Horse-drawn wagon rides carry passengers through M.B. Johnson Park for mostly snow-free Frostival festivities from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday and again on Feb. 17.
Forecasts for the final two weeks of Frostival look less like the Arctic adventure the festival’s planners predicted, and more like the early advent of spring.
While the unseasonable weather spelled doom for some events – think of snow sculptures and cross-country skiing – it has offered a pleasant and temperate opportunity for families to enjoy other outdoor pursuits in the purported “dead of winter.”
The sleigh rides are on Sunday afternoon and again on Feb. 17 … in a wheel-driven carriage instead of slipping across the snow on skis. The outdoor fund-raiser the Legion calls “Freezin’ for a Reason” will less test the mettle of the volunteers camping out for 40 hours, but more resemble an April overnight adventure. As for Trail Days Sunday at M.B. Johnson Park … instead of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, an invigorating hike along the river will be in order.
Ongoing through mid-February
Enchanted River Walk: On any fine evening, enjoy a stroll along the Enchanted River Walk, tracing Moorhead’s river corridor from Woodlawn to Viking Ship Park. Along the lighted trail, you’ll encounter interactive art installations from KidCo and the F-M Community Theatre – a Moorhead mural, a miniature village and other intriguing sights.
Friday-Sunday, Feb. 2-4
Freezin’ for a Reason: The Moorhead American Legion is raising funds for Honor Flight of Minnesota and North Dakota with a weekend of events in addition to the annual 40-hour camp-out, beginning with the flag-raising at 4 p.m. Friday. The Front Fenders are on stage from 7:30 to 11:30 that evening. Doughnuts, apple cider and coffee are served during “sweet Saturday morning” from 7 to 11 a.m., followed by a soup cook-off from noon to 2 p.m and a cornhole tournament from 2 to 5 p.m. After the Honor Flight presentation at 5, the evening concludes with music by Adios Pantalones from 7 to 11. The Legion Riders host a breakfast from 8:30 to noon Sunday, with the conclusion of the silent auction at 11:30. The SAL – Sons of the American Legion – serve burgers all afternoon, while Ice Cube Bingo begins at 3.
Saturday, Feb. 3
Snow Painting Party at Viking Ship Park, 1-3 p.m.: Since the park is virtually snowless, sponsor Open Spaces LLC is turning its plan on its head and painting visions of snow, rather than painting on it. Participants, including kids, are invited to use their imaginations, experiment with paints, and create their own snowy visions on paper.
Sleigh Rides at M.B. Johnson Park, 1-4 p.m. Horse-drawn wagons will traverse the trails. Call 218.299.5340 for reservations; tickets may be available on-site if space allows. Admission is $5/person, but children 2 and under are free.
Winter Warm-Up at the Rourke Art Gallery, 1-4 p.m.: Sip complimentary cocoa while browsing the handmade mug market, gather round the fire pits in the M. Dorian Clemedtson Memorial Sculpture Court, and shop for mittens, hats, and scarves from local fiber artists. Help keep our neighbors warm, too, by dropping off winter weather accessories for our community hat and mitten drive.
Sunday, Feb. 4
Winter Trail Days at M.B. Johnson Park, noon – 4 p.m.: The Dakota Prairie Chapter of the North Country Trail Association has adjusted its focus from cross-country skiing and snowshoeing to hiking the trails along the Red River. Light refreshments and information on the North Country Trail will be available.
Stonewall Sports Winter Kickball Tournament at M.B. Johnson Park, 1-4 p.m.: Spend a day competing on the field. Up to 8 teams of 10 will play.
18th Annual Cops & Kids Hockey Tournament, Moorhead Sports Center, 7:30 p.m.: Moorhead police officers face off against a team of local youth in this annual contest sponsored by the Police Athletics and Activities League.
Tuesday, Feb. 6
Candlelight Trail Walk at Viking Ship Park, 6-8 p.m.: Take a scenic, candle-lit stroll along the Red River, then play outdoor games and enjoy hot dogs and hot chocolate around a fire.
Sunday, Feb. 19
Frozen Frost Off at Black Cat Bakery, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.: Frost your own sugar cookies before participating in a cake-decorating competition.
