With snowstorm after snowstorm pummeling the state during this seemingly interminable winter, it might be tempting to head to warmer climates.
Folks in Forest Lake have another plan: Stay home and embrace the elements.
The Forest Lake Chamber of Commerce has taken the lead in producing the inaugural FLake Festival, an eight-day celebration officials hope will give a boost to local businesses while promoting winter fun and showing off the city's crowning jewel: Forest Lake.
"Forest Lake is a wonderful asset, but it's kind of under-utilized during the winter," said Colleen Eddy, Forest Lake Area Chamber president. "Why take a spring vacation? We can get together and use Forest Lake. This will be like our own little Winter Carnival."
The frivolity starts Friday with ice-carving demonstrations in Lakeside Park and the opening games of a pond hockey tournament. It wraps up Feb. 25 with a bonfire on the beach. In between, the Forest Lake Rotary Club will hold its Winter Plunge "Getting Cold for a Cause" event, and the city's Lion's Club will sponsor an ice golf tournament and ice miniature golf for families. A medallion hunt with a $500 first prize begins Saturday.
Many of the events are not new. In the past they have been stand-alone events. But this year, the events are being marketed by the chamber under the umbrella of the festival to help create a buzz, Eddy said.
So far, 20 to 25 businesses have signed on as sponsors.
"The idea is for people to see that a town puts on great events," said Nick Vannelli of Vannelli's by the Lake and a festival committee member. "We want to create family events. That draws people in. That is what makes downtown come alive."
