Make way for the Pedal Bear!
Icepocolypse. Minne-FROZE-a. The #@%! cold. Call it what you will, it’s here. And we can choose to either wrap ourselves up all burrito-like in a comfy blanket and watch the Olympics. Or, embrace the cold along with Minnesota arts and ice-fishing traditions and go see the Art Shanty Projects. This past weekend, my fam chose the latter (although the former was very tempting).
There’s a shanty for everyone! With its built-in music-making elements, the Music Box Shanty was my 9-year-old’s fave. He also loved getting curling lessons at the Curling Clubhouse Shanty (and doing dive-slides all over the frozen lake). The husband liked the Elevator Shanty—don’t want to give away any surprises there. And me? I dug the Dance Shanty. There was an excellent DJ and it was was super-fun to boogie down with strangers in winter wear (good way to warm up too!).
Other highlights include: The Pedal Bear that lets you bike around in a big polar bear and growl at people as they part in front of you. And Noah’s Arc Shanty where you can create clay animals, which was cool but a little too crowded for our taste. There was also a wedding happening at Town Hall Shanty while we were there. Get the weekend’s schedule so you don’t miss any good stuff. And while you’re at it, check out this fun Valentine’s Day fundraiser!
Pro tips: Dress warmly (duh); you will be walking on ice. Some of the shanties have heaters that, if you’re a cold-wimp like me, you’ll want to sit on. I don’t recommend this. Bring a pull-sled for the wee ones. There is food for sale there, but having snacks on-hand never hurt anyone.
Shanties? You shall!
Art Shanty Projects – FREE! (donations appreciated)
Weekends, February 1-23
10 am – 4 pm
White Bear Lake
For Directions: White Bear Lake County Park, 55110
The Art Shanty Projects are about 1500 ft offshore on the ice.