Heavy snow, warm temps force Luminary Loppet, Lake Harriet Art Shanties to adjust plans
MINNEAPOLIS -- Our recent swing in weather has created challenges for outdoor events. From ice melting, to uneven freezing on lakes, organizers are making adjustments. The changes may impact your plans.
Art Shanty organizers were out scoping spots around the Lake Harriet Bandshell for artists to place their projects on Friday.
"It's part of the adaptable changing nature of the game," artistic director Erin Lavelle said.
Lavelle said they need the ice to be 10 inches to safely hold the shanty projects and 30,000 event-goers.
It's at 6 inches so they made the call to move from lake to land.
"It was an easy call to make. We had to move to shore and we're calling it Plan Beach! It's going be a beach party, we're not really on the beach but we'll be in the park," Lavelle said.
RELATED: Slushy situation on Minneapolis lakes posing challenges for skiers, event organizers
She says the flexibility of artists helps as they pivot the plan.
"They have to do the best they can and it's most important that the event goes on," Minneapolis resident Jennifer Rathke said.
Over on Lake of the Isles, organizers rescheduled February's Luminary Loppet. They say heavy snow coupled with warmer temperatures made conditions unsafe on the lake and impossible to groom and create sculptures. They plan to bring the same magical event to people, two weeks later on February 18th.
"I think it's fantastic. I think we have to adapt, and I think safety first and I think getting people outside is the most important thing in Minnesota. Enjoy the weather but be safe," Ann Marie Curtin said.
The U.S. Pond Hockey Championships say the operations team has gotten creative working on Lake Nokomis. In a holding pattern for now while they wait for the slush to freeze, working with safety in mind.
A representative said they are closely monitoring conditions and are cautiously optimistic as they continue to prepare for the tournament. Registration is Thursday. Play is scheduled to start on Friday. Watch for updates here.
