Lake Superior Ice Festival adapts to warm weather

SUPERIOR, WI. (Northern News Now) - With more mud than snow on the ground at Barker’s Island, a polar bear mascot looked a little out of place.

But this year’s Lake Superior Ice Festival was all about adapting, something organizers are familiar with.

“This is our ninth annual Lake Superior Ice Festival, so adapting an maneuvering around the weather, it’s not the first year we’ve had to do that,” said Parks and Recreation Director Linda Cadotte.

With temperatures right around freezing, it was cold enough to keep the ice sculptures from melting.

Although most activities were landlocked this year, select portions of the ice were open for fishing and even skating.

“I’ve been skating on the ice and I’m pretty good at it,” said Lila Miller, a festival attendee.

It was eight-year-old Miller’s second ice fest and she said sledding was her favorite part.

To make the sledding hill possible this year, snow had to be plowed in from around the area.

Organizers said that based on the hill’s popularity, the extra effort was worth it.

The festival’s mascot named Blizzy was also a hit with kids like Lila.

“He’s my best friend, and he gave me a hug,” Miller said.

Some events had to be canceled due to this year’s warm weather.

Curling and ATV racing were a few that didn’t work out.

But organizers said that it’s important to put on the ice fest every year, especially when the weather isn’t ideal.

“There’s a lot of grey, and it’s nice to just give people to give something to look forward to,” Cadotte said.

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