As people may have surmised, attendance at the 2014 Candlelight Ski was impressive!   Based on the vehicle count for the evening, we estimate attendance at close to 1600 people… just shy of the record which was set in 2008 (1700).     Moderate temperatures, after a month of polar vortex sub-zero lows, coupled with a fresh blanket of snow combined to create ideal conditions for this year’s event.  

Park staff would like to extend a big thank you to the Friends Group members and the 65 North Branch Honor Society students who helped make this year’s event a success.  Without the help and teamwork of everyone involved, an event of this magnitude could not be done.  

I did receive a phone call from Wade Vitalis (who operates the ski and snowshoe concession at the Trail Center) and he too was very impressed with the event.  He particularly wanted to let me know that it made his day when he witnessed the joy and surprise of the person whose name was drawn as the winner for the ski package he donated for the Friends Group raffle.    Although I was very busy most of the evening and did not have a chance to interact with a lot of visitors, I was stopped by many visitors who just wanted to let me know that they were having a great time.  I suspect many of those helping out also received positive comments from those in attendance. 
As with any event of this size, there were a few things that that did go exactly as planned.  Unfortunately, lack of sufficient parking at the height of the evening did create some problems that will need to be addressed for future events.  If anyone has any comments related to improving this event, please send me an email and I will add them to a list of items to review prior to next year’s event. 

Through the efforts, activities and financial support of the Friends Group, the park is indeed a better place for all who visit.  

Paul Kurvers, Wild River State Park Manager
paul.kurvers@state.mn.us