Event wrap-up
It was another great year for the Sandstone Ice Fest. Over the course of three days more then 400 people visited Robinson Quarry Ice Park. Climbers, campers and more then a few spectators braved the cold to be part of the action. Check out the photos from Ice Fest III
Big thanks to Vertical Endeavors for providing the demo gear. This year's event was so successful V E had a hard time keeping people geared up. An estimated 50 climbers tried climbing ice for the first time. VEGA, the Vertical Endeavors guide service, offers ice climbing classes for those looking to try the sport again.
The other vital organizations involved in Ice Fest include the Gas Light Bar for hosting the after climbing party, the City of Sandstone for the support it has given to Ice Fest, and Bernie King for putting on an awesome show. Mike Ferris showed up with an excellent slideshow on climbing above 7000 meters.
Thanks to all those who bought raffle tickets, the money raised will help cover the costs of the event. This years prizes include a rope from REI, thanks REI for sponsoring the Ice Fest from the start. Grand Casino Hinkley donated two hotel room packages and provided the gift bags. Mormont, and Ames Adventure Outfitters showed up with a big box of goodies including some awesome fleece jackets.
The "Frozen Kettle" home brew contest winner is the Medic-Ale. Voted best beer to drink while standing in snow. The Medic-Ale is a spiced up winter ale.
I didn't see it, but I heard Elvis or maybe the ghost of Elvis was seen ice climbing. I did speak with climbers who traveled from as far away as Chicago, Lafayette, and Cincinnati to attend the Ice Fest.
The date has been set for Ice Fest 4, set aside the weekend of December 12-14, 2008
12/6 up-date
The ice is in, and also the snow (lots of snow) bring a pair of snow shoes or your skis if like. All kinds of choices for winter sports lovers. Hike up the Kettle River to Wolf Creek Falls or visit Banning for groomed trails.
The Sandstone Ice Fest welcomes the Grand Casino Hinkley as a first time sponsor. Get your raffle tickets for a chance to win a night at the Grand Casino Hotel or one of the other fabulous prizes. Help support the Ice Festival, funds from raffle ticket sales go to the expenses of hosting this event.
Stop by the Gas Light Bar, open all weekend and serving coffee from the BEAN FACTORY. Thank Arie of J&S Coffee in the midway of St. Paul for the donation. I'm only drinking the good stuff.
The Sandstone Ice Fest is getting known as a fun place to climb and good event to meet other climbers. The fun is important but climber safety will be the priority, please use caution near and below the ice. Please help other climbers and spectators remember the dangers of falling ice. The goal is to have another accident free year in Robinson Park.
And if you attend the events at the Gas Light, Sandstone has a taxi service, "Atta-boy Taxi", to get you home safe.
Tent rentals are still available with White Woods Outfitters, (218-728-3702)
12/4 photos
thanks for the photos Aaron
12/3 update
There's still a few opening for the sunday women's clinics. Email glenn.burns@gmail.com
11/29 update
Climbing clinics are full, even after adding a third day of classes. Glenn Burns has done a great job with organizing the sign up, his work has been very helpful.
New to the Ice Fest this year is the gear "Swap and Swing" on Saturday 3:00 to 5:00. Bring your old axes or that back pack that you don't use anymore to the Ice Fest Gear "Swap and Swing." If you're looking for that great deal or just want to stick some cash in your pocket, swing by the information tent and "let's make a deal".
Look for the latest issue of MN Trails Magazine, the Sandstone Ice Fest has a nice write up.
Big thanks to the Gas Light Bar for hosting the Ice Festival's evening activities. The Gas Light Bar is a little nicer establishment then most ice climbers are used to, please remember to remove your crampons. Hidden Ponds Tree Farm has donated a Christmas tree to be set up and decorated on the Gas Light Bar's heated patio.
Are you still looking for a place to stay during ice fest? Rent a Snowtrekker Tent from White Woods Outfitters, all tents have a wood stove and can be rented for a night or the weekend. Contact Michael Olker (218-728-3702) to reserve a tent. Another option, just ten minutes from Sandstone, is the Grand Casino Hinkley. No woods stoves in the rooms, but some suites have jacuzzis. For hotel reservations call 800-468-3517.
Check the Sandstone Ice Fest web site for ice conditions, I will posting photos soon.
Tony
11/13
Climbing clinic registration,
To sign up for the climbing clinics please email Glenn Burns
Address the email Ice Fest Clinics, include the class you want to attend and the day of the class.
The Sandstone Ice Fest will continue to provide the climbing clinics free of charge, help support the Sandstone Ice Festival by purchasing raffle tickets and shopping with the Sandstone Ice Festival sponsors.
11/8
The Sandstone Ice Festival is only a month away, so help celebrate the third year of the event this December 7, 8, 9 in Sandstone, Minnesota. The event is gaining national recognition, and winter sports lovers are spreading the word.
This year's Ice Fest has added winter camping clinics, a third day of climbing clinics, and a chili cook-off and homebrew contest. Snowtrekker Tents will be joining the action, having their full line of light-weight, winter camping tents on display. Stop by and see why Snowtrekker tents have become the first choice for winter trekking. On Saturday and Sunday Duane and Margo from Snowtrekker will be hosting winter camping clinics.
The ice climbing clinics will be pre-register events, with an online sign-up form coming soon. A big thanks to Shawn Tracy for once again organizing the climbing clinics. Last year's clinics filled up fast, so an introduction to climbing class has been added for Friday to help with the demand.
Other high lights include a slide show by Mike Ferris, a gear swap, and Bernie King performing Friday night at the Gas Light Bar.
The "Frozen Kettle Chili Cook-Off and Homebrew contest" finishes off the festivities at 4 pm on Sunday the 9th after all the climbing is over and the sun is setting. Reward yourselves by standing around a big fire on a cold winter night in Minnesota, eating chili drinking homebrew.
A lot of people put time into the planning of the Sandstone Ice Festival. The date of the event is set, and for many reasons cannot be changed. Share the excitement and help welcome in the winter.
Tony Vavricka
