Last Sunday, Gess What’s Cookin’ of Big Lake invited ice fishermen to bring their ice houses to the parking lot. Those who brought ice houses were given two dollars off a take out order. Patrons had the opportunity to enjoy their food while watching the Vikings game inside their ice houses. It was an event designed for people who needed to get out of their homes for the afternoon.

Dave Gess, owner of Gess What’s Cookin’, said the event was meant to benefit everyone in the mall. Lake Liquors was open for anyone who wanted a cold beer, and Hardware Hank had supplies for anyone who found something that needed to be fixed within the ice houses for the new season.

The idea came from another restaurant who held a similar event.

Cambo Flare also participated in the event, offering overflow parking.

Gess said he hopes to hold the event again in the future, and to possibly involve more small businesses from around the city.