88 Keys on the Road - Blog

by Sharon Planer, Pianist for Parties

As winter approaches it brings to mind the frightful blizzard of Dec. 11, 2010. Most events canceled that day...but not the wedding I was hired to play for in Shakopee. The bride, groom and bridal party were all tucked away in their nearby hotel not being terribly affected by the storm. They decided the wedding would go on!

After checking the nearby traffic cam at France and Hwy 62 and seeing a 'little bit' of visibility, I decided to make my attempt with my van. The drive was a nail biter and my hands were clenched onto the steering wheel as I passed dozens of cars stuck in the snow. Visibility turned out to be almost nonexistent., but somehow I arrived at my destination, shaking, but in one piece!

Unfortunately, the officiant was totally snowed in and there was no way for him to access any of the city streets near his home. The groom solved the problem...one of the wedding guests owned a pickup with an attached snowplow. He was sent off with his snowplow to fetch the officiant (as well as many other guests)!  Only the brave made it to the ceremony, but the ceremony went on complete with live music and the officiant's blessing! As the evening wore on and roads started getting cleared, more and more guests arrived to enjoy dinner and dancing. 

After that experience, I have since purchased another vehicle with 4 wheel drive. Now I am ready for winter!!