I’ve got to say, there are some pretty hardy individuals living in Bemidji—most evident during this time of year. Every year across the entire state, it always seems like the bottom completely drops out of the thermometer during the third week in January. It never fails. That’s my theory anyway. Most travelers would be comfortably locked away indoors planning a getaway to some tropical sun-kissed, white sand beach. Not so Up North. Not in Bemidji. How do they fill their calendars during this time of year? With a community festival of course: Brrrmidji Polar Daze.
Beginning on Saturday, Jan. 21, visitors can take part in a variety of winter activities, indoors and outdoors, to celebrate winter’s chill. New to this year’s event is the Young Professionals Network 1/2 Way to Dragon Boats Cornhole Tourney. (I didn’t know what cornhole was until I looked it up. It’s also know as Bean Bag Toss.) Find a partner and participate in the tournament. Other event highlights include a chili feed, a 5K Polar Challenge Run, and the Taste of Northern Minnesota event, which takes place Thursday, Jan. 26, at the Sanford Center.
But the most fitting event for any winter celebration has to be the annual plunge into the frigid lake waters (I don’t believe I will ever be brave enough to try it). Whether you wish to participate or just watch and encourage others, this year’s Jaycee’s Brrrmidji Plunge takes place Saturday, Jan. 21, at 1 p.m.
Bemidji residents really do partake in all that winter has to offer.
