After much consideration, the BEAR’ly Open planning committee and the
White Bear Area Food Shelf had made the difficult decision to cancel BEAR’ly Open Golf on Ice.

The Community Dance and Online Auction will still be held as planned.

After a record-breaking warm December with open water on the lake, the planning committee
was excited when the temperatures finally dropped, and ice began to form. As recently as
January 19, the ice on White Bear Lake measured at 12 inches. According to event director Lisa
Beecroft, “We were cautiously optimistic, even when temps rose and hovered in the 30s. But
when projections for the week of the golf event showed temperatures in the 40s to 50s, we
started looking at a plan B.” The committee considered postponing a week, but there was no
guarantee that the weather would cooperate. Three alternate locations were also considered,
and while they all had potential, it just would not be the same icy event everyone has come to
love over the last 17 years.

BEAR’ly Open is a major fundraiser for the White Bear Area Food Shelf, and the lost revenue
comes at a critical moment. “Food insecurity in our community has increased tremendously
over the last 2 years. Visits to the food shelf are up 40% over last year, which was already a
record high year.” Perry Petersen, Executive Director. “To meet this growing need, we opened a
second location just this week, The Community Market. The BEAR’ly Open has provided
consistent, foundational support to the White Bear Area Food Shelf for over a decade. The
weather may have interfered with our golf plans, but the Community Dance and Online Auction
offer great ways for everyone to have a great time while providing crucial support to our
community.”

We thank our planning committee and all of the amazing White Bear Rotarians, Lions, and
volunteers who were ready to do whatever it would take to make this event happen. We are also
grateful for our sponsors and golfers, who were patient and supportive as we worked to plan a
fun, yet safe, event. Golfers and golf event sponsors will be contacted in the near future about
refunds.

The BEARly Open Community Dance is Friday, February 2, 2024 from 6-11 pm at the White
Bear Country Inn. The evening kicks off with FREE hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar featuring the
signature “Bearlytini” cocktail, and fun activities raising funds for the White Bear Area Food
Shelf. At 8 pm, there will be live music from Ranger Things, the northland’s iconic band
performing classics from the 70’s-90’s. Tickets are $10 online at www.bearlyopen.org, or can be
purchased at the door. There are also many great items available in the Online Auction, which
will run January 31-February 3, 2024. And we look forward to seeing you at next year’s BEAR’ly
Open on Saturday, February 1, 2025!