Nice to Know

Published 9:25 am Saturday, March 19, 2011

The Big Freeze committee would like to say a huge thank you to our community for your support for The Big Freeze 2011 held February 18-20.

Pictured from left to right: Christian Lopez, Salvation Army, Jim Brickson, Salvation Army captain, Susie Petersen, Big Freeze Committee Member, Brett Boss, Albert Lea firefighter, and Casey Swenson, of the Ecumenical Food Pantry. -- Submitted photo

Our motto was “An outdoor adventure you won’t want to miss!” New events added on Friday evening were: Rock on Ice for kids, Ice Fishing Seminar and Texas hold ’em tournament.

Saturday Events:

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Take a Kid Ice Fishing: 95 kids participated compared to 50 last year.

Snowshoe Shuffle (new event): 34 participants

Big Freeze Ice Bowl (new disc golfing event): 32 participants

Chili Cook-off: 86 spoons sold

Polar Plunge: 107 participants compared to 70 last year

Skydiving: seven jumpers

The kids’ Winter Carnival was held at Academy Park.

The live entertainment packed the tent on Saturday evening playing from 5 to 9 p.m.

The Snowmobile Radar Runs and the Ice Classic Fishing Contest were canceled due to the weather.

The Big Freeze 2011 raised 1,192 pounds of non-perishable foods for the Salvation Army and food pantry. When we compared it to last year’s total of 263 pounds, this was tremendous success and shows our community spirit! Cash donations of $170 and $252 to the Salvation Army and Red Cross were given.

Again, we would like to thank you for the support you have given to this community event and we are looking forward to a tremendous 2012 Big Freeze Event.

Submitted by the Big Freeze Committee.