The fifth annual Big Freeze was held Feb. 15 at Edgewater Bay Pavilion, and, true to its name, it was cold! 

Thank you, Mayo Clinic Health System, for your contribution as our major sponsor. We would not be able to accomplish this event without the financial support and in-kind donations. Thank you to the following businesses and organizations involved with the Big Freeze: Albert Lea Parks and Recreation Department, Albert Lea Fire Department, Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce, Albert Lea Convention & Visitors Bureau, Albert Lea Seed House, Country Inn & Suites, EZ Rental, Fountain Lake Sportsman’s Club, Freeborn County Jaycees, State Farm Insurance Nancy Vanderwaerdt, Hy-Vee, Culligan Water, Kwik Trip and Thompson Sanitation.

We appreciate The 112 On Broadway providing beverages and food at the pavilion and the live music at the 112 on Broadway. The VFW was able to sell food in the pavilion that was donated to them for the ice-fishing contest that was canceled due to the weather.

We send thanks to the Albert Lea Tribune, KATE /KCPI, Power 96, Freeborn County Shopper and KIMT for plugging this event and Teresa Kauffman and Dan Borland for our website, Facebook and video production.

The medallion hunt sponsored by Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce during the week of the event worth $300 in Chamber Bucks went to Nate Johnson.

The Fountain Lake Sportsmen’s Club’s annual Take A Kid Ice Fishing handed out free ice fishing jigging sticks and buckets to over 75 kids.

The Big Freeze Ice Bowl disc golf tournament organized by Tim Engstrom drew more than 20 participants. Jared Johnson of Albert Lea won first place, and Brian Gustafson of Owatonna donated the most food.

We had snow for the snowshoe shuffle organized by Leean Dulitz and Scott Erlandson.

The Freeborn County Jaycees chili cookoff contest sold 84 spoons. Congratulations to winners: first place Wendy Taylor, second place Tom Guggisberg and third place Jan Bernau.

The kids’ geocaching, thanks to Steve and Amy Patten, had 29 participants and the kids’ carnival hosted by Jenny Davis of Park and Rec and Moving’ and Groovin” is Snow Much Fun hosted by Jenny Hanson of District 241 Early Childhood Family Education/School Readiness had more than 100 kids.

The Belgian horses provided by Gene Wangen were just beautiful! Thank you to Dale Grotsun organizer of the Shinefest Polar Tractor Rider that stopped by on their way to area nursing homes.

The popular Blue Ice Plunge event organized by Albert Lea Fire Department’s Scott Hanna and his crew and volunteer firemen drew 76 participants jumping into the freezing waters!  Bragging rights went to:

• Largest group: District 241 teachers and staff, 11 teachers and staff taking the plunge!

• Cargill employees: Collected 431 pounds of food and $200.

• Bragen Rights Photography: $140

The Big Freeze Event raised a total of 1,075 pounds of nonperishable foods for the Salvation Army and Ecumenical Food Pantry at First Presbyterian Church along with cash donations to the Salvation Army.

Your kindness and generosity will continue to touch many lives.

 

Susie Petersen, on behalf of the Big Freeze Committee

Albert Lea