Admittedly, I was in a rotten mood on Saturday evening. My parents and I had gone to the UMD versus North Dakota game. It was a rough night, Amsoil was awash in a sea of green, and I think I might be allergic to North Dakota fans. I could say more, but I probably shouldn’t.
On the way home, my dad suggested we stop in town, and that’s how we ended up at The Landing, which, as it turns out, was hosting its Winter Frolic “Fur Party.” People were sporting their finest furs, real and faux, hoping to win bragging rights and whatever prizes were on the line.
We bellied up to the bar, met some committed furry folks, including a friendly bartender, and salvaged the night. I found myself wishing that maybe we had spent our weekend in Two Harbors, enjoying more of the Winter Frolic events than sitting through a chilly loss in Duluth. After all, there were plenty to choose from and something for everyone.
Castle Danger celebrated the occasion by tapping their new brew, Winter Frolic Doppelbock. Paired with Rainy Rose Food Truck fare and live music from Kaylee Mutuszak, Friday was a cozy kickoff to the weekend.
On Saturday, frolickers had a chance to try beer poking. Beer poking is one of those old German winter tricks that sounds made up until you see it happen. A metal rod is heated until it’s glowing, then plunged straight into a cold beer. The heat caramelizes the sugars on contact, creating a quick burst of foam and a sweeter, toastier flavor. It softens the bitterness, adds a hint of campfire, and turns a regular beer into something closer to a winter treat.
For the younger frolickers, the weekend was jampacked with activities. The Two Harbors Public Library and Northern Rail Traincar sponsored a coloring contest, where kiddos could put their artistic abilities on display. There was sliding going on at the Depot, and Harbor Rail Pub hosted a family karaoke session. Families could also warm up in the Harbor Theatre and watch some classic cartoons, because classic cartoons are the best cartoons.
Local businesses provided many ways to keep warm. Hot cider was available down by the Tipsy Mosquito, served by Lake Superior Dental. A large bonfire by Moose Lodge came with a side of free s’mores, thanks to Hull’s Sawmill and Louise’s Place.
I bet some of the chili served at the Chili Cook Off, sponsored by Park State Bank and Harbor Insurance and held at the Two Harbors Curling Club, also provided some good heat for festival folks. The Club also featured a Community Curling Challenge and a City versus County Exhibition Curling Challenge over the weekend, a great chance to either glide onto the ice or cheer from safely behind the glass.
My favorite part of the frolic from years past is the 1st Avenue Races. The whole event kicks off with the Fireman Kids Races, where the Two Harbors Fire Department puts on a race for the kids. The adorable dash is followed by events that entertain in a different, more humorous way. There is a Dash for Cash put on by Park State Bank and Harbor Insurance, the Keg Relay where Castle Danger provides the kegs, and the Larsons Septic and Superior Septic Outhouse Races.
There was plenty of music to choose from all around the festival footprint. Full Range played at the American Legion, which also held a Frozen T-Shirt Contest for the occasion. The following night, Derrick and Phil took the stage, and Ricky Sundstrom rocked out at the Moose Lodge on Saturday night as fireworks boomed outside. Those watching from the Two Harbors Depot enjoyed hot chocolate and cookies while the sky lit up overhead.
Congratulations to Wrenn, winner of the DQ Medallion Hunt. She found the medallion at the base of the handicap sign in the Two Harbors Golf Course parking lot.
These are just some of the events that filled up the frolic’s festivities and gave me a serious case of FOMO. Heading to the Winter Frolic would have been a good call, unlike some of the, well, oh right, I wasn’t going to say anything else about the hockey game.
Next year, I might skip the road trip and stay closer to home. Winter Frolic made it clear that the real action, warmth, and fun were right here in Two Harbors, thanks to the many sponsors, businesses, and volunteers who keep this celebration going year after year.
