Michaela Gaffke / Winonan
On a chilly weekend in Winona, people bundled up and ventured into the snowy outdoors to enjoy the Winona Winter Carnival, an annual event put on for the Winona community. A variety of events took place around Winona, including the popular Goose Bump Jump and the Snowshoe Showdown.
The Goose Bump Jump took place at the Lake Lodge Recreation Center at 12 p.m. on Saturday, where participants helped raise money for the Winona Parks and Recreation Scholarship Fund.
Thirty-nine people in total jumped into the freezing water. These people included a group from the Winona Daily News, Mugby Junction, the Winona Masons and many solo jumpers. The Goose Bump Jump raises $10,000 each year, of which $5,000 is donated by the Winona Masons.
The Masons were there for their fourth year, and always earn the right to go first because they fundraise the most money. Members Scott Banick, Clint Moore, Tom Hill and Paul Soukup were present. Banick said they participate every year for the kids, as “the Masons support the youth.”
One jumper, Joseph Tadie, jumped twice.
“It’s cold, very cold. You get a rush that feels great after.” He said.
Each participant was asked to introduce themselves and say who they were representing and why they were participating before they jumped into the lake by the MC, Winona State University student Michele Borsari.
A large rectangle had been cut in the ice to create a hole for the jumpers. The Winona County Dive Rescue Team were on standby in case anyone needed assistance during their jump.
Tents were set up next to the hole so participants could quickly run inside for warmth. Snacks such as hot cocoa and cookies were available in the recreation center.
People of all ages came out to watch and support jumpers, but were bundled up trying to stay warm during the 10-degree afternoon.
While the participants of the Goose Bump Jump were recovering and warming up after their jumps, the Snowshoe Showdown was taking place.
At 1 p.m. at Holzinger Lodge, the Winona State Outdoor Education and Recreation Center hosted the showdown. Participants could choose the 3k or 5k run, looping through the Winona bluffs.
A group of participants from the SE MN Trail Runners were there for the run. Members Dan Valentine, Lonna Simanovski, Molly Bramer, Lisa Smily and Steve Greseth, amongst others, were there to participate in the 5k run.
Valentine urged anyone interested in snowshoeing to join their Facebook page and get involved.
After the run there were food, beverages, prizes and a concert featuring Reina del Cid.
These events were a part of the Winona Winter Carnival taking place all weekend, put together by Winona Parks and Recreation. The carnival occurs every year to provide winter activities for the community.
