Posted: 2/27/07
Forest will be aglow with candles
Candlelight Ski and Walk is March 3 at Beaver Creek
By Andrew Miller
Interim News Editor
Candles will illumine the natural beauty of Beaver Creek Valley State Park outside Caledonia the evening of Saturday, March 3.
The second annual Candlelight Ski/Walk will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. that night along two miles of trail in the park.
"People that were here last year just had a blast," park manager Roger Heimgartner said. "Itís beautiful with the candlelight, and itís especially beautiful if thereís snow on the ground."
There will be one mile of candlelit ski trail and one mile of candlelit hiking trail, with bonfires at the starting point of each trail. There will also be a warming shelter with a fire and refreshments.
Between 300 and 400 candles will be used, and theyíll be staggered about every 30 or 40 yards, with more around curves in the trail so hikers and skiers will be able to navigate without any wrong turns.
About 100 people turned out for the event last year. Because of lack of snow last year the skiing was cancelled and everyone who attended ended up hiking.
Heimgartner anticipates a turnout of about 200 people this year. The expected bump in attendance is because the event coincides with the Festival of Owls in Houston. The festivalís "Family Owl Prowl" will be busing people to the park to call in wild owls the night of the Candlelight Ski/Walk.
Itís breeding season for owls and people in the park will probably hear quite a few hoots, Heimgartner said. Those who come for the Candlelight Ski/Walk will be welcome to join in the owl-calling by the Festival of Owls folks.
Vehicle permits and ski passes are required. One-day vehicle permits ($5) and annual vehicle permits ($25) will be available at the park office. Ski passes will be available by self-registration at the park.
Volunteers are needed for set up, cleanup, and for trail maintenance the night of the event. To volunteer or for more information, contact Beaver Creek Valley State Park manager Roger Heimgartner at (507) 724-2107.
Beaver Creek Valley State Park is located four miles west of Caledonia via County Road 1.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com