I know I ranted about the weather in my post just last week, but seriously, this winter is a doozy. The way I see it? The more snow and cold we have to tolerate, the more excuses we have to celebrate. The Saint Paul Winter Carnival is still going on through the weekend, but if you’re not going to be in the area, here are some other festivities happening around the state.
Rochester WinterFest (through Feb. 9): An annual way for the city to promote seasonal activities while also raising money for non-profits, here you can enjoy an assortment of events, including dueling pianos, a hoedown, sleigh rides, candlelight skiing and a murder mystery.
Winter Tracks in Cook County (Jan. 31-Feb. 9): Highlights include an art festival, snow sculpture tour, snowmobile run, and family-friendly activities at Lutsen, including a torchlight ski parade and fireworks on the mountain.
St. Peter’s Winterfest (through Feb. 8): Enjoy events like an ice fishing contest, fish fry, live music from Rock of Ages, a polar bear plunge, casino night, poker walk, and hairy legs contest.
Laskiainen Sliding Festival in Aurora (Feb. 1): Meet at the Loon Lake Community Center for sliding, crafts, and Finnish music, dancing, and treats.
Crosslake WinterFest (through Feb. 1): The 11th annual celebration will include beer and wine tasting, a kid’s carnvial, fireworks, pond skating, helicopter rides, an indoor snowball throw and more.
Frostbite Festival in Fergus Falls (Jan. 31-Feb. 2): Activites include indoor and outdoor skating, bingo, a comedy night, bowling tournament, ice fishing derby, dart and Bunco tournaments, and a Super Bowl Party.
WinterFest in North Branch (Feb. 5-9): Freeze your “bunz” on a 5K, see who wins the chili showdown, skate, play games in Central Park, or check out ice sculpters and the vintage snowmobile expo and ride.
