Wayzata Chilly open scheduled for February 10th, 2024
In its 40th year, the Wayzata Chamber‘s Chilly Open may deviate from tradition as organizers explore moving the event from the normal location on frozen Lake Minnetonka to an on-land site.
The shift is prompted by persistent mild weather conditions that cast doubt on the lake’s suitability to host the annual winter event.
With frigid temperatures descending on the area this week, organizers are hoping for a miraculous freezing of ice on Lake Minnetonka’s Wayzata Bay.
They are also seeking input from attendees, vendors and volunteers as nearly 2,300 tickets have been sold to the 2024 Chilly Open.
About the 2024 Wayzata Chilly Open
The Wayzata Chilly Open is a community staple during the typically quieter winter months in Wayzata.
The first year it was held was 1984, and 2024 marks the 40th anniversary.
The event not only adds vitality to the area but also serves as a crucial fundraiser for Chamber operations, covering 12% of the annual operating budget while providing a positive economic impacts to the community and businesses.
Golfers attend from all over the state and beyond.
However, concerns over public safety have led organizers to closely evaluate parameters for the event.
“Plan B” allows the event to move to land
In response to the weather challenge, the Wayzata City Council approved a “Plan B,” Tuesday evening at the request of the Chamber, creating an opportunity to hold the event on-land.
The alternative plan will likely create frozen golf course(s) near Wayzata Beach, the Wayzata Depot parking lot, the Boatworks parking lot, and a portion of Grove Lane.
While some specific details are still being formulated, the Wayzata City Council approval was necessary to allow for further planning by the Chamber.
Key details
Key points of the amended plan include the closure of Grove Lane for course creation, and potentially using snow-making machines or cleared snow provided by Wayzata Public Works.
However, certain conditions will have to be adhered to, including land based regulations which do not apply on the water, maintaining access for a marina dredging project, ensuring reasonable traffic control, as well as avoiding nearby residential areas.
Input from attendees, vendors and volunteers sought
Given the approval from the Council, if the ice doesn’t freeze, the Chamber now has an opportunity to hold the event on land.
However, as indicated in an email (see above) to attendees thanking them for their patronage and patience, “There are many factors and logistics to take into consideration,” in moving the event to land.
Attached to the email to attendees, sponsors, and volunteers was an invitation and opportunity to participate in a short survey that will assist the Chilly Open Committee to plan further.
All of this is to say that the Wayzata Chamber needs a couple more days for ice formation, data gathering, and planning in order to pursue holding the event either on Lake Minnetonka or on land.
This is a developing story, stay tuned to Wayzata.com for more info.
