Bold & Cold coming to Owatonna

No matter what the weather forecast says, Owatonna is looking for a Bold and Cold week beginning Jan. 19.

The eighth annual Bold & Cold Winter Festival starts Monday and continues through Sunday, Jan. 25.

Owatonna Community Education will offer a variety of classes and activities throughout the week. Information is available in the Community Education Winter Brochure or by calling 507-444-7900.

Stop by Central Park in downtown Owatonna Jan. 21 to 24 to see the activity at the Bold & Cold Snow Sculpture Contest.

For a historical Bold & Cold activity, stop by the Steele County History Center on Thursday, Jan. 22, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for a panel discussion on the Halloween Blizzard of ’91. This is a free event featuring locals who responded to the sudden storm, helped with recovery efforts, or just lived through it. Panelists will include Jerry Lewison, Milo Dahlin, Barb Kasper and Deb Gillard.

On Friday and Saturday, Jan. 23 and 24, participants are invited to A Winter Walk with Beverages, Bites, and Brrr-ingo. Those who stop for drink and/or bite to eat at participating businesses can pick up a Brrr-ingo card. You can stop after getting a Brrr-ingo or keep going for a better chance to win a prize.

Leave your card at the last place you visit; winners will be drawn on Monday.

For a fun family event, check out Bold & Cold Pool Bingo on Jan. 23 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Owatonna Middle School.

The pool will become your game board, and swimming skills are your tickets to winning prizes. Participants get a bingo card and as the game begins, bingo balls will be scattered throughout the pool. Navigate the water to collect bingo balls that match the numbers on your card.

Registration at Owatonna Parks and Recreation is required for this event.

Just in time for the upcoming Winter Olympics in February, the Owatonna Curling Club, 1440 South Elm Ave., will host a Bold & Cold Open House on Saturday, Jan. 24, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Also on Jan. 24, you can join a pick-up broomball game at Morehouse Park from 1 to 3 p.m., sponsored by Bethel Church Men’s Ministry. There will be friendly competition and free hot chocolate, with gear provided. No sign-up is needed. This event is for ages 16 and older.

Bold & Cold Snowshoeing will be available from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Brooktree Golf Course, 1369 Cherry St. on Jan. 24. Equipment is first-come, first-served and there is no fee or registration required.

From 5 to 7 p.m. on Jan. 24 check out Bold & Cold Rock on Ice at Morehouse Park. Skaters of all ages will receive glow-in-the-dark accessories to enhance the fun and create a magical atmosphere on the ice. This illuminated event is for families, friends and anyone looking to light up the night with some active outdoor winter fun.

If your interest is more towards indoor activities, stop by the West Hills Tennis and Pickleball Center for an open house from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 25. The free event is an opportunity to see what the center has to offer and try out tennis and pickleball. Kids five and under can explore the indoor play space and shoot hoops on the basketball court.

Also on Sunday, there will be a Bold & Cold Ice Fishing event at the Lake Kohlmier Boat Launch. Registration for this event is open until 7 p.m. on Jan. 23.