Eden Prairie's Winter Blast event drew a crowd to Staring Lake Park, including its 700-foot sledding hill. Photos by Kelley Regan
It was a winter blast, thankfully spared from the arctic chill.
Eden Prairie’s Winter Blast event at Staring Lake Park on Saturday afternoon, Jan. 8, took advantage of a one-day break in the subzero weather. The temps heated up into the 20s, providing residents a chance to embrace and celebrate winter without having to risk frostbite.
The city-sponsored event offered a variety of fun outdoor activities for all ages. Bundled against the elements, a line of children and parents lumbered up the sledding hill in heavy snow boots before jumping aboard colorful inflatable tubes or sleds and darting back to the bottom.
Nearby, ice skaters of all skillsets maneuvered around the oval rink. Rentals of snowshoes, ice skates and kicksleds were free for the event. Participants could warm up by an outdoor bonfire, as well as in the Staring Lake warming house.
There was also a scavenger hunt, games, art projects, and food available for purchase from the YouniverseFoodie Waffles food truck.
An outdoor bonfire helped warm those attending Winter Blast. 
Winter Blast offered ice skating to the music of Kidsdance.
Food was available for purchase from YouniverseFoodie Waffles.
A family poses for a photo near the sledding hill. 
A mother and son pose for a photo.