It’s time to kick off the 8th Annual Ice Out Contest! Personally, I find it hard to believe we’ve been doing this for 8 years. So for any newbies, let me explain the what, where and why.
In my part of the world winter can get damned long some years. To give you an idea, here’s a picture of my yard this morning 3.27.20.
What happens is as the days roll by, cabin fever sets in and the boredom index starts to peak. This year, with the corona virus fears, business shutdowns, toilet paper shortages and market meltdown I’m guessing folks all over the world are suffering from cabin fever. You reach a point where you need some sort of distraction. You’ve counted the money in your change jar 5 times, all of your knives are sharpened and oiled. Your significant other has told you to get it together or move into the garage.
In Northern Minnesota ice out contests are fairly common. It gives us a chance to ponder something other then how damned bored we are with winter.
Years ago one of the local organizations might tow a car out on the ice and take guesses as to when it would go through the ice. Folks got a little concerned about the oil slick left by the sunken car so changes to the plan had to be made. Granted, just guessing when the lake will be clear of ice isn’t as exciting as watching a car sink…..but…
So here’s what I do now. I open up a window of time to allow folks to place their best guess as to when the ice will clear off from Detroit Lake. Whoever comes closest will be declared the winner. In the case of two guesses that are identical, I become the sole arbiter and typically the earliest guess submitted wins. If you want to search the blog you’ll find the guesses and estimates dating back to 2013 as well as the actual ice out date.
The rules are pretty simple but please follow them! You can start placing your entry today. ONE ENTRY PER PERSON! I need the following when you make your guess. DATE (5/1/20), TIME CST (1:45AM), Your Name(Greg H). To place your guess simply hit reply to this post and leave the DATE, TIME and NAME. Anyone can enter and it’s open to folks anywhere in the world. Customers, non customers, doesn’t matter. I’m just trying to offer a little distraction to your life!
So what’s the prize? I haven’t decided yet and I’m considering offering up a couple of options. Maybe a choice from several options. No junk. In the next day or two I’ll also announce a cutoff date for entries. So start studying up, place your best guess and I’ll update you from time to time regarding ice conditions and weather updates.