To say this winter has been extraordinary, albeit odd with the lack of snow or blustery cold temperatures, you wouldn’t be wrong. But even the lack of snow didn’t keep locals from attending the Snow Day in the Bay event last weekend in Silver Bay.
Event creators Donna McCurdy-Wolke and Troy and Sylvia LeBlanc, with the backing of The Best of the North Shore and Lovin’ Lake County, put together a fun snowless day in the bay. Events included vendors and crafters selling their wares at the ReUnion Hall, hot chocolate for a donation to support After Prom, Na-Cho Bizness was set up outside, selling their tasty Mexican cousine to a steady flow of hungry folks, the Lake Vermilion Weiner Cruiser offered fresh hot dogs straight from the cart, along with many other treats that could be found along the way. Later in the day, the Reunion hall was transformed to host the bean bag tournament.
The Silver Bay Lounge was set up for a cribbage tournament during the day, then opened up the dance floor later that evening to the sounds of Beer Money. Next door, Silver Bowl held a 9 pin no-tap bowling tournament.
Unfortunately, due to obvious reasons, the vintage snowmobile ride, snowman building contest, Silver Creek Sled Dog rides, and sledding had to be canceled.
“We are hoping next year to make it a weekend event and add other activities,” stated Donna McCurdy-Wolke.
The vendor at Snow Day in the Bay, Doug-E-Que, grew up in Silver Bay and now lives in the Twin Cities. He started his business in July of 2023. It started off at a party when he brought homemade smoked pistachios and people wanted to buy them. He already had his Cottage license from making his grandmother’s potica and selling it during the holidays, so he just started expanding from there. All the vegetables for the sauces, salsa and bloody mary mix are slow roasted in his backyard smoker. Doug-E-Que has BBQ sauces, bloody mary mix, salsa, and two different kinds of nuts.