Grand Marais Mayor-elect Jay Arrowsmith DeCoux was one of the Wave Dash participants. He said he challenged Duluth Mayor Don Ness to take the plunge with no response!
The Lake Superior Storm Festival, in only its second year, has become an incredibly popular event with local residents and visitors alike. There is something for just about everyone!
There was great attendance at all of the interesting presentations. There was a talk on stand-up paddling and surfing by Randy Carlson of the University of Minnesota at Sven & Ole’s Pizza on Friday evening. Jim Shinners spoke of the sinking of the Henry Steinbrenner in 1953 and Photographer Paul Sundberg shared tips on capturing storms on camera at two venues—near the Big Lake at Lutsen Resort and at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts. And Shelby Gonzalez gave a fabulous workshop on overcoming writing obstacles at the Stones Throw Room at East Bay.
There was more for history buffs at the Cook County Historical Society’s By Way of Water exhibit and the Grand Marais Art Colony hosted an event for the kids with “The Muffin Man.”
Above: Sally Mellang and her daughter Martina were stylish as they shivered and splashed! Left: Most of the Wave Dashers dashed to the Lutsen Resort pool and sauna to warm up, but these girls spent a few minutes warming up by the bonfire.
Attendees packed the Songwriter’s Shindig at Cascade Restaurant & Pub and once again the final song of the evening The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, led by Joe Paulik was very moving for all.
Many businesses got into the stormy weather theme, offering meals such as Harbor House’s shipwreck shepherd’s pie and Edmund Fitzgerald porter ale. Gunflint Mercantile renamed fudge with names such as “Dark and Stormy” and “Rolling Waves.” Sivertson Gallery held a Trollbead party Saturday afternoon featuring exquisite Lake Superior colored beads.
But the highlight of the Storm Festival for many was the Wave Dash on Saturday. About 57 “wave dashers” gathered on the lakeshore at Lutsen Resort and took a plunge into the icy gray water of Lake Superior.
Standing by were Lutsen Volunteer Fire Department emergency responders and lifeguards from the Cook County Community YMCA. Fortunately they did not have to rescue any of the intrepid folks who tiptoed or plunged into the water. The event raised $808, which will benefit the Lutsen Volunteer Fire Department and the YMCA.
Visit Cook County Director Linda Kratt said her office had heard from many that Cook County was very busy throughout the Storm Festival. “There were many choices on this weekend. We like that and feel that if there is more offered, our communities rise to the occasion. Overall, the event was very successful.
“Lake Superior Storm Fest will happen in 2015,” said Kratt.
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