SOUTH HAVEN, Mich. — If you're looking for a fun weekend in West Michigan, you might not be able to find something that tops the South Haven Icebreaker Festival.
The event is back for its 29th year, and there is something for just about everyone to enjoy. There will be ice carving from students and pros, a chili cook-off, a frozen fish fling and, perhaps the most iconic of them all, a cardboard sled competition!
Kathy Wagaman, the Executive Director of the South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce, said, "When I was a kid we would slide down the hill on cardboard so that's just kind of a thing. You can create so many unique shapes and logos, or, you know, something to support your business or just have fun.”
Wagaman has been with the city's Chamber of Commerce for 13 years. She knows firsthand how much this event has evolved over time.
"In the very early days, it was part of Mardi Gras celebrations. That was kind of a kickoff night. It started with ice blocks, just not as many as we have now. Then it evolved into the Cardboard Sled Race, (which) is about five or six years old. Another thing, too, is the Frozen Fish Fling. That we added about five years ago."
When you're not watching fish fly in the air or people race down a hill, you can also roast s'mores on the streets of downtown. Be sure to come outfitted in your best winter gear, though, to participate in the popular Snowsuit Fashion Competition.
All proceeds from the festival go back into the city, helping support local non-profits in the area.
For more information, you can call the South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce at (269) 637-5171, send an email to events@southhavenmi.com, visit them on the web at www.southhavenmi.com, or like them on Facebook.