|
|
|
February 20, 2000
Full moon smiles over FlandrauBy TONY ZIEBOL Journal Staff Writer NEW ULM -- With the full moon, in all its splendor, gazing down over the tree tops and the sleigh bells singing to the rhythm of the horses slow advancement, the people being pulled in the sled were seemingly in a trance. Quiet and contemplative as the horses continued to trudge through the snow, it was near the end of the brief, ten-minute ride when someone finally spoke up. "Did this put everyone to sleep," said a man seated in the front. The people who ventured to Flandreau State Park Saturday night for "Full Moon Fest" were not sleeping, just enjoying the relatively mild winter night and several activities available at the park. Travis Anderson, Dean Wilfahrt and his daughters, Leah, 6, and Meghan, 8, roasted marshmallows and hotdogs over a small bonfire. Condiments, though, were hard to find. "I wish we had some ketchup and mustard," Anderson said. The foursome had earned an appetite after taking to the trails for some cross-country skiing on trails scattered with illuminating candles. Even tiny Leah? "Oh, yeah," her father said. Later on, they were planning on getting a sleigh ride as well, but only after some more skiing. On this night, the kids outnumbered the adults and laughter to plainly be heard, echoing from the playground on the park's grounds. Besides the bonfire, hot apple cider, well, relatively hot cider kept people warm, along with standard heat inside one of the park's buildings. Cookies didn't warm the hands, but were a welcome addition to hunger pains. Photographer and naturalist Ron Bolduan displayed and discussed artifacts and his experiences from his many wanderings throughout the Minnesota River Valley watershed. Kids and adults also donned snowshoes to hike through the candle lit trails. "Full Moon Fest" was a light-hearted affair, but a joyous one for those in need of a little winter beauty and exercise.
|