Working with the North Dakota Department of Commerce and Springboard, Visit Minot teamed up to help change the mindset behind the popular local phrase “Why not Minot?” and allow more opportunities to grow together as a community.

Those who have grown up with Scandinavian roots like a lot of North Dakotans may already be familiar with the Finnish term “sisu,” which means inner strength, determination and the ability to keep going in the face of adversity.

Just like sisu, Visit Minot’s goal is to have that same outlook on the local city saying “Why Not Minot?” The hopes are to inspire community members to embrace the cold climate and make the most out of where they live.

Ice lanterns are used in Norway during winter solstice, the darkest and shortest day of the year. “To make the lanterns, you first fill an ice cream bucket or Tupperware with water, add some weight to the middle to create an indent, tape it down so it won’t move and allow it to freeze. You can decorate it if you would like. I used food coloring. But traditionally, they would decorate them with flowers, berries or greenery. Then let it freeze before putting some warm water around the container to help remove the ice lantern,” said Eden Jackson-Jones, Visit Minot marketing director.

Submitted Photo A traditionally decorated ice lantern is filled with berries and greenery.

Community members dropped off their ice lanterns at the Scandinavian Heritage Center to be lit on Friday. An estimated 500 lanterns will be visible from the road while driving by and available to view by walking through the park today.