Winterfest weekend raises $2,500 for COVE

BY MELISSA MCGUIRE

DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

Pentwater's second weekend of Winterfest raised a little more than $2,500 for Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters (COVE). Through the Spa-A-Thon at etc.... Salon and Spa and beer tasting event at Pentwater establishments, money raised benefits the organization, which helps women and children who have been victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or who are homeless. Katie Mendez was in the salon Saturday. Her manicurist Rebecca VanNortwick said she had a full morning of customers. "We had a good day," said Marty Wilson, a "back mechanic" at the salon. Wilson said they raised about $260 and most people were there to get massages or have their nails done. Outside of the salon and across the street, children and their families were gathering for sledding races down the hill at the Pentwater Village Green. Karen Smith, who works at the chamber, set out refreshments --- hot chocolate, cookies and cupcakes. "This is nice, free family fun," said Smith. "We have never done it before. A lot of people come out here and sled usually." Snowman-making had to be canceled because of warmer weather. The temperature hit 36 degrees. The beer tasting was held at the Brown Bear, the Antler Bar, Gull Landing, the Boathouse and the Village Pub. Two beers were offered at each location along the way. Saturday was the last day of the two-weekend festival.