Minnesota, Michigan, Pennsylvania Host Winter Festivals Amid Cold

Winter festivals across the Midwest are thriving this season, with events like the Minnesota Ice Festival in Eagan extending its run through February 23 due to strong community support and favorable weather conditions. The festival has seen attendance of 3,500-5,000 visitors on weekends, a significant increase from last year when mild temperatures forced cancellations. In Michigan, the Winter Blast in Royal Oak showcased a variety of activities including live music and ice sculptures, celebrating its 20th anniversary and drawing large crowds. Meanwhile, East Stroudsburg's Winter Fest featured a 'Zoo on Ice' theme with over 40 animal sculptures, while Gun Lake's Winterfest highlighted local businesses and included fun activities like a polar dip and singing contests. These events illustrate the community's resilience and enthusiasm for winter celebrations despite previous challenges posed by the weather. Overall, the winter festival spirit remains strong across these regions, bringing families and communities together.