Temperatures in the 30s are expected to greet locals and visitors participating in this weekend’s Icebox Days and Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run.
These temperatures may seem mild to those who are used to below-zero temperatures, and takes the “extreme” out of the event billed for its usually frigid temperatures. But the weather may encourage more spectators and not-so-bold runners to participate.
Snow sculptures of all sizes took shape Wednesday in Smokey Bear Park, kicking off the 30th annual Icebox Days festivities. Students from area schools created everything from cartoon characters to classic snowmen.
Several events are planned for today, with the bulk of the activity, including the Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run, scheduled for Saturday.
At 2:30 p.m. today, a hot chocolate social is slated to be held at the Good Samaritan Society. This is to be followed from 4-7 p.m. by a National Guard open house at the National Guard office downtown.
At 5 p.m., a spaghetti dinner is scheduled to be held at the Rainy River Community College commons. From 5-7 p.m., a runners’ registration for the 10k and 5k Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard runs will be held at the college. The registration fee is $40.
A nightlight snowshoe hike in Voyageurs National Park will begin at the Rainy Lake Visitors Center and participants will travel about one mile on the Oberholtzer Trail. It is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. and last until 8 p.m.
From 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., a dance with the group “Fired Up” will be held at Rumors Up North.
Saturday, a pancake breakfast held at the Elks Lodge from 7-11 a.m. will help fuel runners and those partaking in the other Icebox Days events.
Registrations for the FYGB Run races will be from 8-9 a.m. at the RRCC commons.
The 5k “fun run” will begin at RRCC at 9:30 a.m. and will end at the Backus Community Center. An awards ceremony for the 5k will take place at 10:45 at the RRCC theater.
The 10k race will start at 10:30 a.m. at RRCC and will end at the same location. An awards ceremony will be held at the RRCC theater at 11:45 a.m.
At noon, a boot hockey tournament will begin at the Eigth Street Rink. Teams of 10, made of males and females, will compete.
From 1-3 p.m., a speed run, which will benefit people traveling for cancer treatment, will be held at Thunderbird Lodge.
From 1-3 p.m., children may enjoy indoor activities at the Backus Community Center, including the National Guard Fun Zone. During the same time at Backus, a chili challenge will be held, where locals will vote on their favorite chili served by local restaurants.
From 2-3 p.m., turkey bowling will be set up in front of Backus. Smoosh races will be held from 3-4 p.m. at the Viking Bar.
A runners’ reception will be held at the Holiday Inn Riverfront Lounge from 4-6 p.m. From 8 p.m. to midnight, a “Beach Party” will be held at Rumors Up North. Live music will be provided by “Fired Up.”
Sunday, a bridge tournament will be held at the Backus Community Center starting at 1 p.m.
At 7 p.m. Monday, local musicians and performers will participate in the Northern Minnesota Musical Chautauqua at Backus.
