MINOT – Though the weather is giving way to spring, this past weekend was a time for a fun Frozen Fingers’ Music Festival, with the proceeds going to sponsor kids attending music camp.
Frozen Fingers featured several musical groups Friday and Saturday, including singers, dancers, comedy skits, and guitar, accordion, and fiddle players.
Lois Zahn of Minot, president of the Frozen Fingers Music Association, said Frozen Fingers is an annual event that was previously held in February but was changed to April’s warmer weather.
The music festival, held at the Sleep Inn hotel in Minot, began with supper on Friday and continued through Saturday with door prizes, musical groups singing and playing on stage, and people taking to the dance floor. Songs varied from old time country to 50s and 60s rock to gospel music.
Attendees of the event packed the room, coming from the local area and beyond, including Canada. Some performers came from Bismarck and Minnesota.
Zahn said the event has been growing, though it’s getting harder to find bluegrass bands.
“We try to have a good variety with our bands,” said Zahn. “It’s a very family-oriented event.”
Frozen Fingers is also supported by sponsorships. Proceeds from the event go to scholarships for kids to attend the International Music Camp at the Peace Garden. Registration for the scholarships begins January 1 and end April 1. Contacts to find out more can be found here.
“It’s a first come first serve basis,” Zahn explained. “Last year we did about 20 scholarships. This year 44 kids applied, and I think we’ll be able to send 25. It’s to keep the kids interested in music. We’re not only keeping the country western music alive and some of the old-time music alive, we’re also promoting kids to be into the music field.”
Next year’s event is already scheduled for April 5 and 6, which will also be the 30th year Frozen Fingers has officially been around, and the 35th year the group has informally met to sing, dance, and play. Some people from the group still informally meet the fourth Saturday of every month for a potluck, singing, playing, and dancing. Zahn said anyone is invited to join.
Zahn is putting on another event on May 9, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Minot Auditorium called Salute to Seniors, hosted by the Minot Area Senior Coalition of which Zahn is also the president. This will be the group’s 25th anniversary.
“We have 40 vendors, door prizes, and a big, hot pork dinner,” said Zahn. “It’s $20 at the door.”
Zahn said those who are interested can call 852-3398. More information on Frozen Fingers can be found here.
