cook-off, Polar Bear Plunge, Small Plate Crawl, WinterFeast, hayrides, bonfires, Shop ‘Til You Drop, ice carving, WinterPaws dog show, concerts, Little Miss WinterFest, Wine Tasting & Charity Auction at Green Park Inn and the WinterFashion show. For a full schedule of events, visit blowingrockwinterfest.com/event-schedule.

New or Notable in 2015:

• Wednesday Through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.: High Country Small Plate Crawl. Grab a plate and sample some of the best bites in the area at dozens
  of independent restaurants that will create special small plate menus priced from $3.00 to $8.00. Lunch and dinner created by the restaurants’ chefs specifically for WinterFest. Crawl Passport required.
• Friday, 11:00 a.m.: WinterFashion Show: The best of Blowing Rock’s clothing retailers showcase lunchtime guests their best winter and spring fashion and accessories. At The Meadowbrook Inn on Main Street. Cash bar available: $27.
• Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.: Silent Auction & Raffle. Presented by Mountain Alliance at the Blowing Rock School cafeteria. Bid on many items, packages and gift certificates donated by local businesses. Items include lodging, spa packages, outdoor adventures, artwork and more. Proceeds support the efforts of Mountain Alliance (mountainalliance.org).
• Saturday, 2:00 p.m.: Wine Tasting & Charity Auction, Green Park Inn.Wines tasting followed by items up for auction, including wines, a Wine & Food Festival lodging package and more. $22 in advance; $27 at the door for wine; hors d’oeuvres additional. Proceeds benefit Alzheimer’s Association

For more information or ticket purchases, visit blowingrockwinterfest.com or call 877.295.7801. Blowing Rock WinterFest is organized by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce.

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For information: Billie Rogers, Events Director | Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce | 828.295.7851 |  <a href=”mailto:billie@blowingrock.com”>billie@blowingrock.com</a>