The Frozen Fore

Leave it to Minnesotans to figure out how to participate in a sport not normally suited for winter (take ice-fishing, for one). It’s not just because we have to adapt, because I suppose we have to. It’s that there’s nothing wrong with cold weather. That’s right; I said it. We have seasons. And to be completely honest, it can be a lot of fun to get outdoors and play in the snow. In this case, golf.

While spring is just a few weeks away, there’s still time to enjoy some fun in the ice and snow. If you are going to be up in the Brainerd Lakes area this weekend and are looking for some winter fun, you may want to stop by the Grand View Lodge for the 8th annual Gull Lake Frozen Fore, billed as the “world’s largest golf and snowmobile event.” The Grand View Lodge will celebrate in an “around the world” theme, transforming into Renaissance era Europe for the weekend, to include food fit for a king, a jousting contest, and the not quite period-authentic shot luges. As for the golf, participatants can take part in an exciting round of nine “holes” on Gull Lake near Grand View Lodges, along with other locations, including Bar Harbor, Cragun’s Legacy, Ernie’s on Gull, Jake’s, Cowboy’s, Zorbaz on Gull, and Hole-in-the-Day Bay.

The weekend’s festivities begin Friday evening with the first Frozen Flop; participants will take an icy plunge into Gull Lake in support of area nonprofits. All proceeds will go to Camp Confidence, Kids Against Hunger, Mount Ski Gull, and the Blue Line Club. But the evening isn’t all cold and ice; a heated tent party will follow the flop, featuring dancing and live music on Gull Lake from local band Mother’s Hot Dish, featuring famous members of Prince’s Revolution and Soul Asylum. Saturday’s activities include a digital scavenger hun, and a four-on-four pond hockey tournament. The event concludes with Sunday evening’s Food Fest, a sampling and best dish contest from more than 25 area restaurants.

Don’t let the cold get you down. Word has it that the weekend will bring more winter conditions our way—all the better for an outdoor winter weekend party.

8th Annual Gull Lake Frozen Fore
(Including the first Frozen Flop)
Around, and on, Gull Lake
Nisswa, Minn.
February 22-24, 2013