Fun In The Cold

"There is no such thing as bad weather, just poor clothing choices," or so the Scandinavian saying goes. So enjoy the outdoors wherever you live-- sledding, skiing, ice hockey, hiking, snow sculpting or building. If you are hankering for something bigger and colder and tastier and most likely more than a few hours' drive away, then you might want to check out one of the state's winter festivals such as the St. Paul Winter Carnival January 26-February 5. Rice Park hosts many events of the carnival including the ice carving contest and display, live music, Frozen Family Night, parades, and more. You will find the snow sculptures and the giant slide at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds and something new this year-- the Fire & Ice: A Winter Carnival Art Show at the AZ Gallery. For information about this and more, go to www.wintercarnival.com/

If St. Paul is too close to home, then pack up the car and settle in for a four hour ride north of Minneapolis to Ely for their Voyageur Winter Festival February 2-12. Featured events include snow carving, art walk, ice fishing tournaments, fish fry, beard contest, winter gear demos, craft projects, and so much more. Fun for the whole family. Check out their facebook page for details and fun photos at m.facebook.com/elywinterfestival.

For something different and a little closer to home, why not investigate the quirky events in Walker for the International Eelpout Festival February 23-26? They celebrate the ugliest local bottom dweller around, the eelpout. Come for their fish fry or the Kids Perch Jerk fishing contest. Watch something conventional like a rugby match or the 500 Auto Races on the lake. Take the Polar Plunge or just enjoy the music or check out the Eelpout Fishing Show. For photos of 2014 festival fun and more information, go to www.eelpoutfestival.com

_{Credit: photos from pinterest}