ELY - The 2021 Ely Winter Festival was celebrated this week in sub-zero conditions, scaled back due to mandated COVID-19 public health protocols.
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, just five local teams braved the frigid cold as they participated in the annual Snow Sculpting Symposium.
Cade Thibodeaux was the lone snow carver at Whiteside Park early last Thursday. He was getting a start on “And the Horse He Rode in On,” which was an interpretation of the current cancel culture across America.
“This is a smart phone grinding up an image of a Civil War general, Robert E. Lee, on his horse, called Traveler,” he said. He had help on the project from his daughter, Tracy.
Chris and Oskar Koivisto and Timothy Loney carved a “nine-foot steampunk raven” in approximately 21 hours over three days.
Jaime Stocks, Sarah Malik and Sarah Moldenhauer worked together on a whimsical “Otter Slide” with three cute critters.
Carl Karasti and his team of snow sculptors created a hands-around-a-globe structure, and Patrick Knudson and his team produced a giant fish called “Ely Trout.”
EWF Executive Director Shauna Vega praised all the local artists who worked in the brutal conditions last weekend.
“Their dedication to the traditions of our wonderful event are really appreciated, especially this year when we have to take so many precautions,” she said.
The Ely ArtWalk, however, does resemble past years, but with a twist. Dozens of Ely businesses are displaying hundreds of locally-produced pieces of art. Spectators walk along the downtown corridor and participate in “window shopping” for their favorite pieces
“To enhance everyone’s ability to experience and enjoy the festival, we added a virtual experience to both the Ely ArtWalk and the Snow Sculpting Symposium,” said EWF Board Chair Chris Kloppenberg.
In fact, the Ely ArtWalk will be offering daily virtual participation opportunities, including a major Facebook activity, all month with a real-time live video feed. Tours of stores will be posted daily and include talks with artists, and information for buying art.
“This will allow our in-town and out-of-town friends an opportunity to enjoy the festival from home,” Kloppenberg added.
The virtual experience this year includes daily Snow Sculpting Symposium progress videos and a virtual walk through Whiteside Park after the sculptures were completed. Art enthusiasts may also watch daily Ely ArtWalk videos featuring different artists each day.
“The Ely Winter Festival is committed to celebrating winter, community, and art while keeping the community safe and healthy. We are complying with all state mandates in place and we can still celebrate while staying safe,” Kloppenberg said.
The residents of Ely’s Carefree Assisted Living facility also created art for this year’s Ely Winter Festival. Drive by the facility at 140 S. 2nd Ave W to see a variety of window displays.
“Local Scout troops also made snow sculptures in the yard,” Vega added.
The 2021 Ely Winter Festival received major support from Ely Family Dental and Twin Metals Minnesota. This annual Ely activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board and the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, through a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. EWF is also made possible in part by the Donald G. Gardner Humanities Trust.
Many traditional events are missing from this year’s celebration because of COVID-19. There is no Whiteside Park skating rink. The Kubb tournament and Great Nordic Beard Fest were called off this year. There are no literary gatherings, or hikes to Sigurd Olson’s cabin or Hegman Lake. The sled dog meet-and-greet event was also canceled.
“This was a very tough decision, but we know it’s important to keep Ely safe,” Kloppenberg said.
“We’ll be back with a traditional festival in 2022,” she said. Next year, the festival will be held Feb. 3-13, 2022.
For more information, go to www.elywinterfestival.com and www.elyartwalk.org.