Page 44 - Allison's Magazine ~ Issue #99
P. 44

Minnesota’s Swedish roots, as it dates        Isles to look at massive snow sculptures,   in Minneapolis,” says Jones. “At its new   that is deeply rooted in this state. “That
                                                 The Loppet                        back to the age of the Vikings. It’s          watch special performances, and enjoy   location at the Trailhead, the Loppet   outdoors and active culture is definitely
                                                 Foundation always                 comprised of two teams facing each            interactive activities, all surrounded by   Foundation is poised to serve more   evident, not just in our organization but
                                                                                   other, attempting to knock down               beautiful luminaries and light displays.  people than ever and will soon be host   also throughout the state of Minnesota,”
                                                 strives to provide
                                                                                   the other’s five kubbs (small, upright                                            to some exciting new events as well.”   says Jones. “Even without the world-
                                                 Minneapolis
                                                                                   wooden blocks) by throwing a baton.           BLAZING A TRAIL                     One such event is a Cross Country   class facilities and trail systems, we
                                                 residents with new                Five kubbs are lined up in a row on           One of the most exciting parts of   World Cup ski race, which is slated to   believe that everyone benefits from
                                                 ways to have fun and              each side. There are also Loppet events       the 2019 Loppet Festival was its new   take place in March of 2020. This is the   being outdoors and active because
                                                 be active in their                for orienteering, snowshoeing, and            location at the recently completed   first event of its kind in the US in nearly   it improves quality of life across so
                                                 backyard through a                skijoring—a popular winter activity that      Trailhead at Theodore Wirth Park.   twenty years, and it will bring some of   many metrics—and it’s something that
                                                 culture of inclusivity            is similar to dogsledding.                    Traditionally, the larger ski races, such as   the world’s most talented skiers to the   everyone deserves to experience.”
                                                                                                                                 the Skate Marathon and the Tour Skate,   Loppet Foundation’s headquarters at   For more info, visit loppet.org
                                                 and an appreciation
                                                                                   Jones says that, seventeen years after the    began at the park and ended at the city’s   the park.
                                                 of nature that is
                                                                                   festival’s inception, the most popular        largest lake, Bde Maka Ska (formerly
                                                 deeply rooted in                  event of the entire weekend remains the       Lake Calhoun). However, 2019’s      The Loppet Foundation always strives
                                                 this state.                       UCare Luminary Loppet, which has              events began at the Chain of Lakes and   to provide Minneapolis residents with
                                                                                   been a part of the festival since 2006.       finished at the new Trailhead. “This new   new ways to have fun and be active
                                                                                   Over 10,000 people walk, snowshoe,            14,000-square-foot facility now serves as   in their backyard through a culture of
                                                                                   or ski their way around the Lake of the       a year-round hub for outdoor adventure   inclusivity and an appreciation of nature




           42 | AMERICAN LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE                                                                                                                                                                             americanlifestylemag.com | 43
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