Winter in the Great Northern

During these dark days of winter and cold, I think it is important to Get Out. I am never one to say no to a crock pot with a jigsaw on a winter's night. But there is also something to be said for the blinding sun against the snow and breathing in that clear winter air. Anyone needing an excuse to lure you out the door, need only look at this upcoming calendar for the Great Northern Festival.

The Great Northern weblink

We have always had the Loppet, the Winter Carnival, the Pond Hockey Championships. But for some reason, no one had ever entertained the notion to put them all under the same umbrella for 10 incredible days of exploring options. There is nothing more tranquil than the Luminary along Lake of the Isles with bonfires on the ice. I have yet to take in the Skijoring races with the dogs in real time. The ice carvings at the Carnival are a joy. We have been a contender in the puzzle competition for 3 years now. We often take in the Hockey Championships although the rules are lost on me; but the spirit and sound of the blades on the ice is palpable. All of these are the big events.

But there are now great smaller events in a variety of areas. Totally inclusive. How about a walk in the lights @ Eagan out at the Viking Lakes facility? The Kite Festival at Lake Harriet along with the Art Shanties? Gallery visits on darkness and light photography at Praxis? How about a Star Party through telescopes being presented by the Bell Museum? I'm looking forward to the outdoor greenhouse in an alley in St Paul!. Hot Baths and Saunas. Anechoic chambers! Panel discussions on climate change at Breweries. Book readings, Church Dances and Film Screening. Concerts at the IceHouse. Waffles and Skiing at Wirth Park. 

It is such a Minnesota Vibe. Growing up out East, those winter blahs were a reason to hibernate for a 3 month stretch while passing time. Here in Minneapolis, it is met with determination and meeting the elements head on. My God, the options are endless. Get Out of the House and Jump in.