Winterfest/Souper Saturday

The Harbor Beach Winter Festival, 2010, is but a memory...with a few bodies still thawing out!

In bitter cold and off and on again sunshine, many brave souls enjoyed the small town ambiance that Harbor Beach is known for. Thirteen teams gathered for the popular BROOMBALL, which was in a great new location this year on the back of the grounds of the Murphy Museum. The playing field was ringed with large straw bales, making a great windblock for the participants. The warming and concession tent was located on Water Street adjacent to the broomball tourney. Hot Cocoa, Chili, Pizza, Hot Dogs and Chili Dogs were offered by the HB Athletic Assn. During the daylong event, young and old alike enjoyed slapshot hockey, ice bowling, slingshot toss, ice skating, obstacle course and sledding. Ten vintage snowmobiles made the "ceremonial" parade north of town and back and the cardboard sled competition drew many interested spectators. The roaring bonfire...and it roared with the stiff winds still blowing into the evening...warmed the diehards. It's a great site against the winter sky. We missed having the fireworks due to the winds, but all in all, a great time was had by all!

Souper Saturday drew another great crowd of people for the 10th annual event. 140 ballots were turned in with the favorites marked. The 2010 Souper Saturday winner was H-R Block with Beefy Nacho Soup. H-R Block received the traveling trophy and $25 in HB Bucks and the "yearlong reign" of "Best of Souper Saturday 2010." There were 17 entrants throughout town and most participating commented on the great variety of offerings this year...no duplicates! Thanks to all the merchants that generously participated this year.

Those with a sweet tooth drooled over the annual Dessert Contest. Thanks to Becky Grim and Jackie Gainor for helping with this event...as judges didn't have to be coaxed to sample each of the five entrants. The winner was Barb Ayotte with a yellow "Lighthouse Cake"...designed in honor the our own Harbor Beach Lighthouse. She received $20 in HB Bucks. Samples of each dessert were then available to the public with proceeds going to the Souper Saturday expenses.

Thank you to all who helped, attended and supported this year's event. A great time was had by all!

Enjoy this slideshow!