The Luminary Loppet, an annual celebration of our frozen lakes, warm hearts and a certain northern madness, will be Saturday, February 18, 6-10 pm on Lake of the Isles. What started over 20 years ago as a nighttime cross-country ski event, enhanced by a few neighbors creating ice sculptures on the lake (think Icecropolis and Ice Henge) is now one of our city’s most beautiful and beloved public events, at least for those of us who find it exhilarating to walk or ski on the luminary lit trail that limns the lake.
The huge popularity of the event has made it necessary to put some crowd controls in place, such as staggering start times and charging an admission fee, but it’s well worth it. The fees help cover the costs and also raise funds for the Loppet Foundation, which promotes outdoor recreation activities for all, primarily in Theodore Wirth Park.
For more information or to buy passes go to: https://www.loppet.org/events/luminary/
We in Hill-Lake-landia can take a certain pride of ownership in this bit of amazement, as so much of the work of putting it on year after year — freezing and hatching 1,200 ice luminaria, just for starters — is done by neighborhood volunteers. And you can be one of them!
Go to https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/MN/Minneapolis/LuminaryLoppet to learn more and to sign up for a shift.
Questions about volunteering? Contact Luminary volunteer coordinator (and East Isles resident) Carla Pardue, at luminary.info@loppet.org, or 612-743-6601.
You’ll meet new friends, be a part of creating a magical event, and, if you dress warmly, you’ll have a blast.
Susan Lenfestey, Lowry Hill
