Ice A Fair, February 5, 2022: A Breath of Fresh Air
It’s way too tempting and far too easy to stay wrapped in a blanket and hunker down to binge on Yellowstone episodes these days. We know that getting out into crisp air is a good thing but it’s oh so hard to dip that toe into winter weather. Maybe we need an incentive. Maybe we’re waiting for Ice A Fair to return.
It’s just around the corner. For some, it’s likely the only time they pray for a stretch of cold weather. Not too long, but a couple of days. Not too cold, but just cold enough to keep ice from melting. Not too much snow, but just enough to add a festive dusting. But don’t pray for sun. It clouds the sculptures.
Earth Easy offers 10 reasons and benefits of being outdoors this winter [Number 10 is my favorite] and I’ll add one more: Ice A Fair on February 5th.
1. You Need Fresh Air Getting outside gives your body a break from indoor air, while boosting your immunity in other ways.
2. Get a Dose of Vitamin D It plays a critical role in your mood and immune system so every little bit of sunlight helps.
3. Get Moving Exercise of any sort helps boost your immune system, improves mood, and lowers risk for chronic diseases.
4. Boost Metabolism The cold also makes your body work harder to stay warm, so you raise your metabolic rate—the antidote to hot cocoa and a steady diet of comfort food.
5. Reduce Stress Take time in winter to connect with the wonders of nature, whether it’s gazing out at a snowy landscape or stopping to see how ice crystals have formed on a tree branch.
6. Improve Your Mood Sunlight provokes the release of serotonin, one of those important feel-good chemicals.
7. Sharpen Your Thinking Your memory performance and attention spans are sharper following just an hour outdoors.
8. Increase Energy If you’re feeling sluggish, a little time outside might be just the pick-me-up you need.
9. Inspire Your Children Getting outside together also means reconnecting without distractions from housework, homework, and technology.
And drumroll please…
10. Connect with Your Community!
Between COVID restrictions and winter, do you even know who your neighbors are anymore? Stepping outside means coming face-to-face with real people and one of the biggest benefits of being outdoors. These days it feels like a unique opportunity to connect in-person and one too precious to miss.
Communicating face-to-face with your neighbors fosters connection and builds a sense of community, something that’s been shown to increase our overall satisfaction with where we live. And let’s face it, when people tell us what they like most about Vermilion, friendly people are at the top of the list.
It’s easy to forget the benefits of connecting with nature and with people when colder temperatures settle in. Your visit to Ice A Fair on February 5th will refresh your memory,
Marilou Suszko, Executive Director
Main Street Vermilion