At first glance, fire and ice appear to be strongly opposing forces. Plymouth combines these elements each year to create the quintessential warmth that only a wintry Minnesota festival can provide.
Now in its 25th year, the Fire and Ice Festival celebrates winter with a fiery edge. Recreation supervisor for the city of Plymouth Dan Lauer heads the festival’s planning committee, which launched its 2014 planning in September. “It’s a very good family fun oriented activity,” Lauer says, adding that the festival was started by Karol Gruepner, who retired in 2010, as a way to celebrate winter as a community.
Many festival staples return in 2014. Back by popular demand are sled dogs, hayrides, recycling bin races, the medallion hunt and the goofy hat contest. Planners also make use of frozen Parkers Lake through ice bowling and mini-golf.
Food vendors, including local favorites like Tot Boss and Potter’s Pastries and Pies, populate the park. The event culminates with its fire element, a fireworks show beginning at 6:30 p.m.; bonfires throughout bring s’mores, too.
Lauer says people tend to turn out for the Fire and Ice event “when the temperature is more inviting”, so organizers are hopeful for a perfect February afternoon, 20s and sunny.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
WHAT: Plymouth Fire and Ice Festival
WHERE: Parker’s Lake, County Road 6 and Niagara Lane
WHEN: 2–7 p.m. February 1
COST: Free
WEB: Visit plymouthicefestival.com for a full schedule of events.
