Happy New Year to everyone from the Four Flags Area Council on Tourism. For those of you who are not familiar with us we represent communities in Berrien and Cass counties, so look for our monthly column on what to see and do in the Four Flags Area.  Well it is official folks – winter is in full swing now and most of you are itching to get out of the house and have something to do.  For more information on events visit or Web site, www.fourflagsarea.org or stop by the office located at 321 East Main St., Niles or call us at (269) 684-7444.

For those who prefer to do some indoor activities try visiting the many antique shops we have to offer.  In Buchanan there is Alan Robant and Grandma’s Antiques and Collectibles; in Niles you will find Main Street Antique Mall, Four Flags Antique Mall, Pickers Paradise Antiques and Michiana Antique Mall. In Marcellus you will find Antiques and Ambience; Chicago Road Antiques is in Edwardsburg; and Oak Hill Antiques is in Eau Claire.

For the outdoor adventurers try many of the winter activities at Five Pines in Berrien Center, Love Creek Nature Center, Madeline Bertrand Park, Swiss Valley Ski Resort in Jones, Fred Russ Forest Park, T. K. Lawless Park in Cassopolis, Edwardsburg Snowmobile Club and Four Flags Snowmobile Club in Niles. Take a scenic walk at Fernwood Botanical Gardens in Niles and Arthur Dodd Memorial Park in Sumnerville.
The Hunter Ice Festival is a three-day fun filled event Jan. 15-17.

Friday festival events
• 6 to 7 p.m. Fire & Ice Live Performance Ice Sculpting with Dan Rebholz /World Class Ice Sculpture, Chicago & Team in the Riverfront Park.

• 7 to 9 p.m. Four Flags Players Mystery Dinner Theater will be located in the Tasting Tent. Tickets are available for $30 at the door.

Saturday festival events
• 9 to 10:30 a.m. – Frigid 5k Run. There is a $10 entry fee; registration will be in the Tasting Tent.

• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – IceMasters Multi-block Five-Piece Competition Sculpture will be located on prominent corners throughout downtown Niles.

• 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – History & Ice Carving/ Harvesting Exhibit at the Niles District Library.

• 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Professional Carving Competition this event will be located at the Riverfront Park parking lot between Sycamore and Ferry streets.

• Noon to 2 p.m. Acoustic Show with Megan and Liz presale tickets are available for $5 and will be available at the door for $8. This event will be located in the Tasting Tent.
• 3 to 7 p.m. – Hunter Tasting Tent opens. Family-friendly foods will include the Hunter Ice Cream Sundae Bar, hot dogs and hot pretzels.

• 3 to 9 p.m. – Hunter Tasting Tent Hot, Hot, Hot Signature Event featuring wineries from the

Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail plus beers from Round Barn Winery and Distillery along with Hunter Ice Cream Sundae Bar and more. Live music after 6 p.m. Tickets are $12 at the door and $10 advance sale gets you entry to tent, festival glass and five tasting tickets.

Sunday festival events
• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – NICA Masters Carving Competition. This event is located at the Riverfront Park Amphitheater.

• Noon to 3 p.m. – Hunter Tasting Tent opens. Family-friendly foods including Hunter Ice Cream Sundae Bar, hot dogs and hot pretzels.

• Noon to 3 p.m. – Niles Chili Cook-off with chili, beer and entrance to tent and tastes of all chili contestants. Chili will be featured from local establishments including Hob Nob Bistro, Riverfront Cafe, Massimo’s Pizzeria, Wheatberry’s, Wonderland Cafe, Orchard Hills Country Club, El Amigo Pepe and Chatterbox Cafe, among others. Tickets $8 at the door; $5 advance; and kids 6 and under are free.

• 3:30 p.m. – Chili Cook-off awards. This event will be held in the Tasting Tent.
• 4 p.m. – Ice Carving Awards Ceremony. This event will be held in the Tasting Tent.

Chili supper
Jan. 23 – Chili supper. Community Baptist Church and the Edwardsburg Snowmobile Club are hosting a chili supper and ride-in at 5:30 p.m. at the church, 3250 U.S. Highway 12, Edwardsburg. There will be free food, fellowship, door prizes and fun. Sled and trailer parking will be available. RSVP at (269) 663-2648 or (269) 663-8424. For more information, call the Edwardsburg Snowmobile Club hotline at (269) 663-8085.

St. Vincent’s Day Celebration
Jan. 23 – 7th Annual St. Vincent’s Day Celebration & Red Wine Pre-Release Tasting. Celebrate St. Vincent’s Day (the patron saint of wine grape growers and winemakers) and sample the first official tasting of Domaine Berrien Cellars’ new, dry, oak-aged red wines before they go on sale to the public in May, including the 2008 Lemberger, 2008 Wolf’s Prairie Red, 2008 Merlot and 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon.

This year, the St. Vincent’s Day Celebration will be a Cork Pullers Wine Club Event. Wine Club members may bring guests to this event. Cost for this event is $30 per person. Event time is 6 to 9 p.m. Dinner will be served starting at 7:30 p.m. Call for reservations; seating is limited. This event is located at Domaine Berrien Cellars in Berrien Springs. Call (269) 473-WINE.

Ice Fishing Derby
Jan. 30 – Ice Fishing Derby sponsored by the Cassopolis/Vandalia Chamber of Commerce. For more information call (269) 445-2699.

Also, take a visit to your local senior center they offer a wide variety of events, trips and activities. There are many groups that meet daytime and evening at your local senior center. You don’t have to be a senior citizen to enjoy your local senior center.

Be sure to check all of your local libraries for a wonderful list of events and fun-filled things to do for all ages.