NORTH WEBSTER — Due to ice conditions, snowmobiles were on display from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. today, Feb. 6., in the gym of the North Webster Community Center, 301 N. Main St. (SR13), rather than out on the lake participating in races this year. Still, there was a good turn out to view a wide variety of snowmobiles while also enjoying chili, participating in a can raffle, socializing with other snowmobile enthusiasts and viewing the creation of a ice sculpture.

Approximately 20 vintage snowmobiles were present at the festival, many of which were brought by members of the Indiana Vintage Snowmobile Association. A nonprofit, IVSA is an active group — with members in Indiana, Ohio, Michigan and Illinois — that sponsors vintage sled shows, swap meets, rides and a vintage snowmobile museum. IVSA annually sponsors the North Webster WinterFest.

In addition to displaying snowmobiles, the association launched its ongoing raffle for a Kawaski 440 Intruder. Raffle tickets for the snowmobile will continue to be sold until IVSA’s summer show during Dixie Day when a winner will be drawn. Proceeds from the sale of tickets will benefit nonprofits that have a mission related to snowmobiles, such as the West Michigan Snowmobile Museum in Sand Lake, Mich., which received a $500 donation during the 2016 festival to help repair its roof. For information on the raffle, contact Jeff Corn at (574) 453-1640.

Visitors to the festival were also able to sample different chili recipes from area businesses and organizations, including Ousley Seawall, IVSA, Gary’s Muskie Experience, American Legion #253 and Pizza King. Proceeds from the chili cook-off will benefit the North Webster Food Pantry. All of the entrants also had to donate five can goods to participate, with those can goods also going to the food pantry.

Members of the Michiana Ice Carvers Association turned out at around noon to create a snowmobile out of ice in front of the community center. Ice carver Kevin Lutton noted they enjoy doing small festivals like North Webster’s in order to educate the public and increase interest in ice carving. He and his helper, Dakota Gallagher, spent a little more an hour carving out the piece.

Still to occur today in conjunction with the festival is the North Webster Lions Club’s fifth annual all-you-can-eat Dan’s Fish and Tenderloin Fry from 4-7 p.m. at the old community building, 102 S. Morton St., North Webster. Adult tickets are $10 at the door while children ages 6-12 are $6. Children 5 and younger eat for free. Carryouts will be available. This event is a fundraiser for Lions Club Leader Dog and eyeglasses projects.