A Vikings Winter Tradition

Ah, Minnesota in the winter. It's bracing, unpredictable, and not for wussies. Despite a certain amount of justified complaining, those of us living in the Upper Midwest find ways to not only survive winter, but to have fun with weather that frequently tries to kill us. St. Paul has the Winter Carnival, Minneapolis has the Loppet, Walker has the International Eelpout Festival, and, this year, the town of Wahkon, Minnesota will play host to the Minnesota Vikings 19th annual Arctic Blast Snowmobile Rally.

From February 6 to 9 Wahkon will play host to a weekend of events where Vikings fans can mix with the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders, Vikings alumni, and current Vikings players and enjoy snowmobiling. Some of the events at this year's Arctic Blast include a brunch with Bud Grant, an Arctic Blast Parade, prize drawings, and much more.

While snowmobiling around Lake Mille Lacs is great, seeing past and present members of the Vikings is a big part of the fun of this event. Reminesce about seasons past with Vikings alumni Bud Grant, Darrin Nelson, Robert Griffith, Sean Salisbury, Robert Tate, Scott Studwell, Doug Sutherland, Steve Jordan, Bob Lurtsema, and Carl Lee. Look forward with current Vikings players Toby Gerhart, Harrison Smith Andrew Sendejo, Everson Griffen, Brandon Fusco, Jerome Simpson, Phil Loadholt, and Matt Kalil.

The Arctic Blast, in addition to being a chance to mingle with Vikings past and present and to rev snowmobiles, is an event designed to raise money for the Vikings Children's Fund (VCF). Created in 1978, the VCF has raised $10 million to benefit health, education, and family services for children and families in the Upper Midwest. "In 2013 the VCF distributed over $500,000. It distributed $245,000 to the University of Minnesota Department of Pediatrics and awarded over $224,500 to more than 75 Upper Midwest nonprofit organizations."

Early registration for this event has closed, but you can still register at the event. Get thee to Wahkon, see Vikings players and alumni, play in the snow, and support a good cause.