Elk River's Unique Fundraiser: Put Car On Melting Ice

ELK RIVER (WCCO) -- Many people are stopping by Lake Orono in Elk River and they're wondering: What's that thing sitting on the ice? Turns out the Elk River Chamber of Commerce put a car out on the frozen lake, to raise funds.

Time is not on the side of the old Pontiac Grand Prix. The sun is slowly melting away the two feet of ice that's holding the car up.

"It does have the Elk River that flows through it, so, with the currents, it does eat at the ice a little bit quicker. I think in a couple of weeks it will be under," said Dusty Bredlow of the Elk River Chamber of Commerce.

Guess what time the grand prix sinks and you could win some cold hard cash.

"Not the date, just the minutes," said Debbi Rydberg, the president of the Elk River Chamber of Commerce.

"I brought one so far, but I plan to buy another one. I wanted to make sure they hand enough left over," said Charlie Schuldt.

The city is raffling off the time tickets, hoping to build up funds.

"We're trying to raise at least $8,000," said Rydberg.

There is no cheating in this game. Placed in the car, a timer will record the exact time the car sinks.

"There are cameras. Some local law enforcement helped us out with that," said Rydberg.

The DNR also helped out to make sure the car doesn't pollute the lake.

"All the engine has been removed, all the icky stuff out of it, so it's safe," said Rydberg.

The winner will get $2,100. There are still plenty of tickets available. Anyone interested is encouraged to contact the Elk River Chamber of Commerce for more details.

Sonya Goins, Producer
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