Icebox Days prepares for good, cold fun

The event, which for some outside the area has become synonymous with Borderland and the “Icebox of the Nation,” features both the 10k and 5k runs, as well as many other community indoor and outdoor activities.

“I believe the reason the runs have lasted 30 years is because of the uniqueness to our heritage,” International Falls Area Chamber of Commerce President Betsy Jensen said. "January is typically the coldest month of the year in International Falls, and what better way to defy Mother Nature than to meet her head on and battle the elements. The event is special to International Falls because our community’s nickname is the Icebox of the Nation.”

Part of the fun of the Chamber’s annual event, for many, is competing in what many consider to be an extreme event. Temperatures and other weather conditions can be unpredictable for the annual mid-January event.

“No one can even begin to guess what the weather conditions might be for this famous 10k run, and that's part of the adventure,” according to the Chamber. “We do know there has never been a casualty, and gizzards suffer no permanent damage since runners return year after frosty year.”

“People love to come and be involved in this zany winter tradition of ours and earn their own bragging rights of completing the Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run,” Jensen said. “After all, only the bold run the cold!”

The event has been featured nationally and internationally on television and in print. Jensen said that a Jim Cantore Weather Channel segment has not been scheduled yet, but is supposed to run in January. The Travel Channel has also featured this event in an extreme traditions segment that has been rerun.

Although many events have already been scheduled, Jensen said that new ideas have already been added this year — and could still be incorporated by working with the Chamber.

Jan. 6 – Jan. 13

Dairy Queen Grill & Chill is celebrating the 25th anniversary of their Blizzard treat by hosting a contest for the official Blizzard of the Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run. Voters receive a free sample and vote on the choices for the official Blizzard of the Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run. Voting and sampling begins Jan. 6 and runs through Jan. 13. The winning Blizzard will be announced Jan. 15 to become the official flavor for the 30th Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run.

Wednesday, Jan. 13

A village of snow people, created by local students, will start appearing at Smokey Bear Park, weather permitting.

Thursday, Jan.14

At 5:30-7:30 p.m., a Business After Hours event will be held at the Ranier Municipal Liquor Store. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres and cash bar will be available. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Also starting at 5:30 p.m., and running until 9:30 p.m., will be a Bingo night at St. Thomas Aquinas Hall. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Bingo starts at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

Friday, Jan. 15

At 2:30 p.m., a hot-chocolate social is scheduled at the Good Samaritan Society, International Falls in the center's Pinecone Grill. Everyone is welcome to come and visit.

From 4-7 p.m., the National Guard will host an open house and will serve juice, coffee and cookies. Join in the action at the National Guard Laser Shot Simulator, which will be at the Army National Guard office all day.

A spaghetti dinner will be held at Rainy River Community College commons area starting at 5 p.m. for runners and members of the community to “carb-up” for the race and socialize. Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run 10k and 5k registration will be held at Rainy River Community College from 5-8 p.m. Participants will be charged $40, which includes a long-sleeve fleece pullover. Packets will also be available for participants before the run. Runners are encouraged to register through the Chamber or by visiting www.freezeyergizzardrun.com.

A Nightlight Snowshoe Hike in Voyageurs National Park will run from 6-8 p.m. starting at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center. Break out the snowshoes and join a Voyageurs National Park naturalist for a one-mile hike on the Oberholzer Trail. Snowshoes will be provided, but participants must bring a headlamp. Warm up afterwards with a bonfire and cider.

At Rumors Up North, dance to Fired Up! from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Saturday, Jan. 16

From 7-11 a.m., a pancake breakfast is scheduled at the Elk's Lodge for a free-will offering.

Between 8-9 a.m., registration will be conducted for the 5k and 10k Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run at Rainy River Community College commons. Registration closes at 9 a.m. Showers and locker rooms will be available.

The 5k Fun Run starts at Rainy River Community College at 9:30 a.m. and ends at Backus Community Center. Rides will be provided back to the college.

The 10k Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run starts at 10:30 a.m. at RRCC and ends at the same location.

The event is sponsored by Holiday Inn, KSDM/KGHS Radio, Daily Journal/North Star Publishing, Midcontinent, Rainy River Community College and Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Inc.

An awards presentation will be at 10:45 a.m. for the 5k and noon for the 10k at Rainy River Community College theater.

The Frosty Family Carnival will be held at Kerry Park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hot dogs, hot chocolate, cookies and coffee will be on sale in addition to free games for the kids featuring turkey bowling and carnival games.

Also scheduled is an Icebox Boot Hockey Tournament at the Eighth Street Rink at noon. Teams of 10 men and women together (three male and two females on the ice at all times) can participate in the tournament. There is a $50 participation fee. There is a 100-percent payback with prizes for first, second and consolation.

The Falls International Speed Run Against Cancer will be held at the Thunderbird Lodge from noon-3 p.m. The International Voyageurs Snowmobile Club is teaming up with the Thunderbird Lodge to clock locals’ snowmobiles. This is a fund raiser for local community members’ transportation costs. A fee will be charged, and additional donations will be accepted.

The National Guard will host a Kids Fun Zone from 1-3 p.m., featuring a football toss and basketball shoot. All kids are invited to participate. Activities are free and indoors at Backus Community Center. Backus Community Center will host kids’ indoor activities from 1-3 p.m. All activities are free and indoors. All participating kids are welcome to eat free at the Chili challenge at Backus. Local restaurants will present their best chili at the Chili Throwdown at Backus from 1-3 p.m. After sampling, favorites will be voted; $6 includes chili, toppings, crackers and beverages.

From 3-4 p.m., Smoosh Races will be held at the Viking Bar. Teams of four should meet at the Viking by 2:30 p.m. and $100 will be awarded to the winner.

From 4-6 p.m., a runner's reception will be held at the Holiday Inn Riverfront Lounge. Included will be a video of the race, snacks, beer and pop. Registered runners are welcomed free of charge. Others are welcome for paid admission.

From 8 p.m. to midnight, Rumors Up North will host The Beach Party. Live music will be presented by Fired Up! The dance is open to adults 21 and older.

Sunday, Jan. 17

At 1 p.m., a bridge tournament at First Lutheran Church will be held. Cash prices will be awarded. Everyone is welcome to participate.

For more information on Icebox Days, Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run or any of the events, contact the Chamber at 283-9400.