What can suck the life out of a Duluthian faster than a Skeksi killing a Gelfling? The Warmer by the Lake "festival." I won't waste too much space on this other than to report a few observations: First, the Public Address system was set up by a deaf person (no offense to the deaf). Turned up to eleven and very treble-heavy - not a good combination when it's the oldies station DJ doing the play-by-play of the tug-of-war ("Now THAT'S gotta hurt!"). Speakers everywhere. Bonfires fueled by damp driftwood logs - couldn't get close enough to roast a marshmallow, and if you could, the smoke was relentless. Skating ice so bad it could only support those 10 and under (and even that was a stretch). Sledding hill with no snow = 10 foot mound covered with electrical cords (to power said P.A. system) that served simply as a ten-foot rolling hill. No food other than the aforementioned marshmallows, and the obligatory mini-donut stand.
Just wanted to pass along a hearty thank you to all of my friends who failed to steer me away. I hope you all feel my daughter's disappointment.
Actually, I think Duluth, overall, does a stand-up job with its civic events. This, however, was more than forgettable. Thanks to the canal park business district, especially for the shameless coupon sheet offered to the festival-goers.