Weather Drawing Showcases Hopes for Open Water

First grader's artwork reflects seasonal changes in Brainerd, Minnesota

Mar. 10, 2026 at 1:50pm

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A weather drawing by Lewis Bates, a student in Mrs. Sauer's and Mrs. Meyer's first grade class at Harrison Elementary School in Brainerd, Minnesota, depicts the transition from winter to spring with melting snow and thinning ice, hinting at the open water that locals eagerly anticipate for fishing season.

Why it matters

As winter wanes in the Brainerd area, the community looks forward to the arrival of open water and the start of the fishing season. This student artwork provides a glimpse into how local children experience and interpret the changing seasons.

The details

The weather drawing shows a landscape with snow piles, exposed ground, and thinning ice, suggesting the gradual thaw that precedes the open water that residents crave for fishing. The artwork was submitted to the Brainerd Dispatch newspaper, which encourages local teachers to share their students' weather-themed drawings.

  • The weather drawing was created in early 2026.

The players

Lewis Bates

A first grade student at Harrison Elementary School in Brainerd, Minnesota.

Mrs. Sauer

Lewis Bates' first grade teacher at Harrison Elementary School.

Mrs. Meyer

Lewis Bates' first grade teacher at Harrison Elementary School.

Brainerd Dispatch

A local newspaper in Brainerd, Minnesota that encourages submissions of student weather drawings.

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The takeaway

This student artwork reflects the anticipation and excitement felt by the Brainerd community as they look forward to the arrival of open water and the start of the fishing season, a cherished local tradition.