Some like it frozen

You have to admit – it’s kind of amusing that the thing making Winona (and the rest of Minnesota) famous right now is the fact that we can survive. In case you haven’t heard, it’s been a little cool in these parts lately. OK, that’s kind of a lie. Saying it’s been “a little cool” is like saying a Bengal tiger is a little kitty, or Charles Manson is a little crazy. It’s been freakishly cold – the kind of frigidity that makes your lungs to collapse when you breathe in and makes you cry bitter tears, which promptly freeze your eyes shut.

Yeah, I know, great sell job. But hear me out~

First, down here in the Southeastern corner of the state, Winona has the undisputed warmest climate in the state. On especially cold winter days, that fact warms our hearts just a little.

And the reality is that, with the exception of the occasional hellish polar vortex, winters in Winona are mild (when compared to the rest of Minnesota). We have rocking trails and a big, frozen river to play on, and though I know it sounds incomprehensible to people from warmer climates, people here actually enjoy being outdoors in the winter. As my Swedish grandmother born and raised in Minnesota would say, there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. Ha.

But let’s face it – 15 degrees below zero isn’t ideal for outdoor fun. However, if you only know one thing about Winona, know this: We are exceptionally good at finding ways to entertain ourselves. Winter is no exception. Cold? So what. Throw up a big tent on the levee, fill it with some heaters, music all day, food and a little beer and a lot of hot chocolate – and let ‘er rip.

We laugh in the face of cold weather and turn it into awesomeness. You have a chance to get in on some of that coming up very soon…

Of course, I am talking about the Frozen River Film Festival. If you think you’re not a “film festival type,” I’m here to tell you you’re wrong. The festival does feature a lineup of some 40 documentaries – some so big they’ve been to gigantic film festivals around the world. The films span every genre, from animated shorts for children to current event topics for big people. Films that are touching, funny, provocative, and just plain entertaining roll for four glorious days here, but that’s not all. Music, food, and people selling their wares, workshops, stuff for kids – it all creates such a rich experience at an event that embraces winter in Winona, celebrates it.

 

Originally published: January 2014