Fire and Ice coming to Prospect Park February 4

On Saturday, February 4, Prospect Park residents young and old will convene at Luxton Park’s community center to spice up the winter. Dragging their leftover Christmas trees down the road, both newcomers and lifelong inhabitants will bundle up in scarves and hats for the 15th annual Fire and Ice Festival. This event is a beloved neighborhood tradition which brings cheer and builds community during the long, dark winter evenings.

The Fire and Ice Festival begins at 5:30 with horse drawn hayrides through the park and the building of the communal bonfire. Residents from the Glendale Townhomes, from Prospect Park’s homes and apartments, and university students unite to gather warmth from the flames.

Inside the Luxton Park Neighborhood Community Center, there are refreshments and activities. Down to earth fare including chili, hot cocoa, brownies, and more are served by volunteers. Projects and artwork from the community center’s programs are on display and both kids and adults can peruse the book swap and sale in the adjacent rooms. While adults meet and greet their neighbors, kids participate in arts and crafts activities and run around tossing snowballs in the park. As the sun sets the bonfire grows under the supervision of the Minneapolis fire marshall and Park Police.

While already beloved by the close-knit Prospect Park/ East River Road community, this event is open to the public and fun for all ages. It is sponsored by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board-Luxton Park, PPERRIA, East Side Neighborhood Services, Pratt Council, and Luxton Park Council. Those interested in attending can obtain more information on the event from the PPERRIA website.

15th Annual Fire and Ice Festival
Saturday February 4th
5:30-8:00 p.m.
Luxton Community Center and Park
112 St. Marys Avenue SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414

Meredith White

Meredith White (merigoesround@gmail.com) is a Twin Cities blogger and writer. Twitter: @merigoesround