STACEY HEGGEN: Making winter enjoyable

After trudging through a snow bank early Tuesday morning, my coat crunched as I sat down in my semi-frozen car. “Why do I live here?!” I said to myself. All too quickly, I forgot about the relaxing snow day just one day earlier. (You know, those days when you make brownies, stay in your pajamas, catch up on reading, and watch your favorite movies?) It got me thinking, though: In the depths of winter, why do people live in Grand Forks?

On one hand, we have months of cold temperatures and (a lot of) shoveling. But on the other hand, we have four seasons, something that people in other parts of the country only dream about. A few years ago, I traveled to Arizona in December. Everything was brown with a splash of green from the occasional cactus, and it felt “off.”

Within Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals we work hard to see the good in our community, and the longer that I’ve been in Grand Forks, the more opportunities I uncover.

For instance, throughout the month of February there is an annual Winter Series of racing, which includes the Frozen Feat run, the Bikecicle bike race and the BeMobile Iceman Triathlon (The latter is put on by Extreme North Dakota Racing and GGFY and starts 9 a.m. Saturday in Lincoln Park). All of these events began because area residents saw a need and decided to work together to make it happen.

Several of the Young Professionals tell me that the “family friendly” atmosphere of the Grand Cities area is a major reason to live here. The park and recreation organizations work hard to provide amenities to help individuals of all ages stay active, from outdoor hockey rinks to cross-country ski trails (and you can rent equipment from the warming houses for free).

We are lucky to live in a great community with ample opportunity within reach.

How do you celebrate the four seasons?

Heggen is executive director of Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals. Reach her at Stacey@ggfyp.com or at (218) 779-9369. Go to the group’s website at GGFYP.com.

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