In just less than two weeks, frozen turkeys will be flying, gizzards will be freezing and Icebox Days will be underway.
The 34th annual event, highlighted by the internationally recognized Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run — which could live up to its name with the recent record-breaking cold, is scheduled for Jan 15-20.
The popular winter festival will return longtime favorites as well as new events, said Faye Whitbeck, president of the International Falls Area Chamber of Commerce.
Icebox Days aims to bolster Borderland’s winter economy long after the hustle and bustle of the most popular tourism season has faded, Whitbeck said
“Icebox Days has certainly done what it set out to do,” Whitbeck said of boosting the local economy during the winter months.
The premier event, the Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run, will again feature 5K and 10K races Jan. 18, Whitbeck said. The event, she added, has never been canceled — only shortened in 1981 because temperatures hit -72 degrees with the wind chill.
“Only the bold run in the cold,” she said. “This year, the race is really living up to its reputation. The last two years, we’ve had record numbers for the race and participation seems to be growing.”
She added that registrations are already pouring in and interested participants can register at the chamber office, located at 301 2nd Ave., until Jan. 16. Runners may also register at Rainy River Community College from 5-8 p.m. Jan. 17, and before the run kicks off Jan. 18.
Runners packets can also be downloaded at the newly-designed Icebox Days website, www.freezeyergizzardrun.com. The site features information on runners and a photo gallery. Whitbeck said this year’s race results will be uploaded to the site shortly after the race.
In addition to the run, Whitbeck said festival goers can expect the return of popular events including turkey bowling, smoosh races, a chili cook off, nightlight snowshoeing in Voyageurs National Park, a boot hockey tournament, a beach party with live music and other chilly favorites. All dates and times will be published in the official Icebox Days schedule inserted in The Journal on Jan. 16.
“With the help of the city of International Falls, Saturday we will again have fireworks under the winter sky at Smokey Bear Park,” she said. “The fireworks are a brilliant way to show the celebration of our climate.”
New events
New to the Icebox Days lineup this year are several events at the Viking Bar and Backus Community Center.
According to Viking Bar owner Joann Smith, the new events at her establishment are toilet seat tossing, a wing eating contest and redneck days.
The wing-eating contest starts at 6 p.m. Jan. 16 followed by redneck trivia at 7 p.m. On Jan. 18 at 1 p.m., there will be a toilet seat toss, and a winter wonderwear competition for the best redneck outfits at 1:30 p.m.
“I usually try to have a theme,” Smith said of the redneck-inspired events. “Right now Duck Dynasty is cool, so I thought we’d do something around that....There’s not a lot of events for all ages. I wanted to give people an opportunity to participate in Icebox Days.”
Backus Community Center will also host a new event — Icebox Idol Karaoke, open to all ages.
The contest, according to Robin Bjorkquist, event coordinator at Backus, will start at 7 p.m. Jan. 16 and costs $5 to attend and $5 to perform a song.
“We’re always looking for new ideas and new ways to engage the community in fun events,” Bjorkquist said. “We really want to engage a lot of people.”
Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place and winners will be judged by the audience.
Overall, Whitbeck is confident this year’s festival will mimic the success of years past.
“Icebox Days is successful because both locals and visitors alike have shown their character,” she said. “No matter what the weather, there is joy and fun in being together and having unique events to attend.”
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 for the events and anyone interested should contact the chamber.
