From www.Send2Press.com
Travel and Tourism
Ely, Minnesota Celebrates 15th Annual Winter Festival
Feb 6-16, 2009
Edited by Carly Zander
Tue, 13 Jan 2009, 14:37:48 EST
ELY, Minn., Jan. 13 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Preparations are underway for the Ely Winter Festival slated
for February 6-16, 2009, in the northern Minnesota tourist city known for its local beauty and wilderness. The
volunteer Board has announced a schedule of events for all ages, abilities and interests; ranging from Sled Dog
Rides, an historic Voyageur Encampment, cross-country ski specials and outdoor ice skating; to a crafts fair, several
dinners, musical concerts and art events taking place over the Festival's 10-day period.
The cornerstone of the Festival is the International Snow Sculpting
Symposium in the town's Whiteside Park with 20 "amateur" blocks and 20
large "expert" blocks, each carved by a three-person team. "Snow carvers
travel here from all over the world to create the carvings," said Chris
Ellerbroek, co-director of the Symposium, "and then folks come from all over
the country to view the magnificent result."
The town also becomes a veritable art gallery, as merchants clear their
windows to display local artists' works in the Ely ArtWalk, running congruently
with the Festival. Over 160 artists will show their wares this year.
On Saturday afternoon, February 7, the award-winning bluegrass band, Gold
Wing Express, hailing from Branson, Missouri, performs in concert to benefit
the local hospice organization. Then, Saturday night, Steger Mukluks presents the Lamont Cranston Blues Band at
the Mukluk Ball, hosted by owner Patti Steger and Broadcasting Hall of Famer, anchor and reporter Don Shelby of
Minneapolis station WCCO-TV.
Friday, February 13, brings McInnis' Kitchen, a musical group from Duluth, Minnesota, that specializes in traditional
and original music of the Atlantic Maritimes, Newfoundland, Ireland and Scotland. On Saturday, February 14, a
special fundraising dinner at Grand E