Polk County Public Health, the Polk County Wellness Coalition, and many other fantastic community partners and volunteers are excited to bring back Fitness Fever on Sundays throughout February.
Amanda Lien of Polk County Public Health said the goal of Fitness Fever is to get people outside and active during the winter months of the year. “Fitness Fever has been going on for about 30 years now, I believe,” said Lien. “It’s all about highlighting and promoting physical activity throughout the winter months. So, for the last roughly 30 years, Fitness Fever has taken place on Sundays in February. We did have to go virtual last year because of Covid, but we are excited to bring the outdoor activities back this year and show off some of the great communities and amenities throughout Polk County.”
The first Fitness Fever event of the month will be this coming Sunday, from 1:00-5:00 p.m., at the Sandhills in Fertile for the Agassiz Environmental Learning Center’s Winter Fest. Wayne Goeken is the Executive Director at the Agassiz Environmental Learning Center, and he said there will be plenty to do this Sunday. “We’re going to have a variety of different things going on down there this Sunday, beginning at 1:00 p.m.,” said Goeken. “There will be horse sleigh rides, there will be different ski options available for people interested in that, so there will just be a lot of options for people, and everything is free of charge to the public. We will provide everything; all you have to do is show up.”
There will also be schmoosh races, snow games, activity stations, and refreshments available. Polk County Public Health will also be around that day to talk to attendees about staying warm in the winter.
Other activities throughout February include Sledding & Snowshoeing in Crookston’s Central Park on the 13th. A free Ice-Skating Day at the Ray Ecklund Complex outdoor skating rink on the 20th. Then on the final Sunday of the month, February 27, there will be an exciting Ice Fishing Day. Details for this event will be provided later.
Lien wants to make sure everyone in the community knows they are welcome to participate in any of these events. “Whether you are a beginner at these events or have done them before, please come out and take part in any of these events,” said Lien. “We just want to provide these experiences for people, so they feel comfortable doing it all year round, and also for them to get out and be exposed to areas like the Agassiz Environmental Learning Center so that people can return there during all seasons of the year.”
For more information and resources on where and how to stay active in your community or if you have questions regarding upcoming February Fitness Fever events, contact Amanda Lien Polk County Public Health at 218-281-3385. For the upcoming event on February 6, the Agassiz Environmental Learning Center is located at 400 Summit Avenue Southwest in Fertile.