‘Frosty Forks Fest’ guarantees midwinter family-friendly enjoyable – Grand Forks Herald

GRAND FORKS – The Downtown Development Association is, in a means, reinvigorating “Crazy Days” – a summertime enterprise promotion of years passed by – together with the standard “Downtown Frosty Forks Fest” in a weekend-long celebration of winter, organizers mentioned.

During the newly-introduced “Downtown Snow Daze,” set for Feb. 20-22, retailers will entice consumers with not-to-miss offers, coupled with “community fun and a skating event with a delicious twist,” the DDA mentioned in an occasion announcement.

The promotion will coincide with the standard Frosty Forks Fest on Saturday, Feb. 21, which includes a 5K run, a 10K fat-tire bike race and the annual Average Person Winter Olympics.

The Snow Daze promotion will give consumers “the perfect excuse to explore local businesses and score some winter steals while supporting local businesses downtown,” the DDA mentioned.

The thought for Downtown Snow Daze grew out of the downtown companies’ want to merge their conventional wintertime promotion “to help drive traffic and kind of make it this whole, big weekend downtown,” mentioned Svea Benefield, DDA vice chairman of selling.

“We’re always collaborating and listening to the downtown businesses,” Benefield mentioned. “They usually (sponsor) some sort of winter promotion every year, sometimes around Valentine’s Day, it just depends. And so, I think, just from our strong partnership and communication with the downtown businesses, they thought that helping amplify our impact by working together was a fun idea.”

For the Downtown Frosty Forks Fest, set for 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, the downtown space is remodeled “into a hub of frosty fun, featuring a variety of activities for all ages,” the DDA mentioned.

The day begins off with a 5K run and a 10K fat-tire bike race, giving contributors an exhilarating approach to benefit from the metropolis’s Greenway and trails. Fat-tire bicycles have ultra-wide, low-pressure tires that present higher traction and stability over gentle, unstable terrain like snow, sand and dirt.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. on the See Dick Run retailer, 28 S. Third St., with the race kicking off at 10 a.m. on the Greenway behind Town Square. All races shall be held weather- and snow-permitting.

Families and Disney followers are invited to skate with “Olaf” – of the film “Frozen” fame – from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday on the First Community Credit Union Downtown Ice Rink.

Rhombus Guys Pizza and Happy Camper Coffee shall be on web site, serving meals and scorching drinks to maintain everybody properly fueled all through the day, the DDA mentioned. And a DJ will maintain the power working excessive with music that’s superb “for dancing, warming up or simply enjoying the festive atmosphere.”

The spotlight of the day would be the return of the Average Person Winter Olympics, now in its fourth yr, the DDA mentioned. The occasion units the stage for “lighthearted competition where everyday people showcase their unique skills in hilariously unconventional winter challenges. Whether you’re competing or cheering from the sidelines, this fan-favorite event guarantees plenty of laughs.”

About the native “Olympics” contest, Benefield mentioned, “Honestly, it’s just a fun way to get outside, enjoy the weather – getting out of the house after January (which) is usually a longer, colder month.

“The lighthearted competitions, where people can just be silly and fun even as adults, is something that people like.”

The International Olympic Games “are also happening in February,” Benefield mentioned, “so I think that’s kind of a fun aspect too.” But for this competitors, she added, “you don’t have to have crazy professional skills; you can just be average.”

To enroll your staff of 4 for the Average Person Winter Olympics or to register for the 5K run or 10K fat-tire bike race, go to

www.downtownforks.com/frostyforks

. Visit the DDA’s Facebook web page for particulars and enjoyable movies, DDA officers mentioned.

Team check-in is from midday to 12:45 p.m.with the primary spherical of competitors starting at 1 p.m., adopted by a number of extra rounds. Closing ceremonies and awards are anticipated to start at 4 p.m.

“Downtown Frosty Forks Fest is one of our favorite ways to turn winter into something to celebrate,” mentioned Jill Proctor, CEO of the DDA. “From outdoor activities to shopping and more, the weekend is designed for people of all ages to come together, embrace the season and enjoy everything the Downtown Forks has to offer.”

The occasion wouldn’t be potential with out the sponsor, First Community Credit Union, and native companies See Dick Run, The Ski and Bike Shop, and Twin Tandem Studios, Proctor mentioned.

The weekend will wrap up on Sunday with the “Slice and Skate” occasion, the results of a partnership between RH Standard and Rhombus Guys Pizza. The companies are internet hosting “an evening of skating and slices” on the FCCU Downtown Ice Rink in Town Square, the DDA mentioned. “The first 100 skaters to hit the ice will receive a free slice of pizza, courtesy of these two downtown favorites.”

The occasion is scheduled for 4-6 p.m., or till all of the slices have been given away.