FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Luminary Loppet Now Accepting Applications for New Installations

Official Application Process Developed for Local Artists and Community Members

In tradition with showcasing local creative talent, the Loppet Foundation has released its official application calling for community members and artists interested in contributing to the Luminary Loppet, a celebration of winter amid candle-lit luminaries made of ice. The Luminary Loppet, which has come to be one of Minnesota's favorite outdoor winter events, will take place on Lake of the Isles, February 4, 2017 during the Loppet Foundation's three-day City of Lakes Loppet Festival.

Over the years, the luminary creations that participants experience by walking and skiing to on the frozen lake have been created solely by a team of talented and driven volunteers. The breathtaking beauty of the luminaries perfectly spaced around the lake, the Icecropolis, IceHenge, Icester Islanders, the Ice Pyramid and the Enchanted Forest all started out as ideas dreamed up by the Loppet's volunteer team.

"As the years have gone on, we have had more people from the community coming to us with new ideas. We are happy to hear about the new ideas, but we also need to ensure that the new ideas fit within the spirit of the Luminary Loppet," said Loppet Foundation Executive Director John Munger. "We need to make sure the new ideas are practical and that the Park Board will allow them under their permit. For those reasons we now have a formal application procedure." The Loppet Foundation is currently accepting applications for both Large Exhibits, extensive sculptures that stand alone on the lake, and Community Garden Installations, a group of smaller installations able to fit within a five foot square area. Applications will be reviewed by a Luminary Loppet committee involved with the logistics of the event. Large Exhibit applications are due by November 20, 2016 and Community Garden applications are due by January 1, 2017.

To learn more or to apply, visit: loppet.org/luminaryart

About the Loppet Foundation: Established in 2002 with an 800-person ski race, the Loppet Foundation now welcomes 40,000 participants annually to its events and programs. The Loppet Foundation engages people of all ages and backgrounds in year-round outdoor activities and adventures. The organization focuses its efforts around Events, Adventures, Racing, and Stewardship. Over the years the Foundation has taught more than 5,000 kids, including 4,000 from North Minneapolis, to ski, bike, and run trails, inspiring a love of the outdoors. For more information, visit loppet.org.