With temperatures hovering just above zero and a cold wind dropping the wind chill, adults and children still congregated Saturday at Edgewater Bay to celebrate The Big Freeze.

The event included pictures with Elsa from “Frozen,” apple cider, baked goods and a chili cook-off at Edgewater Bay Pavilion. A fat tire bike demonstration, Albert Lea Anglers ice fishing contest, dog sleds, three-on-three pond hockey tournament, disc golf and other snow activities took place along Edgewater Bay. Drinks were served by 112 on Broadway during the day at the pavilion, and live music was scheduled Saturday night downtown.

Wine tasting, games and food were scheduled from 3 to 9 p.m. at Three Oak Winery. A breakfast sponsored by Shinefest took place Saturday morning at First Lutheran Church.

“For the weather, I think it’s wonderful,” said Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Susie Petersen.

She estimated 800 to 1,000 people attended the event.

To Petersen, despite the cold, people still wanted to get away from their homes and have fun.

“We’re Minnesotans,” she said. “We’re brave.”

Dave Houston attended the event with his grandson, Bradley LeBarron, who came to see Elsa and the dogsled.

“It’s a good, community event,” Houston said.

Albert Lea resident Lizzy Kunkel attended the event with the three children she was babysitting: Audrey, Samuel and Violet Gustafson. Kunkel said the children enjoyed facepainting and treats inside the pavilion.

Kunkel noted the high school volunteers who participated in the event and activities for participants of all ages.

“It reminds me of Wind Down Wednesday,” she said.

 

Chili cook-off winners:

First place: Stephanie Sherman

Second place: Dan Dorman

Third place: Ann and Scott Goodmanson

 

Three-on-three pond hockey tournament winners:

First place: Off in the Woods

Second place: Team Austinson

Third place: A-bombers

Fourth place: Wasted Potential