Minneapolis Home And Garden Show Offers A Glimpse Of Spring

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - Minnesotans have one word to describe this winter.

Unbelievable.

Why?

"Never thought it would last this long," Jon Hokanson of Chanhassen said.

This winter has not only been long, but it's been extremely cold too.

Seventy-one percent of the days in December, January and February were below average.

"It's been a long time since I remember it being this cold, this much snow and everybody is sick of it. Everybody is ready for spring," Debbie Clemen of Lakeville said.

However, some visitors at the Minneapolis Home and Garden Show are getting a glimpse of spring.

They are trying to remember that real flowers exist when it still looks like winter outside.

"Well, walking in and you smell the flowers it's like, wow there's hope," Kris Hokanson of Chanhassen said.

However, while it's been bitterly cold and snowy, has it been the worst winter ever?

"Probably going to be the coldest one we've had since the late 70s," WCCO Meteorologist Chris Shaffer said.

So far this winter ranks as the ninth coldest winter on record, the coldest one dating back to the 1800s.

The snowiest was in 1983 to 84, but since it's only the end of February, there is plenty more time for more snowfall.

"It's going to take a lot of energy to melt that away before we can start to heat up," Shaffer said.

So for now, smelling the roses or soaking in the pool will have to wait.

"Done it all my life, don't know any different," Kris Hokanson said.

Those that are looking for some hope that spring is around the corner, the Minneapolis Home and Garden Show is running through the weekend until 9 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

The show is held at the Minneapolis Convention Center.