Outdoor enthusiasts are invited to put themselves in the Loop Saturday, Feb. 2, and join 500 cross country skiers, snowshoers and hikers on Lake Minocqua for the third annual River Valley Loop Around the Lake. The event is presented by Excel Rehab and Spine Center to benefit the Minocqua, J1 Firebird Education Foundation and the Arbor Vitae-Woodruff Education.

The 5K and Kids 2K untimed events begin at 5:30 p.m. on Lake Minocqua near this year’s host restaurant, Matt Morgan’s. Skiers, snowshoers and hikers will follow the course around the lake which will be lined by lanterns designed and crafted by local school children. It’s a great course for friends and family to enjoy the winter sights and sounds. Off-course activities begin at 1 p.m. and include free horse-drawn wagon rides, food booths, a Loop store, music, skating rink and bonfire, and culminate with a wish lantern illumination in the evening. Back by popular demand, wish lanterns may be purchased at the event to be lighted and released at 8 p.m. The lanterns flying over Lake Minocqua are a spectacular sight to see.

The cost to be in the Loop is $25 for individuals who pre-register by Jan. 25 and $65 per family. Registration includes a commemorative T-shirt (two T-shirts for a family registration). After Jan. 25, the cost is $35 for individuals and $75 for families. To download a registration form, visit looparoundthelake.com. Forms are also available at the Minocqua Area Chamber of Commerce as well as at both MHLT and AV-W schools.

For more information, visit the website listed above or call the Minocqua Area Chamber of Commerce at (715) 356-5266 or (800) 446-6784.