Winter Fest

We’re what they call “Weekenders” in our new Wisconsin community. You get the drift: we make our home in the city and head to the country on the weekend.

But Chris and I got a warm welcome from the locals last Saturday when we jumped in with both snowshoes at the Balsam Lake Winter Fest, a convivial event put on by the Chamber of Commerce.

Maybe it was Chris and his crazy costume that broke the ice … hmmm ... not sure. People kept taking his picture and giving him beer.

One of many Balsam Lakers who wanted to meet the Beer Man. 

A highlight (aside from the drag races on Balsam Lake and the minnow races at the Thirsty Otter) was partaking in the first-annual 5K snowshoe "race." Thankfully, it turned out to be a lovely walk through the woods, despite the 3-below-zero temps or something crazy cold. The nine of us, plus a dazzling German Shepherd named "Blade," enjoyed fresh snow, a windless morning and bright sunshine on snowshoes. Spectacular.

At the American Legion hall, we learned a little more local lore, much of it from a guy who had a real name but told us most people called him Cowboy. We enjoyed his company, even as he kept talking up the Fawn-Doe-Rosa, which we had here-to-fore considered more worthwhile as a primo parking lot for people trying to sell cars and boats.

With Cowboy's urging, we splurged on raffle tickets and an extra portion of soul-warming booya, a pot-roast stew that members of the Sportsman's Club were slow-cooking in giant caldrons over an open fire. The pot was so big and the stew so thick, they stirred it with a wooden paddle.

Life is good.

My new best friend, the Thirsty Otter. Also a great local hangout spot.

Booya! Just saying the name makes me happy.

A scenic spot on the 5K showshoe race.

Those racing 4 x 4 trucks left nothin' but snow trails in their wake.