Wind reddens the faces of locals as all eyes focus on the cleared patch of icy stage for the American Ice Theater skaters. The cold doesn’t stop the creativity of the performance: vibrant leg warmers adorn the skaters’ high kicks and layers of gloves protect their hands as they synchronously twirl, and glide as one.

This year the dancers unlace their skates and move ashore to the beaches of Lake Harriet as recent weather changes have led to the deterioration of the ice on shanty’s usual home Bde Maka Ska. The transition to land was disappointing but a necessary precaution easily made by event staff with the safety of visitors and artists in mind.

“The clear ice has been reduced to 6 inches at the site where our village should be. While 4 inches of ice is needed for walking on the lake, we need 10 inches to operate safely with crowds and structures,” Operations Director Kerri Jamison said in a news release.

Rain, shine or beach, the show must go on. Artists’ installments are open to the public every weekend 10 am to 4 pm from January 21 until February 21. The entirety of the festival spreads across the shore into Lake Harriet Bandshell Park,and the picnic grounds. There will be different performances every day, a schedule is available on their website. schedule of performances. The event is free and encouraged for all but a donation of $10 to $20 is suggested, all proceeds go to the artists and event staff.
The Shanty Project is truly welcoming for everyone, accessibility accommodations are available for each preformance and work, such as headphones for particularly loud events, warnings before flashes of light and sudden sounds and ramps and kicksleds for mobility challenged visitors.

The project strives to have something for everyone as it is a month long festival. Though its focus is quirky whimsical and all things art, performers and artist have a wide diversity of things to offer.