The seventh annual Big Freeze took place Feb. 6 at Edgewater Bay Pavilion and it was an absolute fantastic day of sunshine!

Thank you Mayo Clinic Health System for your contribution as our major sponsor. We would not be able to accomplish this event without the financial support.

Thank you to the following involved with the Big Freeze: Jenny Davis from the city of Albert Lea Park and Recreation, Scott Hanna of the city of Albert Lea Fire Department, Teresa Kauffmann of the city of Albert Lea, Jenny Hanson of District 241 Early Childhood, Leean Dulitz and National Honor Society for the Snowshoe Shuffle, Steve and Amy Patten for Geocaching,  ShineFest Polar Tractor Ride, Gene Wangen of Horse Drawn Wagon Rides, Freeborn County Snowmobile Club, Andy Richardson for disc golf, Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce, Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau, Albert Lea Seed House, Freeborn County Jaycees and Hy-Vee and Kwik Trip for donations.

The Medallion Hunt was sponsored by the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce and took place during the week of the event. Three hundred dollars worth of Chamber Bucks went to Danny, Renee and Brooklyn Martinez.

The Albert Lea – Freeborn County Jaycees Chili Cook-off contest did not disappoint the crowd and we appreciate The 112 on Broadway providing pulled pork sandwiches and beverages in the pavilion and the After Party featuring Echo Messenger.

Thank you to the Albert Lea Tribune, KATE /KCPI, Power 96, Freeborn County Shopper for plugging our event and KIMT’s great coverage!

We had snow this year for the Snowshoe Shuffle and Snowmobile Radar Runs! Thank you to Dale Grotsun organizer of the ShineFest Polar Tractor Ride that stopped by on their way to area nursing homes.

Kid’s fun events included Geocaching thanks to Steve and Amy Patten, Frozen Fun with Early Childhood – Elsa and Anna and Park and Rec Fun. The Belgian Horses provided by Gene Wangen were just beautiful!

The popular Blue Ice Plunge event organized by Albert Lea Fire Department Scott Hanna and his crew and volunteer firemen drew brave participants jumping into the freezing waters!  Bragging rights went to Cargill for collecting 464 lbs. of non-perishable food items.

The Big Freeze Event raised a total of 902 pounds of non-perishable foods for The Salvation Army and Ecumenical Food Pantry at First Presbyterian Church along with cash donations to The Salvation Army.

A big thanks to our community. Your kindness and generosity continues to touch many lives.

 

Susie Petersen

on the behalf of the Big Freeze Committee