Wickliffe’s Winterfest, an annual event that draws residents to Green Ridge Golf Course, has stayed true to the idea of former Mayor Thomas Ruffner: to celebrate winter at a city-owned facility. The event, free to attend, will take place on Jan. 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. at 29150 Ridge Road. According t o a Wickliffe news release, those who attend have the opportunity to see the course — purchased by the city more than 20 years ago — and its improvements that have occurred over the years, specifically the recent renovations of the clubhouse. “This is my favorite event of the year,” said Mayor Joe Sakacs. “The chili is excellent and it is a great way to meet others in our community. I wouldn’t miss it.” Winterfest kicks off with a chili cook-off where residents and non residents are encouraged to bring a gallon of their homemade chili to be judged by three city officials, one of which will be Sakacs. A trophy and bragging rights are awarded to the highest-scoring chili. Once the judging is complete, the table is opened for attendees to sample all the entries. Other free food options are a hot dog, popcorn and a hot chocolate bar, which was added recently and has become popular among attendees. Additionally, the event offers both indoor and outdoor activities. Lake Metroparks joins the city annually with an outdoor activity regardless of the weather and the Wickliffe Service Department assists with winter hayrides. Other outdoor activities are rotated each year to keep it fresh and inviting. Meanwhile, indoors, the Wickliffe Public Library works with the city to offer a family-friendly craft activity. The Lake County Captains is another partner. A free raffle is available to all who attend and other indoor activities, and games are available for those who may prefer to stay warm inside the clubhouse in front of the wood-burning fireplace. Over the years, local businesses have offered to join the fun and introduce themselves to the community at this event. Biggby Coffee of Wickliffe will return this year to share coffee and coupons. “It is such a cool event,” Sakacs said. “They have so many activities for kids. If there’s snow, there’s sled riding, they have tractor rides, games and all kinds of fun stuff. It’s just a really cool environment, good time and really good chili. I can’t believe the chili that Wickliffe residents and others make. We got spicy, not-spicy, super-spicy and every mixture of chili you can imagine.” Recreation Director Tim Stopp previously reported that Winterfest is an opportunity to get together as a community and celebrate winter. “Trying to get people together is important,” he said. “We’ve had everything from 10 degrees to 50 degrees and sunshine. We make modifications and do the best with the weather that we get.” ...read more read less