After record-breaking snowfall this week, it’s finally looking like winter in Lansing. And it came just in time to help get us in the mood to celebrate the season with Lansing Winterfest, happening Saturday, Feb. 26, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Last year, the 2021 event — hosted by Downtown Lansing, Inc. and various community partners — began the tradition of a “cold butt boat race,” where four teams of two participate in a side-by-side kayak race down a short stretch of the Grand River near Rotary Park. Event attendees from across the region and state lined the river and cheered on competitors, many able to enjoy being around others at an event for the first time in a while due to the pandemic. For Ceci Bordayo, the race was about more than just fun: She raced partnered with Adrian Joseph from Goodfellas Bagel Deli, and the duo took first place — winning $100 each to donate to the local charity of their choice. “Even though it was cold, it was a fun experience and I would do it again,” she said.
For her charity, Bordayo chose the Pass It On Community Center, a nonprofit she founded to give youth in the community a place to be creative. Joseph donated his prize money to Ele’s Place for grieving children, and matched it through his company to spread even more good cheer. https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/local/community/2022/02/05/live-music-games-hot-drinks-and-more-lansing-winterfest-feb-26/9318143002/
