As the mercury hovers near zero, the Lead Chamber of Commerce and Black Hills Power plan to "bring on the heat" at this weekend's Winterfest in Lead.

Winterfest was last held in Lead seven years ago, and the sponsors are bringing it back today and Saturday, Jan. 25 and 26, with a chili cook-off, parade of lights and many other events. All proceeds will go to the Homestake Opera House.

"We're hoping for hot chili and a lot of hot bidding," said Jim O'Grady, executive director, Homestake Opera House Society. He said the society is in the process of raising money to put heat in the auditorium of the opera house; now, it only has heat in its lobby.

Heat would make Homestake Opera House suitable for year-round use. "It's the next logical step in the renovation process," said O'Grady, who has been involved with the opera house since 1998. "The opera house is an integral part of Lead, and we want to move forward."

The Winterfest will begin at 5 p.m. today with a Chamber of Commerce mixer at the Blue Cactus Bar. A chili cook-off will follow in The Smart Center at the opera house at 6:30 p.m.

O'Grady said that so far, 10 individuals have entered the chili-cook off, which has two categories: red chili and green chili. The public will get a chance to taste each offering and then cast votes by tossing 50 cents (or more) into the container in front of their chili of choice.

O'Grady said cooks will be encouraged to "talk up" their chili. "There'll be some bragging going on, that's for sure," he said. The money will be counted, and the winner in each category will receive a limited-edition print of the historic opera house.

Many of Lead's downtown businesses have special events, food, live bands, and karaoke planned for the evening. O'Grady said that the Silver Star plans to offer free hot wings, and the Blue Dog Framers & Studio Gallery will be open until the chili cook-off wraps up, sometime around 8:30 p.m.

On Saturday, Jan. 26, the Golden Hills Resort will host "Another Trick On The Wall," an event that will feature a ski jump built for individuals to perform various jumps, tricks and aerials. The Northern Hills YMCA will host a snow tug of war, snow volleyball and a snowman-building contest.

The Parade of Lights will begin at 7 p.m. Saturday. Entry for the parade is $5, and entries will be judged in four categories: Mayor's Choice, Most Lights, Best Winter Theme, and Best of Show, with a traveling trophy going to Best of Show. The parade route will follow Lead's Main Street, ending at the park, where a bonfire and fireworks will cap off the event.

O'Grady said that everyone involved in bringing Winterfest back to Lead is eagerly anticipating its return. "God has even blessed us with some snow. There should be a lot of people in and around Lead, and it promises to be quite a celebration," he said.

Winterfest Schedule

Friday, Jan. 25 5 p.m. Chamber mixer and announcement of King and Queen of Snow, Blue Cactus Bar

6:30 p.m. - Chili cook-off, The Smart Center, Homestake Opera House

Saturday, Jan. 26 11 a.m. - Slope-style competition, Terry Peak Ski Area

Noon to 4 p.m. - Free snowshoeing on Mickelson Trail. Snowshoes and passes will be available at Englewood Trail Head.

1 p.m. - YMCA activities, snow volleyball, snow tug-o-war and snowman-building contest, Manuel Brothers Park

5:30 p.m. - Rod & Gun Club Soup Feed, Rod & Gun Club

6 p.m. - Edge Sports Another Trick on the Wall, Golden Hills Resort parking lot

7 p.m. - Black Hills Power Winterfest Parade of Lights

8 p.m. - Winterfest Fireworks, Homestake Open Cut

8:30 p.m. - Lead Volunteer Fire Department Bonfire, Homestake Visitors Center parking lot