Frozen Fairways celebrated its fourth year of mini golf, fare, festivities, and fun on the frozen Forest Lake in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. The cold temperatures didn’t stop golfers from coming together on a snow-covered course to help raise funds for the community. The spirited tournament drew 56 teams competing for bragging rights and prizes.

Grand Rapids State Bank and the Cabbage Patch Cowboys dominated the leaderboard, taking home first and second places with only a one-point difference in scores. Participants weren’t just competing for the lowest score, though – golfers got points for wacky getups and team spirit, with the “Mom Hard, Wine Harder” team getting top marks for bringing the spirit. True North Salon and Spa also won an award for their sponsored hole design, decked with a Crazy Cat Ladies theme. 

The Golf Ball Drop raffle was one highlight of the festivities, with an ASV dropping hundreds of golf balls onto the ice. Mikki Norris, whose ball landed closest to the winning hole, was the lucky cash prize winner. Chad’s Meat Wagon, Klockow Brewing Company, Rapids Brewing Co., and Sammy’s Pizza kept players and spectators fed, supplied with beverages, and donated some of their earnings to the day’s cause. After the competition, the fun continued at Klockow Brewing Co., where winners were crowned, raffles drawn, and afterparty attendees jammed out to Adessa and The Beat. 

Held in partnership with United 365 Small Business Circle, an affinity group of small businesses working to create positive change in the region through United Way of 1000 Lakes, event proceeds will support educational, economic, and health outcomes for individuals and families in the Itasca area.

Frozen Fairways was generously supported by title sponsor Grand Rapids State Bank; platinum sponsors the Herald Review and Paul Bunyan Communications; hole sponsors Affinity Plus, AmericInn,  ASV/Yanmar, the Cap Baker Lion’s Club, the City of Grand Rapids, Davis Chiropractic, The Emeralds at Grand Rapids, the Evening Rotary Club of Grand Rapids, Frame Up, Klockow Brewing Company, Lake Country Power, North In Bloom, North Homes Children and Family Services, Rapids Brewing Co., Rapids Radio, True North Salon + Spa, and UnWined Up North; registration sponsor L&M Fleet Supply; and silver sponsors Carquest, Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty, Gaalaas Orthodontics, Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital, Jenna Nelson Design, Lake and Company, Lakeview Behavioral Health, MacRostie Art Center, Minuteman Press, Northland Portables, Range Water, Stonegrove Saunas, and Waste Management.

Frozen Fairways will return for its fifth year on February 24th, 2024. To learn more and receive updates about next year’s Frozen Fairways event, visit frozenfairways.com. To learn more about upcoming opportunities to support the community at a United Way event, visit uwlakes.org.

Photos by Jordan Weis of Weisguy Images.