This Friday marks the beginning of St. Cloud's downtown winter festival. It's called Bold and Bright and it's expected to bring lots of folks downtown for various events and happenings. There is something for everyone, from skating on Lake George to a downtown holiday lights parade to a frosty fireworks show on Saturday night. Here are the 3 things that have us the most excited about this weekend, outdoors, in St. Cloud.

(First of all, you can find a link to all of this weekend's events by heading here.)

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I love a good art crawl. There's something about seeing the collective creativity of people that lifts your mood. So if you are into art and the outdoors, on Friday night from 4-8 PM there is an art crawl that will happen along St. Germain and throughout downtown. According to the social media event page the 'Halfway to Art Crawl' will feature "student showcases and a kids’ art display around downtown!"

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The second thing I am most looking forward to at St. Cloud's Bold and Bright is the curling demonstrations that are scheduled for Lake George on Saturday morning and into the early afternoon. Ever since the last Winter Olympics I've been fascinated by the sport, and have always wanted to try. This seems like a good opportunity to watch the sport up close and to try it.

The curling is scheduled to be on Saturday morning starting at 8am, on Lake George. According to the social media event there will also be "bonspiel by North Star Curling Club"

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The third and final thing I am most looking forward to is what a lot of people are, the fireworks, presented by BCI Construction Inc., on Saturday night, after the lit parade. Fireworks are scheduled for 8pm.

Want a pro tip on where to get the best spot to view them? (Seating is not provided, please bring your own.)

Set up a chair at Lake George/Eastman Park for the best views, but if you need some additional locations in case that fills up, or there is a chilly breeze you can also see the fireworks show from the top level of Downtown parking ramps + Lady Slipper Lot.

Final thoughts on Bold and Bright!

Bring an open mind, and dress for the weather, if you do both you're going to have a great time.

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Gallery Credit: Liz Barrett Foster