NORTHERN MINNESOTA — Punxsutawney Phil is one smart dude.
We just officially passed the midpoint of winter with Groundhog’s Day, but the first weekend in February will feel almost spring-like. And, for the first time in two years, Phil emerged from his hole and did not see his shadow in Punxsutawney, Pa,. This means an early spring, which is no surprise this year to Minnesotans, and this weekend there’s lots to do without the traditional cold and snow.
Here’s a few to check out!
BRRRmidji Days
Bemidji Jaycees are holding the first ever BRRRmidji Days, Feb. 1 through Feb. 4. There are a variety of activities that will benefit area nonprofits.
One highlight is the BRRRmidji Plunge in Lake Bemidji, starting at 1 p.m., near the Paul and Babe statues. Spectators can watch participants jump into Lake Bemidji to raise funds for Bemidji Special Olympics.
You can listen to our conversation with Bemidji Jaycee members Eva Fisher and Brittany Isensee above.
A haiku review from photographer Lorie Shaull
Pickled herring—
a side of sea
in two bites.
Palisade Mid-Winter Festival
Palisade hosts their 36th annual Mid-Winter Festival on Saturday, Feb. 3. Activities include a vendor marketplace from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., a meatball lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and a parade at noon.
The band Scot-Free will play at Rustic Trail from 6-10 p.m.
Laskiainen
The Laskiainen Finnish Sliding Festival is Feb. 3 and 4 at Loon Lake Community Center near Palo. Enjoy Finnish food on Saturday with a kropsu (baked pancake) breakfast from 7:30-11 a.m. and moijakka (stew) from noon to 3 p.m. There are artisans and demonstrations both days from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Bluegrass band Monroe Crossing plays Sunday at 1 p.m. Other activities may depend on weather conditions.
Hill City Winter Beach Party
There’s a winter beach party at Hill Lake Beach in Hill City Saturday, Feb. 3 from 1-4 p.m. with volleyball, a bonfire with s’mores and hot cocoa and the launch of a medallion hunt.
A new activity this year is smoosh racing, featuring groups of four people with feet strapped on two two-by-fours moving together as a team.
Winterfest in Crosslake
Winterfest in Crosslake is Feb. 2 and 3, with a medallion hunt, outdoor activities, lots of live music and much more.
Soupfest is Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. with soup samples served at participating businesses throughout the area.
Wherever you find yourself in Northern Minnesota this weekend, there’s no shortage of fun activities! Let us know what’s going on in your community: text us at 218-326-1234.
