In just two weeks Icebox Days, Borderland’s favorite frozen festival, will be underway. The 32nd annual event, highlighted by the internationally-recognized Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run, is scheduled for Jan 18-22.
The hustle and bustle of the tourism season has long faded away once January hits International Falls, and Faye Whitbeck, president of the International Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, said the purpose of Icebox Days is to grow Borderland’s winter economy.
“Primarily, Icebox Days originated to improve the local business economy during the long and often-slow winter months,” Whitbeck noted. “The FYGBR would become the premiere of the festival putting visitors’ heads on beds, filling tables at local restaurants and growing sales at local shops. For this reason, businesses are reminded to think about their profiles during this festival — to promote themselves in some way through the visiting runners’ packets and to offer a draw into their stores and restaurants.”
This year, Whitbeck said festival goers can expect the return of popular events including turkey bowling, smoosh races, nightlight snowshoeing in Voyageurs National Park, a boot hockey tournament, a beach party with live music and other chilly favorites.
“New last year were the ice sculptures and fireworks and strong efforts are still going on these two, but the hope is to again present these special highlights,” Whitbeck said.
New events this year are kid’s smoosh races at the Viking Bar where the traditional team smooshing is held Jan. 21. Also new are Red Solo Cup Days at the VFW as well as two new hot dog roasts by both skiers and snowmobilers. Whitbeck said dates and times of the events will be published in the official Icebox Days schedule inserted in The Journal Jan. 18.
When considering a milder-than-normal winter, Whitbeck said, “It’s a funny thing, part of the anticipation and the adventure is that no one knows what the weather will be. Attention grows when the show goes on regardless of harsh temperatures. The wind is a big factor but most of these runners know how to dress, and many finish too warm. The slogan, ‘only the bold run the cold’ dares runners to measure their merit, yet there is also an enhanced camaraderie in warmer temps when children and their families can easily play outdoors to enjoy this winter festival.”
Whitbeck added that last year’s FYGBR drew a record-turnout of nearly 300 runners. Among those running in last year’s frigid temperatures were individual runners, and groups that belonged to running clubs from across the nation and Canada.
For more information on Icebox Days or FYGBR registration, call the chamber at 283-9400, visit its website at chamber@intlfalls.org, or register online at www.freezeyergizzardrun.com.
Whitbeck also said volunteers are needed and anyone interested should contact the chamber.
