Winter Scene

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WINTER 2015 | VOLUME 1 | ISSUE 1

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COME ON UP DETROIT MOUNTAIN SEES SUCCESSFUL FIRST YEAR

STORY BY NATHAN BOWE | PHOTOS BY BRIAN BASHAM

W

ith the first year of operations under its belt, Detroit Mountain has the bugs worked out and is ready for the winter season.

Whether you love downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, tubing or even riding winter “fat bikes,” Detroit Mountain Recreation Area will make you happy.

In fact, if you just like to sit inside where it’s warm, sip wine, 4 | WINTER SCENE 2015

beer or hot chocolate and watch the downhill escapades from the big windows of the alpine lodge, the Mountain is for you.

“Our target opening date is the Friday after Thanksgiving, what we refer to as ‘White Friday,” said Jeff Staley, general manager of Detroit Mountain Recreation Area.

“We’d like to get people to come out and ski and recreate rather than go shopping,” he said.

He likes the philosophy of out-

door gear and sporting goods retailer REI, which is canceling Black Friday this year.

In what USA Today calls “an unprecedented move for the modern-day holiday shopping season,” REI’s 143 stores will be closed the day after Thanksgiving.

The co-op business has launched a campaign encouraging people to forget the shopping and spend the day outside instead.

At Detroit Mountain, snow guns DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

are already out and ready to be deployed as soon as temperatures drop to the ideal point, generally in the 20s.

“We used 21 million gallons worth of snow last year,” Staley said. “Our main snowmaking pump is 1,000 gallons a minute.”

The water is pumped from a well on the site, and when the snow melts, it goes back into the ground to replenish the well, he said.

A “Magic Carpet” conveyor belt has replaced the tow rope at the learning area, since the tow rope was tough for some kids to get a handle on.

To support the demand for the coming season, additional rental equipment has been purchased as well, including 60 new pairs of skis (for a total of 486 pairs of skis and 107 snowboards) 60 new helmets, more boots and 40 sets of poles. Essentia Health sponsored the extra helmets.

“We purchased additional rental software to aid in moving people through the rental line,” Staley said.

The Mountain will also have seven fat bikes available to rent, which can be used on either the Nordic or cross-country ski flow trails.

“We’re also going to try to create a decked outdoor seating area by the

DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

yurt.” Staley said. The burger shack will be moved over to serve the new seating area, with the idea that it will take some pressure off the inside restaurant area.

The entrance road was also paved in June.

Last year, Detroit Mountain saw 42,000 skier and tubing visits in 76 days of operation, from Nov. 28 to March 14.

It was an extremely successful first season, Staley said. The single busiest day saw 1,600 visits, and most weekends brought in 1,000-plus visitors per day.

Only 10-12 inches of snow fell last year, Staley said, “not enough to do a lot of cross-country skiing.”

Hopefully this will be a snowier winter, he added, because “(Detroit Lakes High School ski coach) Dan Josephson has been improving the Nordic trails and those will be good to go this year.”

The Mountain offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, as well as winter bike trails, with tracks set on both east and west trail sections.

The eastern trails are groomed for both classic and skate skiing. The western trails are double-tracked for classic skiing.

CATCHING AIR Detroit Mountain hosted an array of activities and events last year during its inaugural year. This winter, some of the bugs encountered last year have been worked out and staff members are ready for opening day, the Friday after Thanksgiving, or White Friday.

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UP, UP AND AWAY The downhill ski and snowboard hills are popular at Detroit Mountain.

As for the tubing hill, Staley said “our goal will be to have tubing open by Christmas or shortly before.”

Of course downhill skiing and snowboarding is a popular part of the Mountain, with more than a dozen ski runs rated by level of difficulty: Green, blue or black.

Two chair lifts serve the runs, and the centrally located terrain park is served by a high-speed tow rope.

Also new this season, the 6 | WINTER SCENE 2015

Mountain is starting a development race league, the D-Team, for kids age 6-7 all the way up to high school age.

The eight-week instructional program includes two weekend race events.

“It’s a statewide program, most ski areas participate in it,” Staley said. “We’ll do the instruction and the kids can choose whether to travel to the races or not.”

This year, participants will travel to races at Andes Tower Hills

near Alexandria and Powder Ridge near St. Cloud.

After participating two years in the development program, Detroit Mountain will be eligible to host a race itself.

That would fit into the general plan for the Mountain.

“We would like to have a major event every month, winter and summer,” Staley said, “just something that draws people out on a monthly basis and keeps us in mind for outdoor recreation.”

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FREEZING THEIR BUNS Only the brave - and the bundled up - run the Freeze your Buns 5k in February.

POLARIFIC ACTIVITIES

FEBRUARY IS FOR PLAYING OUTDOORS IN DETROIT LAKES 8 | WINTER SCENE 2015

DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

TAKING THE PLUNGE Dressing up in costume always makes plunging into a frozen lake that much better. The Polar Fest Plunge has been the anchor event of the Polar Fest since its inception and serves as a major fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club of Detroit Lakes.

STORY BY BY PIPPI MAYFIELD PHOTOS BY BRIAN BASHAM

C

ut a hole in the ice in the dead of winter and jump through it into freezing cold water.

To most, it doesn’t sound like fun, but to those willing to do it, the Boys and Girls Club of Detroit Lakes thanks them.

For 16 years, the Polar Fest Plunge has been not only the largest fundraiser for the youth organization, but also the anchor for Polar Fest, Detroit Lakes’ largest winter celebration.

“We’re proud to be the granddaddy event of Polar Fest,” said Sue Trnka, development director at the Boys and Girls Club. “It’s kind of what Polar Fest was built around, so that makes us feel really good.”

This February celebration will be the 20th annual, so it’s a big year for the club.

“The last several years we really focused on making this a family event, something that’s really fun as part of Polar Fest,” Trnka added.

Over the years, there have been some other key components added to the festivities – like the Breakfast Rotary’s Poles N Holes ice fishing DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

derby and the Freeze Your Buns Run – to help celebrate February in Minnesota.

Polar Fest will be celebrated Feb. 5-15 this winter.

“As a tourist information center, anything that we can bring attention to Detroit Lakes and the idea that we’re a year-round destination,” Chamber of Commerce President Carrie Johnston said as

the reason for an event like this in the winter.

“I think just getting the locals out to enjoy the resources we do have in the winter is really beneficial,” she added.

Erika Gilsdorf started Polar Fest in 1996, as a way to celebrate winter on the lake outside her then-business, Lakeside Tavern. The event saw several good years before endWINTER SCENE 2015 | 9

NICE AND TOASTY Along the way, fireworks on the frozen lake have been added to the Polar Fest line up. ing in 2002 due to lack of support.

The Polar Fest Plunge was the only activity that was still going by then.

But in 2005, a number of people decided it was time to breathe life back into the winter celebration, and it has been growing each year since.

The 11-day Polar Fest now serves as both a push to get tourism to Detroit Lakes in the winter and to get local residents out of the house for a little cool fun.

Some of the other staples when it comes to Polar Fest activities include Daddy’s Little Sweetheart Dance, Hidden History Happy Hour, Vern Turner Bonspiel, chili cook-off, Ice Tee Golf, pancake breakfast, snowman building contest, frozen fireworks, Polaritaville dance and more.

Polar Fest even has its own mascot, Polar Pete, who likes to make appearances throughout the events. He has his own Twitter feed, @thepolarpete, too.

“Part of Polar Fest is not only, we hear shop local, but it’s also play local, and volunteer local and just really participate in your community. I think that shines through 10 | WINTER SCENE 2015

during Polar Fest, too,” Johnston said.

While Polar Fest is the major event of the winter season – aside from those at Christmas – it also keeps the fact that there are winter activities all season in the forefront of everyone’s mind.

“It’s a reminder that we do have things almost every weekend – we have snowmobile events or hockey tournaments, there are just a lot of things,” she said.

“And now with Detroit Mountain and increased skiing and Maplelag and Rainbow Resort, there are just so many in the area that have winter activities, so I think this is just one more reminder to come and celebrate what we do have in winter.”

Many businesses and organizations work together for Polar Fest, knowing that it will benefit the community as a whole. It will bring revenue in and breathe life into some dreary winter spirits.

“This is something people look forward to, whether they are a past plunger or a current plunger or someone who is thinking ‘I might want to try that this year,’ or if it’s just someone who has enjoyed

coming out and watching it or volunteering at it,” Trnka said of the Polar Fest Plunge.

“There are so many ways I think that event touches people.”

Not only is it fun for those gathered around the ice, watching people jump in the freezing lake, it also helps pass along the mission of the Boys and Girls Club.

“It enables anybody to connect with our mission in a way that they can do something and have fun doing it and involve people they know,” she said.

“Those people who decide to plunge and do something crazy for those kids, they’re sharing that mission with the people they go to and ask for pledges and support.

That’s the beauty of this event.”

The event usually grosses about $70,000, including in-kind donations, which after paying to put on the event, nets about $45,000 for the club. There are on average 180 plungers each year, with a record set in 2012 with 231 plungers.

For more information, or to buy Polar Fest clothing and merchandise, visit www.polarfestdl.com.

For more information on the Polar Fest Plunge, visit www.bgcdl.org.

DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

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THE CITY’S

PEOPLES PARK OFFERS SKATING, HOCKEY RINKS

STORY BY PIPPI MAYFIELD | PHOTOS BY BRIAN BASHAM

PERMANENT HOME With Lincoln Park skating rink having some muddy issues, the city of Detroit Lakes moved the outdoor hockey arena to Peoples Park and flooded the area for an ice skating rink as well. They also added a second hockey rink so multiple levels of skaters can play at once.

Back in 2007, the Detroit Lakes Park Board reviewed its strategy and the top goals it wanted to accomplish.

The members drew up a comprehensive park and trail plan, and then held meetings to hash out the details and set some goals. One of those goals became Peoples Park, which opened to ice skating and hockey in 2010.

Though the park already existed, it wasn’t really being used for much. Several blocks away though, the old Lincoln skating rink had seen its better days.

There were no bathrooms, wood heat and not such great ice.

12 | WINTER SCENE 2015

“The rink was basically in a low area where the groundwater is so close the water wouldn’t freeze real well. We had a lot of hard bubbles in the ice,” Public Works Director Brad Green said.

It was about that time that Sanford Health started its building project, and the city was able to tie the Lincoln land into Sanford’s plan. This allowed for the city to upgrade and relocate the skating rink.

“Peoples Park was a little hidden gem. We have our city wells there, but it wasn’t really used for a whole lot,” Green said, adding that there was a dirt alley through the

area with a small playground and horseshoe housed in the park.

So the park board recognized the underutilized space and decided to move the skating rink there.

Not only was a beautiful space able to be used, it also improved the city’s efficiency when it came to maintenance of the skating rink that was now just across the street from the Kent Freeman Arena, where the indoor ice skating rinks are located.

Another bonus was the hockey boards. At Lincoln Park, the boards had to be taken up and down each year because of the muddy land and the boards continuously fallDETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

HIDDEN GEM

ing down.

So with the move, the city was able to install the hockey boards permanently on two rinks so skaters can have two different levels of hockey going on. And then with some grading of the land, the city created a free skating area amongst the hockey rinks and trees.

Some of the boards along the hockey rink are from Minnesota’s former professional hockey team, the North Stars, and has a chunk of board with Norman Green’s autograph on it. He was the former coach of the North Stars.

The city also built a warming house with bathrooms and kitchen DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

area, which is utilized throughout the year.

“When Zorbaz expanded, they paid for parking and we were able to pave all that. It worked out really well that we timed all that together,” Green said.

In the summer, Peoples Park is also used for the farmers market, pickleball courts, roller skating, volleyball and more.

“It’s such a good draw,” Green said of the park.

Each winter, the city tracks how many skaters utilize the rinks and warming house. Of course the numbers fluctuate each year depending on weather and temperatures, but

they average about 3,500 people a winter.

During the 2011-12 season, there were 4,500 skaters, “but we had a late spring. It went to March 4,” he said.

Last year though, during the 2014-15 season, the ice only saw about 3,000 skaters due to cold temperatures. When it falls below 10 degrees below zero, the city closes the warming house, which happened 16 days last winter.

“A lot of times in February we close because it gets too warm,” he added. And it’s usually around Dec. 20 that it’s cold enough to be able to open up the rinks.

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WINTER EXERCISE Peoples Park skating area provides space for hockey arenas and free skating areas. There is also a warming house that’s open every day unless the temperatures are too cold to skate.

Rossman Elementary School students also use the facility in the winter, and those students aren’t even added into the usage numbers the city tracks.

“The biggest benefit is it’s definitely a draw for the community,” Green said, adding that with a nice facility that’s staffed and a little warm weather, the skating rink is the perfect place for winter activity. “And you can see from those numbers, we have a lot of participants.”

Hours for the warming house are 3-8:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, and noon-8:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays and on days when there is no school in Detroit Lakes.

14 | WINTER SCENE 2015

DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

Like s on the Lake p u Light k and watch Faceboo ances to for ch

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~ DECEMBER 2015 HOLIDAY EVENTS ~

Friday, December 4 Crystal Gale Holiday Show, Shooting Star Casino 8:00 pm Saturday, December 5 Holy Rocka Rollaz, Holmes Theatre* 7:30 pm Saturday, December 5 Family Day, Keepsake Ornaments, Becker County Museum 10 am-Noon Saturday, December 5 FREE Sleigh Rides, Washington Square Mall West Entrance Noon-3 pm Saturday, December 5 FREE Kids Movie, “Arthur’s Christmas”, Cinemagic Cinema 7** 10 am Limited seating – bring an item for Becker County Food Shelf

Saturday, December 5 “Tinsel Treats and Treasures!” holiday craft show, The Refuge 10 am-3 pm Saturday, December 5 Holiday Show, Lakes Liquor Noon-3 pm Saturday, December 5 Niijii Radio

Holiday Mix Down at the

Washington Square Mall Noon-5 pm

Saturday & Sunday, December 5 & 6 Photos* & Wishes with Santa, Washington Square Mall Noon-4 pm

Saturday, December 12 FREE Sleigh Rides, Washington Square Mall West Entrance Noon-3 pm

Monday, December 7 Norby’s Customer Appreciation Night, (Fun, Food, Deals & Prizes) 5-9 pm

Saturday, December 12 Kids Craft Day at the Mall, Washington Square Mall Noon-2 pm

Wednesday, December 9 Brown Bag Lunch, Jeff Staley/Detroit Mountain, Becker County Museum Noon

Saturday & Sunday, December 12-13 Photos*& Wishes with Santa, Washington Square Mall Noon-4 pm

Thursday, December 10 Santa Day, DL Newspapers 2-5 pm Friday, December 11 All is Calm: Christmas Truce of 1914, Holmes Theatre* 7:30 pm Friday, December 11

Little River Band Shooting Star Casino 8:00 pm

Sunday, December 13 Canadian Pacific Holiday Train, Holmes Street Railroad Crossing** 3:30 pm Sunday, December 13 Lakes Area Community Concert Band Concert, First Lutheran 4 pm

Saturday, December 12 FREE Kids Movie, “Polar Express” Cinemagic Cinema 7** 10 am

Thursday, December 17 Native American Comedy Showcase, Shooting Star Casino 7 pm

Saturday, December 12 Family Day,

Thursday, December 17 RRXS: Rock ‘n Roll Christmas Spectacular, Holmes Theatre* 7:30 pm

Limited seating – bring an item for Becker County Food Shelf

Toy Making, Lefse & Krumkake, Becker County Museum 10 am-Noon

Saturday, December 19 Family Day, Sugar Cookie Contest, Decorating, Becker County Museum 10 am-Noon Saturday, December 19 FREE Kids Movie, “Elf”, Cinemagic Cinema 7** 10 am Limited seating – bring an item for Becker County Food Shelf

Saturday, December 19 FREE Sleigh Rides, Washington Square Mall West Entrance Noon-3 pm Saturday & Sunday, December 19-20 Photos* & Wishes with Santa, Washington Square Mall Noon-4 pm Thursday, December 24 FREE showing of White Christmas, Cinemagic Cinema 7 10 am, 1 & 4 pm Saturday, December 26 Winterfezt, Zorbaz 5:00 pm Tuesday-Thursday, December 29-31 Kids Week Themes & Activities, Becker County Museum 1-3 pm Thursday, December 31 New Year’s Eve Bash, with balloon drop, The Center 6-9 pm

* Denotes ticketed event or fee ** Please bring an item for Becker Co Food Shelf If you have any questions, please contact the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce

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LIGHTING UP FROM HOLIDAY TRAIN TO SANTA, DECEMBER IS FULL STORY BY PAULA QUAM | PHOTOS BY BRIAN BASHAM

T

he holiday season around Becker County is what many believe is that perfect, idealistic time of year.

“There’s a little bit of nostalgia around our downtown,” said Carrie Johnston, Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce president.

“We’re still a small town with a vibrant downtown and still do holiday decorations and a lot of free family activities. We have a great church presence, and lot of people come home for the holidays.”

The lakes communities literally light up in November, beginning with the annual tree-lighting ceremony at the library on the corner of Frazee Street and Washington Avenue. Lights adorning the tall 16 | WINTER SCENE 2015

pine are turned on, which electrifies the crowd right before the Grand Parade of Lights in downtown Detroit Lakes.

Area businesses and organizations put a tremendous amount of time and TLC into the twinkling floats that slowly make their way downtown. Streets are full of people who make this holiday kick-off event a tradition year after year, as they sip the hot chocolate and apple cider while waiting for Santa’s big appearance at the end of the parade.

This year the Grand Parade of Lights and tree lighting ceremony will take place Nov. 30, beginning at 5 p.m.

But what makes old, charm-

ing holiday memories better than horse-drawn sleigh rides? In Detroit Lakes these rides are free to everybody.

Every Saturday beginning Nov. 28 and going through Christmas, the sleigh rides will be running from noon to 3 p.m., leaving from the west entrance of the Washington Square Mall.

“It’s a scenic loop through downtown DL; an opportunity to get to see downtown in a different way,” said Johnston.

Because Christmas is such a magical time for children, the Cinemagic Theater in the Washington Square Mall is showing free kids’ movies every Saturday beginning Nov. 28 DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

THE HOLIDAYS OF SMALL-TOWN SPARKLE THIS TIME OF YEAR

SANTA’S COMING TO TOWN The Holiday Train makes a stop every year in Detroit Lakes, and the Grand Parade of Lights shines down Washington Avenue. Santa tends to visit the good boys and girls that come out to see the events as well. through Christmas that are sure to keep kids in the holiday spirit.

A non-perishable food item is all it takes to get kids into the movie theater with Christmas movies such as “Home Alone” playing on the big screen.

Feeding the area’s hungry is an idea that resonates throughout the community this time of year, as a non-perishable food item is also the suggested price for taking in the spectacular Canadian Pacific Holiday Train, which comes tootin’ through town every year.

This year, the train, lit up with holiday lights, will stop in Detroit Lakes on Dec. 13 at 3:30 p.m.

The train’s journey takes them across North America to collect doDETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

nations for area food shelves, while spreading holiday cheer. Bands are set up in the box cars, which rock out to holiday tunes for a 45-minute show, while kids and parents alike dance in the street.

This year Canadian country stars Kira Isabella and Doc Walker will be playing aboard the holiday train.

Santa makes several appearances around the Detroit Lakes community this time of year, too, as he attends several photo-taking events with kids.

Damien mitten trees and angel trees are seen all over town, providing a way for people to help local families in need.

For families looking for a real-

ly old-fashioned feel to Christmas, the Becker County Museum will be holding its Family Day on Dec. 12, which is a chance for children to learn the art of toy making, while mom and dad learn how to make lefse and krumkake. That goes from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Lakes Area Community Band Christmas Concert will also prove to be magic to the ears of many throughout the community, as local musicians perform at the Holmes Theatre on Dec. 13 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The Christmas spirit is also alive and well in the smaller communities that surround Detroit Lakes.

The Parade of Trees is a special event to the people of Lake Park WINTER SCENE 2015 | 17

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TRYING TO KEEP WARM Bonfires are lit along Washington Avenue to keep people warm while they wait for the tree lighting and the Grand Parade of Lights. and beyond. The event, which is held Nov. 26-29 at the American Legion in Lake Park, is like stepping into a Christmas wonderland, full of light-up Christmas trees of every theme.

From hunting-themed trees to memorial trees, the Parade of Trees is open to the public.

The Frazee community will also be holding its annual Christmas Extravaganza on Dec. 5 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

This is a chance for shoppers to get those unique gift ideas, as roughly 45 vendors fill the Frazee Events Center, bringing with them a lot of adorable, handmade Christmas cheer.

For folks closer to the Waubun area, no fear – the second annual Holiday Bazaar is back at the high school.

On Dec. 16 from 5 to 8 p.m. there will be an evening of entertainment, a holiday feast, and activities for the kids and a variety of vendors for holiday shopping.

The year 2015 coms to a festive close in Detroit Lakes, as the DLCCC’s annual New Year’s Eve Bash brings hundreds of people together one, last time this year.

The party features the “giant slide,” the Backyard play land, food, music, games and food. The party goes from 6 to 9 p.m.

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OLD TIMERS are out and about Becker County during the winter, and we’re not talking the riders. Old, classic snowmobiles are part of the nostalgia of winter in Minnesota, as rallies are held in their honor.

VINTAGE FUN SNOWMOBILE CLUBS HOST SEVERAL SNOWY RIDES STORY BY VICKI GERDES | PHOTOS BY BRIAN BASHAM

A

h, winter. The crunch of snow beneath your feet.

The crisp, cold air that turns your breath to a puff of fog. The smoky smell of your snowmobile’s gas engine being fired up for another sledding season…

January and February are the height of the snowmobiling season in Becker County, with several major events scheduled.

ULTRA Classic Cruises A few years ago, the ULTRA Snowmobile Club noticed that in20 | WINTER SCENE 2015

terest was growing in opportunities to get out and ride older-model sleds.

“Because the vintage era of snowmobiles has gotten so popular, a lot of guys were looking for a way to get together and use them a little bit,” says club member Wayne Schlauderaff.

So he and other club members began organizing the ULTRA Classic Cruise events for sleds that are considered vintage models (1980s and older). This winter, the club is planning not just one, but two such events.

The first, set for Saturday, Jan. 3, will take riders on a tour from the Becker County Fairgrounds in Detroit Lakes to Vergas and back, with a stop at the Shorewood Pub. The second, set for Saturday, Jan. 23, will showcase the trails to the north of Detroit Lakes, and will head out from the M State campus parking lot toward Cotton Lake and back again.

Both events will begin at 10 a.m. and continue until approximately 2 p.m. Both runs are free and open to anybody with a snowmobile and a desire to ride.

DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

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TRAVELING IN PACKS From races to rallies to rides, area snowmobile clubs plan several outings each year, getting snowmobile and winter enthusiasts together for a trip through the snow.

“Anyone can come and join in,” said Schlauderaff. “It’s just a day of riding and having fun.”

For more information, contact Schlauderaff at 218-849-3069 or visit the club’s web page, www.ultradl. org.

For ladies only The Ladies Only Snow Tour, also known as the LOST Ride, is set for Saturday, Jan. 30, departing from the Detroit Lakes Holiday Inn — “weather permitting,” said Patti Carr of the ULTRA Snowmobile Club, who has been organizing these rides since about 1998.

22 | WINTER SCENE 2015

“Normally we will meet at the Holiday Inn and order breakfast off the menu,” she added, though last year, because of the lack of snow, “we ended up going tubing at Detroit Mountain.”

In a typical year, however, “We split up into different groups according to how far we want to ride and the kind of riding we want to do,” Carr said. “Then we go out and ride the trails of Becker County for a while, before heading back to the Holiday Inn, where we have a small banquet.”

Door prizes and awards will be given during the evening banquet.

There is no cost to participate in the ride.

“Just bring a door prize to share, and that’s about it,” Carr said. “The only cost is your meals.”

For more information, contact Patti Carr at 218-849-9741.

Midnite Riders Old Timers Classic Since the mid-1990s, Lake Parkarea snowmobile club the Midnight Riders has been hosting one of the region’s biggest snowmobiling events, the Old Timers Classic, on the first Saturday in February.

The 25th annual event is set for Saturday, Feb. 6, in Lake Park.

The festivities begin with an antique snowmobile show and swap meet outside the Lake Park Liquor Store, starting around 8 a.m., with the “best of show” winners’ trophies in various Original Build and Restored categories to be handed out at 10 a.m.

“We do the judging out in the back of the store,” says Midnite Riders President Bill Livdahl. “We sell (commemorative) clothing and tickets for the run inside the store.”

Tickets for the event are $10, and “you need the stub to be judged,” Livdahl added.

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EVERYONE’S INTERESTED People from all over Minnesota and North Dakota come to participate in the Becker County snowmobile runs.

store for a 39-mile run that takes participants east to Audubon, then south and west through the Cormorant Lakes area and back into Lake Park.

Stops along the way include the Audubon Liquor Store, Pit 611, Cormorant Lakes Sportsman’s Club, Randy’s on Lake Eunice, the Cormorant Inn, Cormorant Pub, the Roadhouse and Ella Marie’s, and Twin Shores between Big Cormorant and Leaf Lake.

“It’s probably one of the more challenging old timers’ runs out there,” says Livdahl. “Your mission is to get your sled going and keep it running through all these stops.

“It’s a lot of fun,” he adds, noting that he gets plenty of volunteers calling him every year and asking to drive one of his vintage sleds for the event.

“There’s a big community effort that goes into it,” Livdahl added. “We probably have about 50 people from the club as well as the Lake Park Fire Department out there helping.

“It’s amazing the number of people that show up in a good snow year. It’s kind of crazy how far they come too. We have people coming from the Twin Cities and all over North Dakota.”

In addition to selling tickets for the run, club mem-

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DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

SOCIAL GATHERING It’s not only fun to ride but also to check out what everyone else is driving. bers will be selling chances to win a restored 1980 Jag 340, which will be raffled off at the end of the club’s annual fun run on Feb. 27. The club members restored the vintage sled themselves.

Proceeds from the Old Timers Classic help the Midnite Riders with keeping up the 73 miles of trail that the club is responsible for grooming and maintaining throughout each season.

To keep up to date on the Midnite Riders and the Old Timers Classic, visit the club’s Facebook page. You can also contact Livdahl at 701-8661580 for more information.

ULTRA Vintage Rally, Swap Meet & Radar Run The ULTRA Snowmobile Club will be hosting its 13th annual Vintage Rally, Swap Meet and Radar Run on Saturday, Feb. 20, on the Detroit Lakes City Beach and Little Detroit Lake.

“People can display their classic or vintage snowmobiles and we have 22 classes of trophies, starting from the earliest vintage models DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

all the way up to the classics (19851996),” said club member Wayne Schlauderaff. “We added those classic categories last year.

“Another thing we started last year was a contest for the best dressed in snowmobile apparel,” he added. “Last year a doctor from Texas won it.”

John Deere was the featured brand for 2014, and the doctor wore his finest John Deere apparel to the meet, Schlauderaff explained.

“The swap meet is also part of our event,” he continued. “People can buy, sell and trade used and new snowmobile parts. That’s something that’s really grown bigger over the years.”

A couple of years ago, the club also decided to hold a Radar Run as part of the big day.

“Anybody can come out and run their sled on a 1,000-foot ice or snow track and see how fast they can go,” Schlauderaff said, noting that the club provides both types of tracks for the run.

“They’ve got a chance to win trophies there too. We have multiple classes for the Radar Run as well.”

The day’s festivities end with a fun run around the lakes; this year there are nine stops planned for that afternoon, including the Sandbar, Sunlite Bar & Grill, Zorbaz, Lakeside Tavern, Holiday Inn, American Legion, Bleachers, Shorewood Pub and Long Bridge.

“It’s a good day of riding,” Schlauderaff said, but added that the festivities at the various stops are open for people who choose to arrive by car as well.

“We will also have a raffle with over $5,000 in cash and prizes,” he said.

Tickets for the raffle are $5 each, and “proceeds will help pay for the whole event; anything left over will go toward trail maintenance.”

ULTRA maintains 107 miles of snowmobile trails, from Vergas in the south up to the Tamarac Refuge in the north, Schlauderaff said.

For more information, visit www. ultradl.org or call Schlauderaff at 218-849-3069.

Follow Detroit Lakes Newspapers reporter Vicki Gerdes on Twitter at @VickiLGerdes.

WINTER SCENE 2015 | 25

Sledding through a

WINTER

WONDERLAND

BECKER COUNTY MAINTAINS OVER 400 MILES OF GROOMED SNOWMOBILE TRAILS STORY BY VICKI GERDES | PHOTOS BY BRIAN BASHAM

F

lying across the snow and ice at speeds that will literally take your breath away, snowmobiling is not a sport for the faint of heart.

Yet it attracts thousands to northwest Minnesota every year, as enthusiasts are attracted by the lure of remote trails stretching off into the wilderness, often far beyond the sights and sounds of civilization.

With over 400 miles of groomed trails that are maintained by area snowmobile clubs, Becker County 26 | WINTER SCENE 2015

is a veritable winter wonderland for snowmobile lovers.

In fact, according to the downloadable map available on the county’s parks and recreation department web page at www.co. becker.mn.us (look under “snowmobile trails”), Becker County’s trails are known collectively as the Winter Wonderland Trail System.

Detailed information on the county’s trail systems, including contact numbers for trail supervisors, is available at the Becker

County website as well.

The clubs that maintain Becker County’s trail system also meet regularly throughout the fall, winter and spring (and intermittently during the summer) to organize trail maintenance, club rides, fundraisers and community snowmobile events, as well as socialize and have fun together.

Midnite Riders Organized in 1967 by Lake Park area snowmobiling enthusiasts, the Midnite Riders Snowmobile DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

TALK ABOUT VARIETY Snowmobile clubs may host gatherings, but they also maintain trails for people to enjoy throughout the county.

Club currently enjoys an active membership of about 100 people.

“We have been on a Friday meeting schedule, but we want to move the dates around a little and see if we can get a few more members there,” says club president Bill Livdahl.

Upcoming meetings are set for Wednesday, Dec. 2; Wednesday, Jan. 6 and Thursday, Jan. 21; Thursday, Feb. 18 (Old Timers Classic wrap-up); and the season wrap-up meeting on Wednesday, March 16, “when we do our elections,” said Livdahl.

“We meet about once a month in the fall, winter and spring,” he added, “then in the summer we go once every two months.”

All meetings take place at the Cormorant Sportsman’s Club, and DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

get underway around 7 p.m.

“We also have our Old Timers Classic on Saturday, Feb. 6, and a club fun run on Saturday, Feb. 27, where we’ll raffle off a snowmobile,” Livdahl said.

The snowmobile is a classic 1980 Jag 340, which was restored as a club project.

Besides organizing club events like the extremely popular Old Timers Classic, a combination antique snowmobile show and 39-mile ride through the countryside, the club also maintains about 73 miles of trails through the southwest corner of Becker County.

“We touch up against the Hitterdal trails (to the north) and go south to the Cormorant Lakes area, then east up to the ULTRA trails,” Livdahl said.

The club is not only responsible for keeping the trails groomed in the winter, but also for maintenance during the off season, he added.

“We just went out and did trail maintenance on them a few weekends ago,” he said. “That involves clearing trees and brush from ditches, sometimes putting up new signs and sometimes, taking out old signs if we lose a section of trail,” Livdahl continued.

In addition, the club typically holds a snowmobile safety class sometime in the fall, to acclimate new riders.

For more information, please visit the Midnite Riders Snowmobile Club page on Facebook, or contact club president Bill Livdahl at 701866-1580.

WINTER SCENE 2015 | 27

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ULTRA Snowmobile Club The United Lakes & Trail Riders Association (ULTRA) Snowmobile

21 10

WILD

Northwoods Trail Reapers The Northwoods Trail Reapers Snowmobile Club was established in March of 2011.

Its 40 members regularly meet on the fourth Sunday of every month at 3 p.m. inside the Ice Cracking Lodge, though the date and time is subject to change due to holidays or other conflicts.

“We maintain 90 miles of trails, which includes the White Earth Loop and Tamarac Trail,” said club treasurer Rayna Tucker, who is also the owner of Ice Cracking Lodge.

The club has been hard at work improving its trails, with the aid of several federal grants.

Recently completed projects include (grants in parentheses): The Chippewa Trail ($4,875 capital improvement grant), Camp 6 enhancement ($3,250 capital improvement grant); 2013 purchase of a new Piston Bully rig valued at $187,000 ($58,781 grant); purchase of a new $13,512 drag in 2014 ($9,870 grant).

The club will also be completing a $14,213 project to widen the White Earth Loop trail after the completion of the 2015 hunting season, and a trail bridge between Big and Little Rat lakes on the White Earth Loop is slated for completion in May 2016, at a cost of $23,243.

In November 2016, the club is planning to complete a $33,000 bridge at the Boy Scout camp near White Earth, but will need to obtain approval from several state and federal entities before any work can be done.

Though there are not any official club runs scheduled yet this season, instructor Shawn McMahon will be hosting a youth snowmobile safety course at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 16. Contact McMahon at 218-8501022 for more information.

For more information about the club, you can e-mail Rayna Tucker at aktuck22@yahoo.com.

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MORE THAN 400 MILES The various snowmobile clubs maintain more than 400 miles of trails throughout Becker County.

Club has been in existence since the late 1980s.

The club meets monthly during the fall, winter and spring, September through March.

“It’s always the fourth Thursday of the month, except for November and December, when we push it up a week earlier for the holidays,” said club member Wayne Schlauderaff. “As a board, we meet in the summertime as well.”

With a membership that hovers around the 100 mark, the club is responsible for maintaining about 107 miles of Becker County trails,

“from Vergas up to the Tamarac Refuge,” Schlauderaff added.

Besides the upkeep of the trails, ULTRA also runs and organizes youth snowmobile safety training; organizes family, youth and ladies-only rides; hosts the annual Vintage Snowmobile Rally, Swap Meet & Radar Run; and hosts an annual summer picnic for club members and their families.

This year’s Youth Snowmobile Safety Training is set for Saturday, Dec. 12, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the M State campus cafeteria (900 Highway 34 East). ULTRA memDETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

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WINTER SCENE 2015 | 29

a e

White 4

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Roy Lake

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Lakes

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CLEARWATER

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Earth 192

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AND STILL MORE TRAILS The other half of the county has routes throughout as well. ber Joel Matter will lead the class, which is open to all youth age 12 and above. Refreshments will be served, and the participation fee is just $5 per person. Class size is limited to 75 people, so please call 218847-4418 to reserve a spot, or sign up online at dlcommunityed.com. You can also contact course instructor Joel Matter at 218-234-1229 for more information.

The club is planning two vintage snowmobile runs, known as Classic Cruises, during the month of January. Though the rides are open to anyone with a sled and the 30 | WINTER SCENE 2015

desire to ride, they were organized especially for vintage sleds that are 1980s models or older.

The first is set for Saturday, Jan. 2, and will embark from the Becker County Fairgrounds at 10 a.m. Riders will travel from Detroit Lakes to Vergas and back, with a stop at the Shorewood Pub. The second ride is set for Saturday, Jan. 23, and the sleds will leave at 10 a.m. from the parking lot at M State in Detroit Lakes, traveling to the Cotton Lake area and back again.

There is no cost to participate

in either event. Contact organizer Wayne Schlauderaff at 218-849-3069 for more information.

The Ladies Only Snow Tour, or LOST Ride, is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 30, “weather permitting,” according to organizer Patti Carr. Riders will gather at the Holiday Inn for breakfast before splitting into groups according to the length and skill level of ride that they want to participate in for the day.

The event will end with a small evening banquet at the Holiday Inn, where door prizes and awards will be disbursed. There is no cost to participate, other than meals and a small door prize to share with the group, Carr said.

Call Patti Carr at 218-849-9741 for more information.

The club will also be hosting its 13th annual Vintage Snowmobile Rally, Swap Meet and Radar Run on Saturday, Feb. 20, with events taking place throughout the day.

Activities include a snowmobile show for vintage and classic sleds, located on the city beach near the Pavilion; a “best dressed” snowmobile apparel contest; a swap meet where riders can buy, sell and trade snowmobile parts; a radar run on Little Detroit Lake where they can test their sleds on a 1,000foot track (snow and ice tracks are provided) to see how fast they can go; and a fun run that includes nine stops around Big and Little Detroit lakes.

“It’s a good day of riding, but you can also take your car (to the various stops) if you don’t want to ride,” Schlauderaff said.

The day will also include a raffle for over $5,000 in prizes. Tickets are $5 apiece.

Though the club’s annual open house and chili feed for new members is held in September, those interested can join up at any time.

“We are always looking for new members, like every other club is,” Schlauderaff said.

For more information, please DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

visit the club’s website at www. ultradl.org, or take a look at its Facebook page for updated event information, including youth runs and fun runs scheduled throughout the season as weather and trail conditions permit.

Wolf Pack The Wolf Pack Snowmobile Club has been around since the early 1990s, when the club’s name was changed from the Red Eye Riders.

The club currently boasts about 50 family memberships, including spouses and children, which brings the total number of members to around 100 people, according to current club president Jeff Sorlien.

“We meet on the first Monday of every month usually at 7 p.m., in the Wolf Lake Liquor Store,” Sorlien said.

However, for the Dec. 7 meeting, the club will be hosting a chili feed

at the Wolf Lake Lions Hall, starting at 6 p.m.

“It’s for new members or anyone who might be interested in joining,” Sorlien said.

The business meeting will start around 7 p.m., he added.

The Wolf Pack is responsible for maintaining about 45 miles of trails, Sorlien said, including four main trails that originate in the Wolf Lake area and spread out toward Menahga, Perham, the Big Toad Lake public access and through the Smoky Hills to the public access on Highway 34 west of Osage, where they hook up with trails maintained by other clubs.

In addition to the chili feed for new members in December, the club will also be holding a raffle fundraiser in January.

“This year we have a 570 Polaris ATV we’re giving away as the top prize, and a two-place snowmobile trailer as the second prize,” Sorlien said.

In all, about $10,000 in cash and prizes will be given away during the raffle drawing, which takes place Jan. 23. Tickets are available from all club members, Sorlien noted.

For more information about the raffle drawing, or about the Wolf Pack, you can contact Jeff Sorlien at 218-849-5960, Dale Anderson at 538-6553, Randy Torma at 847-1221 or Melissa Karsten at 234-1399.

Other clubs There are several other snowmobile clubs that operate trails on the outskirts of Becker County, including the Forest Riders, Lake Runners Trail Association, Otter Trail Riders, Clay County Trail Blazers and Naytahwaush Night Riders.

For more information about these clubs, please visit the Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association website at www.mnsnowmobiler. org and click on the “MN Clubs” tab at the top of the page.

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WINTER SCENE 2015 | 31

BECKER COUNTY SNOWMOBILE TRAIL MAP To

SEE OFFICIAL WHITE EARTH TRAILS MAP

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36

T8

C4

400

300

36

T6 T5

300

L6

L5

C6

22

35

C5

22

R2

L6

28

300

R2

R3

T9

T8

T4

100

rst

ehu

in To P

T7

T10

T13

T16

7

C4

4

T12

T14

C6

T7

T10

T13

T16

28 4

T12

T14

26

rst

ehu

in To P

15

V3

SEE OFFICIAL

V3

V4

TRAILS MAP

SEE OFFICIAL O RIDER RIDERS

V4

12 12

BeckerCounty CountyWinter Winter Wonderland Wonderland Snowmobile Snowmobile Trails Becker Trails Map Map Legend Legend 100

100

Richwood North Trails

Richwood North Trails

400

400

Chippewa Trails

Chippewa Trails

Midnite Riders Trails

Ungroomed

Midnite Riders Trails

Ungroomed

Other Trails

200

200

300

300

White Earth West Trails

White Earth West Trails Tamarac Trails

Tamarac Trails

32 | WINTER SCENE 2015

500

500

Frazee-Vergas Trails

Frazee-Vergas Trails

Other Trails

Wolf Pack Trails

Wolf Pack Trails

Bathrooms

PLEASE:

PLEASE:

• Be careful - Cross lakes at your own risk.

• Be careful - Cross lakes at your own risk.

• Patronize the advertisers and their location number and • note Patronize the advertisers note their location number • Do not litter • Respect private property

Forest Riders Trails

T-15

Intersection Numbers

Bathrooms

• Respect private property • Do not litter 24 HOUR TRAIL CONDITIONS HOTLINE

Forest Riders Trails

T-15

Intersection Numbers

1-800-433-1888 DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

1-800-433-1888 24 HOUR TRAIL CONDITIONS HOTLINE

Junctio Jun C-1...

CC-2...

CC-3...

CC-4...

CC-5...

C-6...

C-

C-

F-1 ...

F-2 ...

FF-3 ...

FF-

GPS COORDINATES 113

Junction Latitude Longitude C-1 ..............46°51’ 08.4N............... 95°35’ 23.0W C-2 ..............47°00’ 28.4N............... 95°30’ 04.4W C-3 ..............47°00’ 47.4N............... 95°31’ 30.4W 113 C-4 ..............47°05’ 40.5N............... 95°30’ 19.1W C-5 ..............47°04’ 44.2N............... 95°25’ 27.6W C-6 ..............47°05’ 54.7N............... 95°33’ 46.8W

C4 To

SEE OFFICIAL WHITE EARTH TRAILS MAP

7

13

C5

T9

T13

T16

T11

9

T6

T8 C5

300

400 11

T4 26

C4

T5

200

C2

C6

T7

T10

T15

28 4

T12

T14

400

rst

ehu

in To P

SEE OFFICIAL PARK RAPIDS AREA TRAILS MAP

100 R2

SEE OFFICIAL PARK RAPIDS AREA TRAILS MAP

R-1 ..............46°48’ 04.5N............... 95°48’ 37.2W R-2 ..............46°55’ 57.7N............... 95°48’ 28.3W R-3 ..............46°58’ 23.1N............... 95°49’ 20.7W

22

300

400 F3

100 5

30

T3

R1

T2

14 17

L1

T1 F1

V1 6

500

V2

24

C1

16 18

500 F2 15

V5 V3 TRAIL SEE OFFICIAL OTTER RIDERS MAP V4

12

T-1 ..............46°48’ 04.5N............... 95°48’ 37.2W T-2 ..............46°49’ 34.1N............... 95°48’ 33.3W T-3 ..............46°51’ 41.6N............... 95°42’ 37.8W T-4 ..............47°01’ 11.9N............... 95°40’ 49.1W 14 T-5 ..............47°04’ 49.4N............... 95°37’ 50.4W T-6 ..............47°05’ 38.0N............... 95°36’ 55.2W T-7 ..............47°05’ 36.7N............... 95°35’ 51.1W T-8 ..............47°05’ 36.6N............... 95°34’ 36.8W T-9 ..............47°08’ 16.4N............... 95°35’ 44.6W T-10.............47°05’ 36.1N............... 95°38’ 10.5W T-11.............47°05’ 36.1N............... 95°38’ 53.1W T-12.............47°06’ 00.7N............... 95°37’ 42.5W SEE OFFICIAL OTTER TRAIL T-13. ............47°05’ 52.8N............... 95°41’ 03.1W RIDERS MAP T-14.............47°06’ 25.6N............... 95°41’ 03.8W T-15.............47°05’ 08.4N............... 95°44’ 17.0W T-16.............47°06’ 17.7N............... 95°46’ 03.3W

...47˚05’ 36.1N.....95˚38’ 53.1W GPS COORDINATES Wonderland Trails Map T-11 Legend T-12 ...47˚06’ 00.7N.....95˚37’ 42.5W Longitude egend Junction Latitude Snowmobile

C-1.....46˚51’ 08.4N.....95˚35’ 23.0W L-1.....46˚47’ 26.6N.....95˚51’ 59.9W Midnite Riders Trails28.4N.....95˚30’ 04.4W Ungroomed C-2.....47˚00’ L-2.....46˚44’ 46.0N.....95˚57’ 11.4W L-3.....46˚43’ 56.0N.....96˚00’ 19.2W C-3.....47˚00’ 47.4N.....95˚31’ 30.4W ur own risk.

Other Trails 52.2N.....96˚04’ 07.9W L-4.....46˚43’ C-4.....47˚05’ 40.5N.....95˚30’ 19.1W L-5.....46˚51’ 53.5N.....96˚09’ 41.2W 44.2N.....95˚25’ 27.6W Wolf Pack C-5.....47˚04’ Trails L-6.....46˚53’ 30.4N.....96˚07’ 57.1W C-6.....47˚05’ 54.7N.....95˚33’ 46.8WBathrooms

Do not litter

88

R-1 ....46˚48’Numbers 04.5N.....95˚48’ 37.2W 52.2N.....95˚48’ 01.4WIntersection T-15 R-2 ....46˚55’ 57.7N.....95˚48’ 28.3W F-2 .....46˚44’ 09.8N.....95˚41’ 22.1W R-3 ....46˚58’ 23.1N.....95˚49’ 20.7W F-3 .....46˚51’ 37.2N.....95˚35’ 48.5W

F-1 .....46˚46’ Forest Riders Trails

NS HOTLINE

9

L-1 ..............46°47’ 26.6N............... 95°51’ 59.9W L-2 ..............46°44’ 46.0N............... 95°57’ 11.4W L-3 ..............46°43’ 56.0N............... 96°00’ 19.2W L-4 ..............46°43’ 52.2N............... 96°04’ 07.9W L-5 ..............46°51’ 53.5N............... 96°09’ 41.2W L-6 ..............46°53’ 30.4N............... 96°07’ 57.1W

C2

300

R3

C3

F-1 ..............46°46’ 52.2N............... 95°48’ 01.4W F-2 ..............46°44’ 09.8N............... 95°41’ 22.1W F-3 ..............46°51’ 37.2N............... 95°35’ 48.5W

DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

T-13 ...47˚05’ 52.8N.....95˚41’ 03.1W T-1 .....46˚48’ 04.5N.....95˚48’ 37.2W PLEASE: T-14 ...47˚06’ 25.6N.....95˚41’ 03.8W T-2 .....46˚49’ 34.1N.....95˚48’ 33.3W • Be careful - Cross lakes at...47˚05’ your08.4N.....95˚44’ own risk. 17.0W T-15 T-3 .....46˚51’ 41.6N.....95˚42’ 37.8W • Patronize the advertisers T-16and ...47˚06’ 17.7N.....95˚46’ 03.3W T-4 .....47˚01’ 11.9N.....95˚40’ 49.1W their location number 49.4N.....95˚37’ 50.4W T-5 note .....47˚04’ • .....47˚05’ Respect private 55.2W property • Do not litter29.6W V-1.....46˚46’ 25.1N.....95˚50’ T-6 38.0N.....95˚36’ V-2.....46˚43’ 22.5N.....95˚48’ 54.9W T-7 .....47˚05’ 36.7N.....95˚35’ 51.1W 24 TRAIL 36.8W CONDITIONS HOTLINE V-3.....46˚42’ 05.6N.....95˚48’ 56.8W T-8HOUR .....47˚05’ 36.6N.....95˚34’ V-4.....46˚39’ 52.1N.....95˚47’ 57.2W T-9 .....47˚08’ 16.4N.....95˚35’ 44.6W V-5.....46˚42’ 56.5N.....95˚50’ 28.7W T-10 ...47˚05’ 36.1N.....95˚38’ 10.5W

1-800-433-1888

V-1 ..............46°46’ 25.1N............... 95°50’ 29.6W GPS COORDINATES V-2 ..............46°43’ 22.5N............... 95°48’ 54.9W V-3 ..............46°42’ 05.6N............... 95°48’ 56.8W V-4 ..............46°39’ 52.1N............... 95°47’ 57.2W V-5 ..............46°42’ 56.5N............... 95°50’ 28.7W

Junction Latitude Longitude C-1.....46˚51’ 08.4N.....95˚35’ 23.0W C-2.....47˚00’ 28.4N.....95˚30’ 04.4W C-3.....47˚00’ 47.4N.....95˚31’ 30.4W C-4.....47˚05’ 40.5N.....95˚30’ 19.1W C-5.....47˚04’ 44.2N.....95˚25’ 27.6W C-6.....47˚05’ 54.7N.....95˚33’ 46.8W

F-1 .....46˚46’ 52.2N.....95˚48’ 01.4W F-2 .....46˚44’ 09.8N.....95˚41’ 22.1W F-3 .....46˚51’ 37.2N.....95˚35’ 48.5W

L-1 .....46˚47’ L-2 .....46˚44’ L-3 .....46˚43’ L-4 .....46˚43’ L-5 .....46˚51’ L-6 .....46˚53’

26.6N.....95˚51’ 46.0N.....95˚57’ 56.0N.....96˚00’ 52.2N.....96˚04’ 53.5N.....96˚09’ 30.4N.....96˚07’

59.9W 11.4W 19.2W 07.9W 41.2W 57.1W

R-1 ....46˚48’ 04.5N.....95˚48’ 37.2W R-2 ....46˚55’ 57.7N.....95˚48’ 28.3W R-3 ....46˚58’ 23.1N.....95˚49’ 20.7W

T-1 .....46˚48’ T-2 .....46˚49’ T-3 .....46˚51’ T-4 .....47˚01’ T-5 .....47˚04’ T-6 .....47˚05’ T-7 .....47˚05’ T-8 .....47˚05’ T-9 .....47˚08’ T-10 ...47˚05’

04.5N.....95˚48’ 34.1N.....95˚48’ 41.6N.....95˚42’ 11.9N.....95˚40’ 49.4N.....95˚37’ 38.0N.....95˚36’ 36.7N.....95˚35’ 36.6N.....95˚34’ 16.4N.....95˚35’ 36.1N.....95˚38’

37.2W 33.3W 37.8W 49.1W 50.4W 55.2W 51.1W 36.8W 44.6W 10.5W

WINTER SCENE 2015 | 33

T-11 ...47˚05’ T-12 ...47˚06’ T-13 ...47˚05’ T-14 ...47˚06’ T-15 ...47˚05’ T-16 ...47˚06’

36.1N.....95˚38’ 00.7N.....95˚37’ 52.8N.....95˚41’ 25.6N.....95˚41’ 08.4N.....95˚44’ 17.7N.....95˚46’

53.1W 42.5W 03.1W 03.8W 17.0W 03.3W

V-1.....46˚46’ V-2.....46˚43’ V-3.....46˚42’ V-4.....46˚39’ V-5.....46˚42’

25.1N.....95˚50’ 22.5N.....95˚48’ 05.6N.....95˚48’ 52.1N.....95˚47’ 56.5N.....95˚50’

29.6W 54.9W 56.8W 57.2W 28.7W

DERBY TIME

ICE FISHING COMMUNITIES POP UP ON MANY LAKES

STORY BY PAULA QUAM | PHOTOS BY BRIAN BASHAM

W

hen you live in an area known as “lakes country” within a state already known for its lakes, things tend to get impressive when entering the local fishing scene. And around these parts, fishing defiantly isn’t just a summer thing.

“It’s easy to see the popularity if you look around at the number of ice houses and anglers out on almost all the area lakes; Little Detroit becomes its own neighborhood during the ice fishing season,” said Brad Laabs, a fishing guide who knows Becker County’s lakes like the back of his hand.

READY FOR WEIGH-IN The Breakfast Rotary Club hosts the ever-growing Poles N Holes fishing derby each February as part of Polar Fest.

34 | WINTER SCENE 2015

Laabs says there are a lot of things that makes ice fishing appealing to anglers, even compared to summer fishing.

“The affordability of getting into winter fishing compared to boat owner-ship makes it very attractive,” said Laabs. “Minnesotans are always looking for options to entertain our way through the winters until we can enjoy the summertime again.”

And entertain we do. Becker County lakes draw in countless anglers to the area, all looking for that quiet getaway where the sunfish and crappies circle the ice holes. But the sport of fishing and its industry around Becker County is changing, and Laabs says it’s for the better.

“Now, with better electronics, mapping chips and more ease of access, we are becoming more recognized for quality winter walleye fishing, especially in the early season,” he said.

Laabs says the ice fishing industry is growing, and this can easily be seen in the significant increase in sales of ice fishing-related equipment like fish houses, augers and gear. And with this demand comes advances in technology to satisfy DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

the customers.

“Fish houses have become highend campers on ice as well as available for summer use and portable deer hunting shacks,” said Laabs.

“Portable houses have become easy set up and take down, multiple sizes and styles, and even insulated.”

More variety in heaters has popped up, and ice augers have become more light and powerful.

Laabs says with increased comfort and efficiency, comes additional anglers to the winter ice fishing parties.

The derbies Speaking of winter ice fishing parties, there are several that are organized, packed and full of eager competitors. Here are but a few: The Luke Gandrud Memorial Youth Fishing Derby on Lake Ida is the place to go for kids. Roughly 500 youth anglers are expected to hit the frozen lake this year.

Not only is the event free, but so is everything at it, including food and drinks. Each little angler even gets their own, free ice fishing pole, bait and tackle.

But just because it’s a youth derby, doesn’t mean the top winner gets a kid-sized prize. Last year the winner took home a portable fish house.

The Poles n’ Holes Fishing Derby is another one of the most popular ice fishing parties around.

The Detroit Lakes Breakfast Rotary puts on this massive event right off the city beach in Detroit Lakes, pulling in upwards of 800 anglers.

The charity fundraiser is the kickoff for Polar Fest in Detroit Lakes, and the stakes for this one DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

IT’S OWN LITTLE COMMUNITY Whether it’s participating in a fishing derby or fishing on your own in a house, Becker County lakes are perfect for coming together in the winter and dropping a line.

WINTER SCENE 2015 | 35

A LOT CAN HAPPEN IN 24 HOURS...

9:00 a.m.

Stopped at Walmart on the way to Detroit Mountain to buy a new snowboard.

10:00 a.m. Headed to Detroit Mountain for

001340840r1

a fun-filled day with friends.

12:30 p.m. Lost my hat. Headed back to Walmart to buy a new one.

GATHER AROUND THE HOLE There’s nothing but time when sitting back in the fish house to see what you can catch.

1:00 p.m.

Checked in to the hotel, then went back to Detroit Mountain

10:00 p.m. Exhausted and have a serious case are high. Last year’s top winner took home $10,000.

About $35,000 worth of cash and prizes are typically doled out to the luckiest of fishermen that day.

Lots of food and musical entertainment are set up on the ice, turning this event into quite the frozen fiesta.

Team Extreme also pulls together a big ice fishing tournament in Detroit Lakes.

This is a highly competitive derby in that the winners are among the top 25 two-person teams in Minnesota that then compete against the top 25 teams from Wisconsin and Iowa in the national tournament in March.

Although dropping that first line on the morning of a derby can get those competitive juices flowing and heart pumping a little harder in the wintertime, the sport of ice fishing continues to be enjoyed in a quieter, more serene way for many people.

Friends and families gather around these ice holes with nothing but the day ahead of them. Time has a way of slowing down on those frozen lakes, and for many anglers, that’s exactly what they’re fishing for.

of the munchies. Cruised back to Walmart, grabbed some snacks, then off to the hotel!

10:30 p.m. Uploaded the photos taken

throughout the day to Walmart’s Photo center online

9:00 a.m.

Checked out of the hotel and stopped by Walmart to pick up my photos on the way back home...

A FUN-FILLED 24 HOURS 1583 HIGHWAY 10 WEST • DETROIT LAKES

218-847-1126 • www.walmart.com 36 | WINTER SCENE 2015

DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

Detroit Lakes, MN

February 4-15, 2016

PolarFestDL.com DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

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WINTER SCENE 2015 | 37

SKI RESORTS

MAPLELAG, RAINBOW HAVE PLENTY OF FUN TO OFFER

STORY BY PIPPI MAYFIELD | PHOTOS BY BRIAN BASHAM

M

any resorts suffer – some even close their doors – over the winter months because visitors would rather stay where it’s warm. But Maplelag and Rainbow resorts near Detroit Lakes tend to be known for having some pretty full winters, too.

Both resorts have cross-country ski trails, ice fishing, snowshoeing and other winter activities for their guests.

38 | WINTER SCENE 2015

Unfortunately, this winter Rainbow Resort, located near Waubun, will be closed due to health concerns.

“Since we started, we’ve been open year round. We’re going to be closed this winter,” owner/operator Doug Schumann said.

Since his wife, Linda, has been battling cancer, “she won’t be able to do the things she used to do, and summer is our prime season,” he added.

For more information on Rainbow Resort, visit www.rainbowresort.com.

Maplelag Resort, located east of Callaway, has many different winter activities including cross country skiing (they groom for classic and skate ski), ice skating, snowshoeing, sledding, ice fishing and kick sleds. One of their newest amenities, though they don’t offer rentals for it yet, is a fat bike trail.

“The fat biking scene is huge DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

READY TO SKI Maplelag Resort is known for having ski trails ready to go even when there isn’t much snow on the ground. Using social media, the resort gets the word out instantly when the trails are groomed and ready for skiers.

in Minnesota in the wintertime,” Maplelag owner Jay Richards said.

“We definitely want to welcome people who want to do that, and we have some trails for that, but if we get four or five inches of snow, our No. 1 priority is getting the trails in the best condition possible (for cross country skiing).

“We’ll do some fat bike trails maintenance, but the skiing is our No. 1 thing.”

Some people will invest in a fat bike because regardless of the snow conditions, they can ride their fat bike. For Maplelag though, they concentrate more on cross country DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

skiing. They have 64 kilometers of ski trails.

Much of Maplelag’s business is package deals, with families coming for a couple days at a time. He said the home-cooked meals are a big draw for families as well.

Maplelag also partners with schools to host many skiing events.

Richards said that Nov. 9 was the opening day of Nordic ski at Detroit Lakes School, and since there is obviously no snow anytime in the near future, they will be doing dry land training. Once there is snow though, high schoolers utilize Maplelag’s trails on a regular basis.

“We’ll have close to 3,000 kids come just for those camps,” he said. “That’s a really big thing for us, and the growth of Nordic skiing in high school is phenomenal, and that’s super exciting for us.”

It’s not just high school students filling the trails either. Richards said that families are spending more and more time getting out and enjoying winter activities.

“I think there’s a consensus among the general population that being active is a good thing, and I think in general people are being more active, and this is year round.

I think people that maybe started WINTER SCENE 2015 | 39

being active for health reasons, or just general reasons, in the summer want to continue that through the winter,” he said.

“That’s why you’re seeing an uptick in fat biking, and snowshoeing has become more popular and Nordic skiing. There’s a trend to have people more active in winter, and cross country skiing is one of those activities they’re picking

up.”

He said a big thing for the resort is grooming, and having the trails open on minimal snow. The weather has been great for fine-tuning the trails and getting them in good condition to have minimal snow – or for any amount of snow really.

The resort is known throughout the state, he said, for making the best of their trails with the least

amount of snowfall. And social media has been great for them to get the word out on a regular basis during winter about trail conditions.

Even though there may not be snow in town or in the metro, that doesn’t mean Maplelag hasn’t gotten snow in the rural area and that the resort’s trails aren’t ready for skiers.

“Before you’d suffer from the backyard syndrome. People look in their backyard and don’t see anything so they think you can’t ski,” Richards said.

Now, they can let people know instantly how the trail conditions are rather than leaving people to wonder.

For more information on Maplelag Resort, visit www.maplelag.com. Or find them on social media at Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

SKIING COMPETITION Maplelag and Rainbow resorts host ski competitions and high school ski schools and competitions each year.

40 | WINTER SCENE 2015

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www.mikesheating.com WINTER SCENE 2015 | 41

SKI TRAILS

THERE ARE MORE MILES OF TRAILS THAN YOU REALIZED

STORY BY NATHAN BOWE | PHOTOS BY BRIAN BASHAM

C

ross-country skiing is a popular activity during the winter months in Becker County.

Multiple public agencies, area resorts and even private individuals maintain a number of ski trails throughout the county.

Cross-country ski trails within Becker County are maintained to varying degrees; some receive minimum maintenance while others are regularly groomed. Some trails may require a Minnesota state ski pass. (Check with the trail sponsor regarding any rules and requirements.)

Mountain View Rec Area The 4.9 kilometers of trails at Mountain View Recreation Area 42 | WINTER SCENE 2015

wind their way through a mature, mixed hardwood forest.

While the local terrain is rolling to steeply rolling, the trails are laid out to accommodate all level of skiers, from beginners to the more experienced.

Trails are wide and are regularly groomed for both classical and skate style skiing and offer several different loops.

Parking for 10-15 vehicles is located along Tower Road. No state ski trail pass is needed.

Detroit Mountain The new facility offers a cross country, Nordic and snowshoe-winter bike trails area, with tracks set on both east and west trail sections.

The eastern trails are groomed for both classical and skate skiing. The western trails are double-tracked for classical skiing.

Dunton Locks The 6.1 kilometers of trails at Dunton Locks County Park are divided into two separate trail systems.

The trails north of the parking lot, behind the upper Eagles-built picnic shelter provide a wonderful view of Muskrat Lake and the hardwood forests in the area. The terrain is rolling, with some trail segments becoming steeply rolling.

These trails are groomed for classic style skiing only.

More trails exist south of the parking lot over the bridge and DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

past the tram.

These trails offer a view of Lake Sallie and the Soo Pass Ranch.

These trails range from relatively open and wide to narrow and wooded. The terrain is more level to slightly rolling. Trails are regularly groomed for classical style skiing.

Parking for 20-30 vehicles is located at the end of County Road 19, adjacent to the DNR Fish Hatchery.

No state ski pass is required.

Pickerel Lake ski trails

The 9.1 kilometers of Pickerel Lake ski trails are a mix of narrow, single track trails and forest roads.

These trails wander through hardwood forests and past several small bodies of water, offering a good chance to spot deer, grouse and other wildlife.

The trails are bisected by a local snowmobile trail and are groomed occasionally. Parking for 4-6 vehicles is located at the end of Sunset Road off County Road 25. A state

Rainbow Resort

ski trail pass is not required.

Pine Lake This 12.2-kilometer cross-country ski trail has two loops. The twomile loop will take you through a field, among the oak-maple forest and along the shores of Tamarac Lake.

The Pine Lake loop is nearly 6 miles and will guide you around Pine Lake with spectacular views.

Both trails are generally even terrain with a few short hills to keep your trek interesting.

This ski trail is occasionally groomed by volunteers. Parking is located along County Road 29 and can accommodate 6-8 vehicles. No state ski trail pass is required.

Other trails

Maplelag resort has an extensive system of cross-country ski trails. Maplelag is located 20 miles northeast of Detroit Lakes on Little Sugarbush Lake in a maple-basswood forest.

Rainbow Resort is a favorite cross-country skiing destination. It has 23 kilometers of trails that are roughly 12 to 16 feet wide and are groomed for both classic and skate skiing.

There are a variety of trails for the beginner and the more experienced skier. The groomed trails are entirely separated from the public snowmobiling trails.

Ike Fischer trails With 11 miles of groomed cross country ski trails that are open to the public, the Ike Fischer farm near Frazee is a community resource as well as a haven for wildlife such as sandhill cranes, trumpeter swans, prairie chickens and a whole host of migratory waterfowl.

The Ottertail River water trail is on the east side of the Fischer property. To get there, take Highway 87 east out of Frazee to County Road 150 for about a mile, look for the parking area.

JF

stables

aplelag:

(218) 849-9545 jfstables@outlook.com

Reserve your Family or Corporate Event NOW!

Sleigh Ride By Design

1 Hr Sleigh Ride, for up to 10 people, $200 Each Additional Person, $15

Gathering Space for Additional Activities Available!

MEMORIES TO LAST A LIFETIME! YOU’RE INVITED TO JOIN US! Sunday, Dec 20th 1-4pm $10/person, or Free with with donation for the Humane Society of Detroit Lakes

001341742r1

CHRISTMAS SLEIGH RIDES FOR ALL!

DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

A Holiday Wonderland Awaits, with activities, Pony rides, Music, Cocoa and cookies.

Bonfire and Sledding if weather permits too!

A family owned and operated destination cross-country ski resort and conference center.

Offering overnight accommodations, home cooked meals and 64K of groomed trails.

MAPLELAG

www.maplelag.com

30501 Maplelag Rd., Callaway, MN 56521 218-375-4466 • 800-654-7711

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21168 Klein Road Detroit Lakes, Minnesota

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WINTER SCENE 2015 | 43

CURLING UP THROWING THIS STONE TAKES PRECISION, SKILL

STORY BY BRIAN BASHAM | PHOTOS BY BRIAN BASHAM

T

ake a 40-pound granite rock and slide it 100 feet across a sheet of ice with pinpoint precision to hit a 16-foot circle, and you have the antiquated gentleman’s sport of curling.

And thanks to the televised Winter Olympics, curling in the United States has been growing in popularity the last several years.

44 | WINTER SCENE 2015

Curling consists of two teams of four, strategically sliding their “rocks” alternately at the opposite “house,” the 16-foot circle. At the conclusion of one “end,” the team with the closest rock or rocks to the center of the circle, or “button,” scores points. A full game usually lasts eight ends.

Locally, the Lakes Curling Club

offers curling for beginners up to the pros all winter long at their facility just north of Detroit Lakes on Highway 59. Weekly Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night open leagues start Dec. 1, and a mixed league, consisting of teams of two women and two men, start Jan. 4, 2016.

Curling, for many, is much more DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

GET READY TO SWEEP The point of curling is to throw your rock down the sheet of ice and hit the bullseye, or button, at the end of the lane.

Teammates can sweep the ice in front of the rock, helping it to travel farther. than just a competition. Yes, it can be very competitive at times, but the social aspect of the sport is what keeps many amateurs coming back winter after winter.

“It’s a great sport,” said club member Bruce Bryngelson. “It’s a different group of people, you meet new friends, it’s very laidback, enjoyable, and can be competitive.”

Bryngelson serves as the curling club’s “ice man,” making and maintaining the sheet of ice from early October to late March. The process starts with many floods of the gravel floor after starting the cooling system, which keeps the ice frozen all winter.

Whitening agent is then added, and several more floods of the rink, followed by the lines and circles then several more floods before the ice is perfected.

The final surface of the curling ice is not smooth like hockey ice, but rather “pebbled” with small lumps on the surface. The pebbles create friction between the rock and ice and allow the DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

RIGHT ON THE BUTTON Lakes Curling Club offers several leagues to curl in. The group also hosts a couple bonspiels and some community education classes to introduce the public to this Canadian sport.

WINTER SCENE 2015 | 45

TRAVELING ALONG Curling teammates sweep in front of the rock to help it travel farther down the sheet of ice to the button, or the center circle of the bullseye.

rock to curl when given a turn.

A bonspiel is a curling tournament where sometimes hundreds of curlers gather to compete for a trophy and title. The curling itself sometimes takes a backseat to socializing and other activities at a bonspiel.

Lakes Curling Club hosts a number of invitational bonspiels throughout the winter, with their own Vern Turner Memorial Bonspiel taking place Feb. 12-14, 2016.

Bryngleson said he started curling in the late ’80s after coming to

the club to watch his father curl, and now he’s addicted.

“We thought, ‘We could do this.’

Started and been curling ever since,” he said. “It’s just a lot of fun.”

Discover

We make our

Every day is a news day www.dl-online.com

400 Morrow Avenue Detroit Lakes 218.847.1651 • 888-315-2378

• convenient location • reasonable rates • friendly service

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America’s guests feel at Best Value home…

– Under New Management and Newly Remodeled Rooms – www.AmericasBestValueInn.com • dlabvi400@gmail.com 46 | WINTER SCENE 2015

DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

Worship LABOR DAY THROUGH MEMORIAL DAY

WEDNESDAYS: Dinner at 5:15 pm, Worship Services at 6:15 & Christian Education at 7 pm SUNDAYS: 8:15 am & 10 am (January one service at 9:30 am)

Detroit Lakes United Methodist Church

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, ELCA

885 Pembina Trail • 847-4818 www.dlumc.org • email: secretary@dlumc.org

218-847-7211

Pastor Jillene Gallatin Sunday Services: 8:30am & 10:30am Holy Communion every Sunday www.trinitylutherandl.org

Pastor Dale Robbins • Pastor Dan Ottoson

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12986 - Co. Hwy. #15, Detroit Lakes • 439-3255

SUNDAY SERVICES: 9:00 a.m. Worship Service 10:00 a.m. Coffee & Fellowship 10:15 a.m. Sept.-May Sunday School (Age 3 - Adult) WEDNESDAY: 3:15 p.m. Sept.-May “On God’s Wings” K-6th Grade

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373 3rd St., Audubon, MN 56511

Office firstlutheranchurchaudubon@gmail.com

Interdenominational

28048 Meadow Drive • Detroit Lakes • 218-847-3482 Pastor Tim Rice

Sunday Morning Worship – 10:30 a.m.

Nursery provided • Coffee Fellowship, 9:30-10:20 a.m.

Watch online live or anytime at www.cfcdl.org and on Arvig Cable TV channel 14, Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

Zion Lutheran Church Missouri Synod

1100 Lake Avenue Detroit Lakes • 847-7630

First Lutheran Church of Audubon elca (218) 439-6500

Pastor Brenda North

Christian Fellowship Church

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Lake Eunice Evangelical Free Church Wednesday, 7pm • Bible Study & Prayer Sundays: 9am Sunday School (All Ages) 10am Sunday Morning Worship www.lakeeuniceefchurch.org

Two long blocks South of Best Western on Corbett Rd. - Corner of Pembina & Corbett 001341816r1

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1401 Madison Avenue • Detroit Lakes, MN

Pastor Guy Roberts

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with us

Sun. Services: 8am & 10:30am • Wed. Services: 6pm

* Communion is the 1st and 2nd Sundays of the month

Holy Rosary Catholic Church

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Masses Saturday: 5:00 pm Sunday: 9:00 & 11:00 am

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1043 Lake Avenue Detroit Lakes, MN 218-847-1393

www.holyrosarycc.org • e-mail: parish@holyrosarycc.org DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

WINTER SCENE 2015 | 47

HOCKEY

ALIVE AND WELL IN DETROIT LAKES

STORY BY ROBERT WILLIAMS | PHOTOS BY BRIAN BASHAM

F

rom the late 19th century when hockey began in Minnesota as ice polo to modern day, the sport has been a winter staple for players and fans of all ages and the Detroit Lakes area has plenty of opportunities to enjoy the game.

48 | WINTER SCENE 2015

More than 225 players from Termites through Bantams participate in the Detroit Lakes Youth Hockey Association (DLYHA) comprised of the youngest players around 4 years of age to high school freshman in Bantams for boys and seventh

grade for girls.

The girls’ high school program begins varsity hockey in eighth grade.

Participation numbers have trended up the past three years in the boys’ programs, while girls’ hockey, as a whole, has been DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

ANY AGES WELCOME From squirts to old timers, boys and girls hockey is big in Detroit Lakes.

trending down statewide.

“We’re trying to do some things to bring in girls at a younger age, and hockey is free for girls to come out their first year,” DLYHA traveling hockey coordinator Chris Lund said.

Girls up to fifth grade and 12-years-old can play for free.

The hockey association has added new equipment as demand has risen, and association members are confident in the growing future of Detroit Lakes’ hockey by stressing the benefits of participating.

“One of the things is hockey teaches kids responsibility, not only for school and things like that, but they build friendships and learn the importance of getting their homework done because DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

they have to get decent grades to compete and keep playing,” said Lund.

“Hockey is a huge part of Minnesota culture and its fun to be part of that,” DLYHA president Jeff Stowman said.

The association also stretches to Perham. DL and Perham share a co-op in hockey and Yellowjacket players have contributed greatly to the success of the high school teams in recent years.

Lund has made a push to entice the youth programs in Perham to share weekend ice at Kent Freeman Arena to help strengthen the bond between the two programs.

“Probably one-third of our varsity team this year will be from Perham, so that’s a co-op we want to continue to build,” said Lund.

“I don’t think we would be as competitive without Perham.”

“It’s a real friendly relationship,” said Stowman. “The kids over there and over here are buddies.”

The association board members stress a return of hockey popularity and success in DL that waned in the recent past.

“We want to turn Detroit Lakes back into one of the leading hockey towns,” said Lund. “Years ago, DL was synonymous with hockey and I think that kind of died out a few years ago. I want people to think that when they hear about Detroit Lakes’ hockey, that they think of a Roseau or Warroad. I think we’ve got a lot of talent at the youth levels.

With some help and the coaching staff we have at those levels we can get to that.”

WINTER SCENE 2015 | 49

THE ROAD TO EXCITEMENT

ISN’T PAVED.

www.seabergpowersport.com MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:30AM-5:30PM • SATURDAY 8:30AM-12:00PM

HWY. 59 North • DETROIT LAKES, MN • 218-847-9264

Youth hockey is community based and not affiliated with the high school until varsity.

The association has stressed the American Development Model (ADM), an education program created by USA Hockey as a means to better the game here locally.

“That community-based model is nationwide and supported in Minnesota by Minnesota Hockey, divided into 16 districts and goes all the way up to the Olympic team,” Stowman said.

Board members have also stressed the importance of supporting the coaches at the local level and have added recognizable names to some of the younger teams, like Mike Denardo, assistant coach of the Pee Wee A team.

Denardo brings 30 years of experience to the program.

“To have someone with his discipline, work ethic and experience at a higher level of youth hockey to feed our high school program, we’re on board with his policies and it starts from the top down. The coaches need to buy into the program. The wins will come - skills first,” said Lund.

Getting involved in youth hockey is easy for new players or interested parties of any age.

“Any time during the year, it’s not too late to sign up,” Lund said.

DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

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S

hopping

Dining, Entertainment and More

Fun Entertainment

STARTING YOUNG Hockey players take form as soon as they can lace up those skates and hit the ice.

Great Services

Unique Shopping

Casual Dining

Mall Hours Monday-Friday 10AM-8PM Saturday 9:30AM-5:30PM Sunday Noon-5PM

808 Washington Avenue Downtown Detroit Lakes, 218-847-1679 Email: wsm@arvig.net 001340833r1

WINTER SCENE 2015 | 50

ON WITH THE SNOW!

Live and work in the best little city in Minnesota

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At BTD, we are committed to helping our employees learn and grow.

If you possess the desire to learn the metal fabrication trade, we will guide and train you to work both safely and smartly. Our dynamic and fast-paced environment encourages innovation and job ownership while rewarding those who succeed with future opportunities.

www.btdmfg.com Apply on-line or forward your resume and application in strict confidence to: Human Resources Department • 1111 13th Avenue • Detroit Lakes, MN • Fax: 218-846-4448

LAKES LIQUOR OPEN: MondaySaturday 9am-10pm

Buy 5 Cases of Beer, receive $ per case

1.00 OFF Buy 6 Bottles of Wine/Liquor, receive %

10 OFF

CONVENIENTLY LOCATED OFF OF HIGHWAY 10 200 Holmes Street East • Detroit Lakes • 846-1180 DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

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WINTER SCENE 2015 | 51

A HOCKEY FOUNDATION Members of the old timer’s Rhino hockey league donate their ice time to help the younger generation perfect their skills.

“First-year skaters through Mites have no registration fees,” Stowman said.

The association also provides equipment, including skates, for free up to the Mites level.

“Hockey is thriving in DL,” Stowman said.

The Mites program alone has doubled participation numbers in the past half-decade.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, the association also supports the Rhinos old-timer’s league on Wednesday and Sunday nights for adult players.

“Just talk to anyone down at the rink,” Rhinos representative Sam Thomas said.

Joining the league is that simple.

Games are held on Wednesdays and Sundays, along with the season finale - the Rhino tournament held the last weekend in February.

The tournament is restricted to players 30 and over. League is open to all players 18 and over. League nights tend to attract younger players on Wednesdays, while Sunday nights are for the old guys, according to Thomas.

“With the Rhinos and hockey across Minnesota, you have that 52 | WINTER SCENE 2015

hockey foundation,” said Lund.

“It’s a life-long sport. Here in Minnesota you can always sign up for a league or a tournament.

You can keep doing it through the years.”

The Rhinos have a surplus in participation numbers sporting four separate teams.

A part of the Old Timer’s league that rarely gets press is the amount of charity work they do helping out individual hockey players in the community from covering hockeyrelated expenses to aiding in life challenges for someone in need.

“Last year, we sent three goalies from the hockey association to camps,” Thomas said. “Each year we have a fundraiser at the tournament to help different people. We help out someone we know who needs something.”

The Rhinos also raise money holding auctions of hockey items, mostly off-the-cuff.

“It was great, because the people who were winning the auction donated their prizes right back,” said Thomas. “I think we raised at least $2,000 in an hour for all the goalies we sent to camps.”

League dues are $120 per player

to cover ice time and league administration.

The coaches in the DLYHA are predominantly Rhino hockey players, as well.

“That’s a big one,” said Thomas.

The connection between the Rhinos and youth hockey is an important aspect of the league.

The Rhinos also raise money selling their own brand of coffee.

“The whole point of that coffee is to raise money for the association,” said Rhino Rep Mike Schiltz.

The Rhinos have used coffee sales to purchase half-boards for the rink with curved corners to turn a full sheet of ice into two sheets for younger players.

Plenty of Rhino players are local business owners who contribute more than just ice time.

Detroit Lakes also offers a great place for pick-up games at Peoples Park where the boards for the rink used to ring the ice at the old Met Center, former home of the North Stars.

For more information on the DLYHA and the Rhinos visit dlyouthhockey.com

DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

DINING IN DL CHECK OUT THESE GREAT RESTAURANTS ON THE NEXT FEW PAGES FOR A VARIETY OF DELICIOUS OPTIONS • BLEACHERS p54 • MAIN STREET RESTAURANT p55 • THE AMERICAN LEGION p56 • BILLY’S CORNER BAR & GRILL p57 • CENEX p58 • 59er CAFE p59 • JONNY’S p60 • SHOREWOOD PUB p61 • EL LORO MEXICAN RESTAURANT p62 • THE HOLIDAY INN p63

DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

WINTER SCENE 2015 | 53

What’s going on at

We do special event Catering, Weddings, Anniversaries, etc.

Try our

BLEACHER BUNDLES

Join our text club for Daily Specials by texting Bleachers to 30549!

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Come watch the game on our 75” flat screen!

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Lake Access to Deadshot Bay

218-844-6820

25807 Cty Hwy 22 • Detroit Lakes 001338504r1

54 | WINTER SCENE 2015

DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

Main Street Restaurant Track on in for our daily specials!

Come in and warm up with

HOMEMADE SOUP! TO GO

11AM-CLOSE 7 DAYS A WEEK

Cheeseburger or Grilled Chicken

MONDAY-FRIDAY

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Weekday Breakfast Specials MONDAY-FRIDAY

7AM-11AM Starting at $ 29

5

Includes Coffee

Any Omelet $769

Hashbrowns, Toast and Coffee

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900 WASHINGTON AVE. • DETROIT LAKES, MN • 847-3344 M-F 7AM-4PM • SAT 7AM-3:45PM • SUN 8AM-1:45PM DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

WINTER SCENE 2015 | 55

The American Legion Post 15 810 West Lake Drive • 218-847-8533

Stop in today and support an American Tradition The American Legion began in 1919 as a patriotic veteran’s organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is our nation’s largest wartime veteran’s service organization, committed to mentoring youth and community involvement, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans.

RESTAURANT

– WINTER HOURS – Breakfast Monday-Friday 7-1pm Sunday 8am-Noon Lunch Monday-Friday 11am-1pm

– SUMMER HOURS – Breakfast Monday-Friday 6-1pm Saturday & Sunday 8am-Noon Lunch Monday-Friday 11am-1pm

Friday Night Dinner Special 5-8pm (Summer) 4th Friday - Zinger’s Steak Fry 5-8pm (Summer) 1st Sunday: Auxiliary Breakfast Fundraiser 8am-Noon (All Year) Sunday 8am-Noon: Lake Region Veterans Color Guard Breakfast Fundraiser (All Year)

• SPECIALS •

BREAKFAST SPECIALS DAILY, COFFEE INCLUDED! HOMEMADE SOUP & SANDWICH $5.50

CATERING & HALL OPTIONS Call Julie...847-8533

FREE COFFEE! with breakfast or lunch purchase.

Expires 3-15-16

When you visit the Legion, You support our vets and their mission to better our community!

We invite you in, and look forward to your company.

LOUNGE

– WINTER HOURS – Monday-Friday 4pm-Close Saturday 2pm-Close Sunday during Vikings Games

– SUMMER HOURS – Monday-Friday 3pm-Close Saturday 1pm-Close

• SPECIALS • HAPPY HOUR

Monday-Thursday 4-6pm; 9-Close Friday 4-6pm • Saturday 1-5pm

MONDAY & TUESDAY

2-4-1’s 4-6pm

WINE

WEDNESDAY $3.25 a glass all day!

THIRSTY

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5-8pm $3.99 Hamburger Basket (Lounge Only)

FINALLY

FRIDAY 7-9pm $3 off a Large Pizza or $2 off a Small!

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Enjoy Charitable Gaming with the Frazee Lions!

Daily Pulltabs Wed Night Bingo, 6pm Fri Night Meat Raffle, 7pm

Licence # 01763

Visit www.legionl.org to see how you can help!

Like us on Facebook 001341135r1

56 | WINTER SCENE 2015

DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

Some things never change...

they just keep getting

BETTER! KITCHEN HOURS Mon-Wed 11am-9pm Thurs-Sun 11am-10pm

BAR HOURS Mon-Wed 11am-2am Thurs-Sun 11am-2am

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GREAT DRINKS • GREAT ATMOSPHERE • GREAT FOOD!

158 WEST MAIN STREET • VERGAS, MN • 218.342.2400 DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

WINTER SCENE 2015 | 57

Cenex is proud to be a part of our active community.

When you go out to Play, Cenex is on the Way!

We are the ONE

STOP for all your needs.

Cenex Community Coops

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14583 Highway 10 West • Lake Park, MN 56554 • 218-238-5911 911 Hwy. 34 E • Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 • 218-847-3190 Pump 24 • Mahnomen, MN • 218-935-2258 Twin Valley • 218-584-5171 Flom • 218-567-8538

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DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

T FFiinneerr Thhaann Th s Th ggs

NNotohth inin

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Build your own soup and salad bar available!

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We do weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and corporate functions - or, host your event here!

We have a free party room ready for you. Call us for menu selection and to reserve your date!

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The 59’er Cafe Now Offers

2 mi. north on Hwy 59 • Detroit Lakes • 218-847-1958 DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

WINTER SCENE 2015 | 59

NJONNY’S MOBILE EVENT CATERINGN FRESH, AFFORDABLE, FUN AND FRIENDLY

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for daily specials!

Burgers H H H Sandwiches H H H Finger Foods

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60 | WINTER SCENE 2015

DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

Any great day out deserves a stop at THE PUB! Family owned and operated by the Cervenkas for over 40 years, the Shorewood Pub is located on the sunny side of the lake!

THIS IS YOUR PARTY PLACE!

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1743 Long Bridge Road | Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 | 218-847-3206 001341221r1

DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

WINTER SCENE 2015 | 61

eL LORO

MEXICAN RESTAURANT

“El Loro always has the best combinations of all different mexican food staples. Excellent drinks. Excellent price.

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Weekly Specials SUNDAY: Kids eat free with a paid adult.

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Whether you are looking for a quick bite, that hits the spot just right, or the perfect place to celebrate with a great meal that looks as good as it tastes, El Loro is pleased to serve you! el loro

720 WEST LAKE DRIVE 218.844.5333 FOLLOW US ON 62 | WINTER SCENE 2015

CATERING LUNCH HAPPY HOUR OUTDOOR PATIO 001341150r1

DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

DETROIT LAKES’ ONLY FULL SERVICE HOTEL

FREE GUEST SHUTTLE TO DETROIT MOUNTAIN HAPPY H UR 3-6PM

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2-4-1’S AND 1/2 PRICE APPETIZERS ALL DAY! 218-847-2121 | www.dlinn.com | Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HolidayInnOnTheLake DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

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Warner Garage Door can not only make life easier and your home more beautiful,

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218-385-2853 866-985-DOOR(3667)

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