As winter settles in, the Door County YMCA is wrapping up one of its busiest times of the year while welcoming both returning and new members into the New Year with events, programs, and community gatherings, says Laura Cassidy, Healthy Living Director at the Kane Center YMCA in Fish Creek.

The Jackie & Steve Kane Center in Fish Creek will host its annual Soup Day on Monday, January 19, with servings beginning at 7 a.m. and continuing until supplies last. “We will run our sales until the soup runs out,” Cassidy said. Patrons can call in orders ahead of time “you can pre-order online starting on Sunday the 18th,”  she adds. 16-ounce containers are priced at $7 each. The fundraiser supports YMCA programming and community engagement.

In addition to Soup Day, YMCA members and guests can test their chili skills, or simply taste and enjoy, at two Chili Cook-Off events. 

The Sturgeon Bay Program Center will host its cook-off on January 20 at 11:30 a.m., inviting participants to register their best recipes or come sample the entries.

The Kane Center in Fish Creek will be hosting their Chili Cook-off on National Chili Day, February 26th also at 11:30 a.m. giving local cooks in Door County a chance to compete and connect with neighbors over bowls of chili. “If you want to show off your chili recipe, call Abby Baker in Sturgeon Bay or myself in Fish Creek to register.” Cassidy says.

For members who want even more flexibility, the YMCA offers a $20 after-hours access FOB that can be purchased to allow entry outside regular staffed hours, perfect for early birds or night owls keeping up with fitness goals.

As the New Year unfolds, YMCA staff are focused on fostering connection, wellness, and community support through both long-standing traditions like Soup Day, a Chili Cook-Off, and fresh opportunities in their seasonal program lineup.