Work Begins On 2016 City Of Lakes Loppet

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Those enchanting ice luminaries are now being created for February's City of Lakes Loppet Festival in Minneapolis.

Volunteers and Luminary Loppet Team members began work on freezing and "hatching" the luminaries Friday, as well as making snow for the festival's many sculptures.

2015 Luminary Loppet (credit: CBS)

Organizers say they are expecting 10,000 cross-country skiers to participate in the loppet race, which stretches for more than 17 miles through the city.

The festival runs from Friday, Feb. 5 to Sunday, Feb. 7.