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In 2020, Zwilling and his team reclaimed the world title after breaking the record most recently set by a group in Quebec. Other teams in Maine and Finland normally jockey for the top spot, but due to COVID-19, the other three had to cancel their events this year. That has allowed Zwilling’s massive creation from 2020 — which was a 10.1-acre ice carousel that measured 749 feet across and weighed 38 million pounds — to spend the last year as the world record holder.
“This year, if it spins, it will weigh about 45.6 million pounds,” Zwilling said of his attempt to go even larger — about 12 acres of ice — in 2021. “But, Mother Nature determines if it’s going to spin or not.”
Dog sledding is a popular way to take in the sights at I.C.E. Fest on Green Prairie Fish Lake.
Though the event is free to attend, donations and sponsorships have helped the family’s 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Pay It Forward Foundation, raise $36,000 for local causes. This year, proceeds from the event will go to the Flyer Pride Pack weekend food program at Little Falls Community Schools and Kids in Need, both of which are organizations aimed at stomping out childhood hunger.
As I.C.E. Fest now enters its fourth year, there are events for the whole family. Curling, log rolling, spear fishing, Striders in the Snow, dog sled rides, sleigh rides with Santa Claus, powered parachute airplane rides, ice fishing, underwater drone demonstrations, figure skating, igloo building, snowshoeing, powered paragliding rides and an education tent are only some of the activities available to the whole family. Food and beverages will also be available.
“It’s amazing how many people want to be a part of this,” Ruegemer said, adding that this year’s event has 69 sponsors. “Even after the event, we have people calling us asking us to put them on the list for next year.”
Raffle tickets are also available both before and during the event for prizes such as a hot tub rental, a hot air balloon ride for two and free pizza for a year. Tickets are $10, with all proceeds going to the Flyer Pride Pack weekend food program and Kids in Need via the Pay It Forward Foundation. For more information on where to purchase tickets, visit www.mnicefest.com.
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Note: The Pay It Forward Foundation has worked closely with Morrison County Public Health Director Brad Vold, Morrison County Sheriff Shawn Larsen and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to ensure the event is compliant to all COVID-19 safety guidelines.
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