Legacy Weekend to showcase arts, history, outdoors

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The cities of Alexandria and Glenwood are joining forces to attract local and state visitors to a unique weekend featuring arts, history and outdoor events February 11-13.

The Alexandria/Glenwood area is fortunate to have strong arts, historical and cultural events year round and beautiful parks, lakes and prairies to enjoy throughout the year, said Sara Stadtherr with Alexandria Hotel and Hospitality (AHH).

The weekend will combine events to highlight the impact of funding provided through the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment approved by Minnesota voters in 2008.

The Alexandria/Glenwood area has seen critical investments in arts, outdoors and historical projects to organizations from grants in 2010 from the Legacy Amendment, Stadtherr noted.

Both Douglas and Pope counties have received Legacy funds through several organizations, including Minnesota Historical Society, Lake Region Arts Council, and Pope County Soil and Water Conservation District.

Three Minnesota statewide organizations are drawing local attention to Legacy funding in action. They are Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, Conservation Minnesota and Explore Minnesota Tourism.

Alexandria and Glenwood’s “Legacy Weekend” is being organized locally by Alexandria Hotel and Hospitality in partnership with Alexandria Area Arts Association, the Pope County Historical Society, Douglas County Library, The Ann Bickle Heritage House, School District 206 Community Education, Lake Carlos State Park and the Sertoma/Viking Sportsmen’s Ice Fishing Challenge.

“Our community is so fortunate to have so many things to offer. Local residents and people throughout the state of Minnesota will be shown how the Legacy funds were used locally,” said Stadtherr.

Here’s more information about the options that await during Legacy Weekend (see related story for specific dates, times and locations):

Take in a special play

Alexandria Area Arts Association is offering three productions of the Dixie Swim Club.

The play tells the story of five characters who have been friends since meeting as teammates on their college swim team. They have had a yearly reunion since college at a cottage on the Outer Banks in North Carolina. The audience joins the reunions when the women are ages 44, 49, 54, and 77, and are treated to glimpses into their respective lives.

Go on historical tours

The Ann Bickle Heritage House and Pope County Historical Society are hosting guided tours of this nationally recognized house and museum, which features the Smithsonian-worthy Helbing Collection of Native American arts and crafts.

Win big bucks in an ice fishing contest

The Sertoma Club and Viking Sportsmen are holding their 11th annual Ice Fishing Challenge on Lake Agnes (a new location this year in north Alexandria).

This is Minnesota’s second largest ice fishing tournament and features all cash prizes this year (another new change).

Go skiing or snowshoeing

Lake Carlos State Park is offering candlelight skiing and snowshoeing.

Ski or snowshoe by moonlight along the candlelit trails of Lake Carlos. Warm up by the wood stove and enjoy refreshments afterward in the shelter.

Taste wines and chocolates

Community Education is offering special classes for winter weekend cheer: Wine and Chocolate Tasting from around the World.

Participants can also make their own drinking vessel to enhance the season by attending the workshop – Containing Winter’s Libations: From Demitasse to Tankards.

Arts and books

The Douglas County Library will showcase its new Minnesota Bookshelf, and display photos of another Legacy project – Evansville Arts Coalition’s Flying Pieces of Art.

Other fun stuff

In addition, there will be:

• DATA snowmobiling trail rides.

• Winterama, featuring children’s activities on the ice, a Polar Plunge and minnow eating contest. It will take place just outside Lakeside Ballroom Restaurant on Lake Minnewaska.

Tags: local news, news, legacy, history, outdoors, arts