Despite Weather Dozens Show Up For Norwegian Barnelopet

ST. CLOUD- Though the conditions may not have been perfect, the 10th annual Sons of Norway Barnelopet took place at Riverside Park in St. Cloud on Sunday.

Organizers say ideally they would prefer it a little colder, and more snow, but they know conditions are unpredictable. They say they had spent a lot of time preparing for the weather and had snow makers and groomers out this week.

Not only was the weather an issue, but when contestants arrived at Riverside Park there was no power in the shelter. Someone eventually brought a generator and got the festivities going again.

Though the event was having a rough start, you could still see the excitement in the kid's faces. The race was eligible for kids from ages three to 13.

The Minnesota Youth Ski League was there to provide free equipment for the kids. Nicholas Snavely, coordinator for the Minnesota Youth Ski Club, says "This is really a great opportunity for kids to get out here and learn and have a good time."

The Minnesota Youth Ski Club meets every Sunday in the winter at Riverside Park.

After the races, there was food and entertainment provided. Norwegian favorites likes krumkake were available and a Norwegian take on waffles.

Though the event didn't start smoothly, everyone had fun and enjoyed the Barnelopet and its Norwegian roots.