Editorial: Nothing to do but embrace it

Talk about it

Face it, one of the main reasons we want the Vikings to go to a Super Bowl each year is for the distraction such an event would bring to the cold days of January and February in the Northland.

Any distraction this week is welcome if it helps us swallow yet another NFC championship game loss. We’ll have to make due without two weeks of super-hype and super-hope.

Or we could create some of our own.

As anyone speaking to a friend or relative from warmer climes, we like to embrace winter here. It goes faster if you don’t hole up and try to dream the cold and snow away.

But with the slushy snow storms we’ve had this year, winter was starting to become an icy downer.

With a cold snap and some real snow, the snowmobile trails are in good shape, which means it should be a good run for dog mushers as well. What better way to change up the winter scene than heading to one of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon checkpoints Sunday through Wednesday? You’ll get to watch some real winter embracers on four legs and two.

There’s also the Voyageur Snowmobile Club meetings Saturday up Highway 2 at Dixies. More than a good ride, they will also dedicate a shelter off the Yukon Trail near Forest Highway 11 to the memory of Steve Cavallin, David Johnson, and Larry “Looper” Larson.

After a short cold snap, the weekend should be perfect for snowshoeing, cross country skiing, or catching some scenery like the ice at Gooseberry Falls.

For those trying to fill the football void but not convinced the Pro Bowl will do it, there’s a movie afternoon Sunday at Petrell Hall in Brimson. And brush up on your politics and get ready for the caucuses Tuesday night.

And, best of all, the burgeoning Two Harbors Winter Frolic begins Thursday with the crowning of a Miss and Little Miss, a big downtown lighted parade and chili cook-off Friday evening, and a whole Saturday and Sunday filled with downtown events to get people going out into the great icebox.

Frolic organizers were rubbing their hands together about a Vikings Super Bowl appearance adding to the weekend fun next week. But, when you think about it, all that apprehension about the game might actually put a damper on things. This way, no emotions will be barred for a good time in a cold town next week.

Skol winter.

Tags: two harbors, opinion, editorial, vikings