Fire Fest 2020
First, some background information…
Over the past seven years we have had a lot of events at Glensheen, but few of these have taken advantage of our winter months. For those of us who work at Glensheen, we think that winter is one of the more beautiful times of the year. Few things are better than snowshoeing the estate, when you can walk directly under the stone arch bridge and take in views only possible in the winter because of the fallen leaves.
Then… we get to go inside and warm up by a fire. We at Glensheen, believe what Minnesotans really enjoy about winter is enjoying the outdoors for a period of time and then coming inside to warm up, especially by a fire.
So we wanted to create an event that combined those two elements… and that event is Fire Fest.
It is primarily an outdoor event in February… so the element of cold is frequently represented. But, we will have many fire pits lit around the estate (30+)… so the element of warmth will also be in abundance! Plus, we are working with many local vendors to show off how some embrace the element of fire, which includes area blacksmiths, a large portable sauna, and more.
Just a few reasons to attend
- Unique and Awesome custom drinks
- Vikre-created Fire Drinks (flaming drinks) — Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic
- Fire Poker Caramelized Beer
- Ridiculously amazing Food inspired by Fire
- Yker Acres food demo by fire
Now for the CRAZY part…
Fire PARADE & Shark Burning
At the end of the night, we will gather folks at the Ticket house for a FIRE Parade. We advise all who want to march to first get a drink, the march will end with a toast. Once the line is established we will head up to London Road and march to West Gate and proceed through the estate until we reach the Closing Ceremony- the Shark Burning.
Once the Parade reaches the lakefront, we will all toast to Clark, the oddly large WOODEN SHARK who will be on the lake front.
Activities
Fire Dancers — Local Fire Dancers, Spin Collective, will be performing two sets during the day.
Super S’mores — We have created a Super S’mores station. Not only is the fire pit a 60 inch wide cauldron of fire, but we will have two versions of s’mores. Our two options will include a normal s’more option (Graham Cracker, Hershey Chocolate, and Marshmallow) and a premium edition (Ghirardelli, Peanut Butter Cup, etc.)
Glensheen Mansion Tours — If you buy any Glensheen mansion tour, you automatically get into Fire Fest. In other words, for only a few dollars more you can get inside Glensheen. Yep.
Jin-Di-Sugi Demonstration — Glensheen staff will showcase how to create your own Jin-Di-Sugi inspired woodworking. Just like the wood in the Smoking and Breakfast Room.
Blacksmith Demonstration — Forging Community from right here in Duluth, will be giving blacksmith demonstrations throughout the day.
Snow Shoe Estate Tours — Local outdoor guides will be giving small guided tours of the Glensheen estate via snowshoe or boot.
Snowshoe Scavenger hunt — Prizes will be hidden throughout the estate for guests to find, but you will need snowshoes to find them. A family-friendly activity.
Fire Lounges — Throughout the estate will be Fire lounges. What is a fire lounge? Come find out for yourself.
Live DJ in Carriage House Courtyard — The Crunchy Bunch, a local favorite DJ collective will be bringing the beats.
Visit a Sled Dog — Huskies will be on the estate for you to meet! Possibly even dogs from the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon.
This is a family friendly event… Similar to the December event, Duluth Winter Village, this event is more fun for mom & dad than the third showing of Frozen 2.
What does it cost?
Pre-purchase FirePass— $10 admission to FireFest
Day of Purchase FirePass — $15 admission to FireFest
15 and under are FREE
Super VIP FirePass — $50 admission to FireFest, 1 free drink with branded glass, Glensheen General Admission pass, Super Premium S’more Ticket
