Title: Celebrating Frozen Assets in Madison, Wisconsin – A Winter Tradition with Historical Roots In recent years, the city of Madison, Wisconsin has embraced the beauty and opportunities that come with frozen lakes during their annual Frozen Assets Festival. This year marked the 14th edition of this unique celebration, which aims to highlight the importance of these natural wonders in the lives of local residents. The festival is organized by Clean Lakes Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and protecting Madison’s lakes. According to James Tye, executive director and founder of the organization, “When our lakes are frozen, they are truly our greatest asset.” This statement reflects not only the practical uses of ice-covered lakes but also their cultural significance for the people living in this region. Historically, Madison’s lakes have played a crucial role in shaping the city’s economy and daily life. Limnologist Hilary Dugan from the University of Wisconsin, Madison explains that there was once an extensive industry centered around ice harvesting on these very same lakes. Blocks of ice were cut out during winter months to be used as refrigeration or for other commercial purposes. Today, while we may no longer rely on natural ice for our daily needs, the tradition lives on through events like the Frozen Assets Festival. The festival encourages locals and visitors alike to enjoy activities such as ice fishing, skating, ice sailing, and snowshoeing on frozen lakes. These pastimes not only provide entertainment but also serve as a reminder of Madison’s rich history with its water bodies. However, climate change poses a threat to this tradition. According to Dugan, the average date for Lake Mendota to freeze has been pushed back by about a month over time. This trend suggests that global warming could eventually lead to shorter winters and less reliable ice cover in Madison’s lakes. Despite these challenges, the Frozen Assets Festival remains an important celebration of nature’s bounty during winter months. It serves as both a tribute to Madison’s past and a call for action towards preserving its future. By participating in events like this one, we can help raise awareness about the importance of protecting our frozen lakes – not just because they provide us with fun activities but also because they are an integral part of our local ecosystems. In conclusion, the Frozen Assets Festival is more than just a winter carnival; it’s a testament to Madison’s enduring love affair with its lakes and a reminder that we must continue working towards preserving these precious resources for future generations.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.npr.org/sections/the-picture-show/2026/02/27/g-s1-111346/madison-wisconsin-frozen-assets-festival)
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