Luminary Loppet and Tent Party

Saturday, February 5, 2011
6 - 9 p.m.

Thousands of ice luminaries, an ice pyramid and the Ice-Cropolis! Bon fires, coffee, hot cocoa and cookie stations. Post-Luminary Loppet Party for paid registrants. Non-competitive - registration is open to snowshoers, walkers* and skiers alike.

*Note that walking on the trails without snowshoes will destroy the ski trails. Walkers must stay to the outside of the trails.

The event starts and ends in Uptown at the Loppet Finish Area, located on the Mall, adjacent to the Walker Library. Participants register for a specific start time: 6, 6:30, 7, 7:30 or 8 p.m. Participants can either pre-register (suggested – pre-registration is less costly and it is more likely that the participant’s preferred start time will still be available) or register on-site on Saturday. Day-of registration and pick-up will be at the top of the Mall in Uptown between 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 5. Once participants have their event bib, they may start at any location around Lake of the Isles.

For those starting in Uptown, participants head down the Mall and onto the lagoon between Lake of the Isles and Lake Calhoun. Proceeding under two bridges, skiers emerge onto a luminary-lit trail around Lake of the Isles. With more than 1,000 luminaries, an ice pyramid, the Enchanted Forest, by artist Jennifer Hedberg, the Brock White Ice-Cropolis, four stations with fire pits and goodies including (at two of the stations) hot cocoa and coffee, and even some fire-spinners, the Luminary Loppet can be enjoyed by anyone on skis or snowshoes.

Post-Luminary Tent Party
Warm up after the Luminary Loppet at the Post-Luminary Loppet Party – featuring live music by Bellebottom (playing great 70s covers). Make a night of it and come tell stories, dance, and enjoy live music in the big tent in Uptown (at the top of the Mall near Hennepin Avenue). Beer, brats and barbecue for sale, with complimentary hot cocoa for the kids. The Post-Luminary Party is free for registered Luminary Loppet participants and $10 for everyone else.