Preparing for winter-- in July?

If the summer heat is getting to you, cool down by helping plan the first Twin Port Winter Rendezvous.

Positive Energy for Youth, a new Duluth based non-profit, is putting on the event as an extension of its outdoor education and renewable energy programming. The purpose of the event is to highlight and celebrate winter recreation and life in Minnesota.

The meeting will be held at Hartley Nature Center from 12 noon to 1 p.m. Monday. Positive Energy is hoping that interested presenters, volunteers, vendors and instructors will attend. Two planning committees will be formed, one for planning and one to organize a dog sled sprint race.

"There isn't anything that showcases all of the winter activities in this area," said Stephanie Love, who with her husband Blake Cazier, started Positive Energy.

Festival possibilities include: skijouring, winter camping, animal tracking, ice climbing, horse logging, snow and ice sculpture, winter birding and telemark skiing.

The plan is to host the events, at various area nature centers, creeks, lakes and possibly Spirit Mountain. "All of these activities are already happening. It's just a matter of showcasing them all in one event." Love said.

Indoor clinics would look at winter crafts, wilderness first aid and winter clothing.

"In this area there is a ton of expertise," Love said. " We really wanted to tap into that."

The event will have something for everyone, beginner and weathered outdoor veterans, as well as children and people who would prefer to be inside.

Both Love and her husband are outdoor enthusiasts. The couple owns a sledding kennel with 16 dogs. They also own draft horses for sleigh rides and logging and guide sea kayaking and rock climbing tours. "We are professional outdoor educators," Love said.

The rendezvous' goal is to show people that winter can be enjoyed.Love said that she is so active during the winter, she hardly remembers that it's cold out.

And hopefully the tourists won't remember either. The Winter Rendezvous will also be used to attract winter outdoorists from all over, increasing tourism during the off-season.

If the winter festival is a hit, proceeds will go to Positive Energy to continue its outdoor "ed"venures.

Interested parties should call Stephanie Love or Blake Cazier at (218) 391-0147 or email info@energyyouth.com .