Two Harbors’ annual winter frolic began with a curling competition and a chili cook off on Friday, February 9th. Held at the Two Harbors Curling Club, the two events were full of people enjoying chili, drinks, and time with friends and acquaintances from the community. Outside the curling club (and in the hall inside), a local Girl Scout troop sold cookies to event-goers.
The Winter Frolic Community Spiel featured eight teams that competed against each other in four draws. The teams were LaBounty Red-Mecklin, LaBounty White-Martin, Holden My Beer, Holden Crew 2, Two Harbors Federal Credit Union, Park State Bank, Serco, and Maher Trucking. LaBounty Red-Mecklin won, with team members Mike Kaczrowski, Todd Madole, Matt Mecklin, and Dustin Magnuson.
Another annual tradition is a friendly curling competition between the City of Two Harbors and the Lake County Commissioners. Funds from the game are usually donated to a charity, and this year the winning honors go to the City of Two Harbors.
Five groups competed in the chili cook off, which was judged by community members young and old, each attendee voting by placing a gold plastic token into the box representing the chili of their choice. Waterview Shores presented a cilantro lime sour cream chili, Larsmont Trading Post had “Big Blaze” Chili made with Castle Danger Ode IPA, Grand Superior Grill made “Boss Man” Chili, Ledge Rock Grille had pulled pork chipotle ancho chili, and Louise’s Place added an aesthetic touch in presenting their smoked pork chili verde with pickled onions and cilantro lime crema. When the votes were all cast, Waterview Shores was declared the winner and awarded a trophy.
With the cold wind and snow blowing in, the curling and chili made for a fun kickoff to the Winter Frolic as community members waited for the games and events Saturday promised.