BRRRmidji Days Returns to Bemidji Feb. 14-21, Featuring 22nd Annual Plunge

The Bemidji Jaycees will host the third annual BRRRmidji Days festival, a weeklong series of winter events centered on community fundraising and family activities. The signature event is the 22nd annual plunge into Lake Bemidji, which organizers say will direct proceeds to local nonprofits and draw residents to downtown Bemidji and lakeshore venues.

“Kicking off the main events is the 22nd annual Brrrmidji Plunge, in which participants will take their plunge into Lake Bemidji at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14, at the Tourist Information Center.” Registration for the plunge opens at 11 a.m. and runs through 12:30 p.m. that day. “Registration will be open from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. prior to the plunge. A minimum $50 donation is required with registration in order to participate in the plunge and includes a T-shirt. Other incentives include a tumbler with a $200 donation and a puffer vest with a $400 donation.” The Bemidji Jaycees note, “100% of the pledges donated to the Bemidji Special Olympics!” For those who want to sign up, Travis can be reached at (218) 766-8792.

Events are spread across the week with specific beneficiaries and fees. On Feb. 14 the plunge is followed by Brrrmidji Bingo at the Bemidji Eagles Club at 2 p.m., with proceeds supporting the Confidence Learning Center. The Aim for Advocacy dart tournament begins at 3 p.m. at Hatchet House of Bemidji; entry is $60 per team, limited to 24 teams, and proceeds benefit the Family Advocacy Center of Northern Minnesota. Registration for the dart tournament is available through Hatchet House at (218) 444-2404 or via their Facebook page.

Feb. 15 brings a cornhole tournament at The Loft Event Center, with warm-ups at 10:30 a.m. and play starting at 11 a.m.; entry is $50 and the field is limited to 28 players, with proceeds to the Bemidji High School girls basketball team. Family Movie Night at the Historic Chief Theater is set for Feb. 16, doors at 3 p.m. and the film at 4 p.m.; admission is $5 at the door. The Elevated Market will run Feb. 19 from 4 to 8 p.m. at The Loft on Fourth Street, continuing a monthly vendor market that runs through April. Stand-up comedy at Keg N' Cork on Feb. 20 features Henry Kneiszel, Maggie Faris and Justin Rademacher; tickets are $20 at Keg N' Cork and online, with proceeds to the Bemidji Community Food Shelf.

Weekend programming closes Feb. 21 with the 5th Annual Bash Ice Fishing Derby and Raffle on the south side of Lake Bemidji near Green Mill. “The 5th Annual Bash Ice Fishing Derby and Raffle ... has served as a fundraiser for the Bemidji Jaycees as well as Bemidji State and BHS' fishing teams since 2022, with nearly $40,000 being raised for these groups over the last two years.”

Beyond scheduled competitions and ticketed shows, the Jaycees list a snow sculpture contest, a Snowflake Medallion hunt, a virtual youth ice-fishing tournament, kids events with giveaways and live entertainment as part of the week. Venues include the Tourist Information Center, The Loft Event Center (116 Fourth St. NW), Historic Chief Theater (314 Beltrami Ave. NW), Keg N' Cork (310 Beltrami Ave. NW) and the Bemidji Eagles Club.

BRRRmidji Days mixes fundraising with community activation of downtown and lakeshore spaces. Residents who want to plunge, compete or attend are encouraged to register early for limited events, contact Travis at (218) 766-8792 for the plunge, contact Hatchet House at (218) 444-2404 for the dart tournament, and consult the Bemidji Jaycees website for the full schedule and event updates.