Virtual Experience, Real Memories

Iwill never forget the day that I fell off a skyscraper. It was on a work trip to a big city. My co-workers and I thought it would be fun to ride the elevator to the top level and take in the view. We were excited, sure that the panorama from the 80th floor would be breathtaking. We climbed in the elevator to begin our ascent.

Immediately upon reaching the top, the elevator doors opened to reveal an unexpected, terrifying sight. It turns out, we had hit the button for the plank experience. What is the plank experience, you might ask? It’s exactly what you’re thinking. Reaching out from the door of that elevator was a wooden plank suspended into the open. Surrounding it was nothing but air. That’s it. Well, and a sprawling urban landscape of buildings, with helicopters chopping closely overhead and all the sounds of the city.

fallen off the side of the plank and was plummeting to my sure death! This was it, I was done for! As the ground approached, everything went white. My breathing steadied, my eyes refocused, and suddenly I was back on the ground floor, outside the elevator, ready for another ride.

Every detail was intentional, every interaction was genuine, and every memory we made was long-lasting.

Okay, I confess. I never actually fell from a skyscraper. But let me tell you, I genuinely thought I did. In truth, I was playing a game with the virtual reality software at Blacklight Adventures during a work holiday party. Everything about the experience – from being fitted with the headset to an actual two-by-four on the ground to enhance the walking experience – was immersive, authentic, and so very fun.

I immediately took three steps backward, thinking this had to be a joke. Was I supposed to walk on this thing, with no restraints or anything?! Heights are not my favorite, and I am whatever the opposite of an adrenaline junkie is. But my co-workers were behind me, telling me that they believed in me and that I could do it. What choice did I have? I had to walk the plank.

Trembling legs and shaky breath, I took my first fateful step out of the elevator. The wind whipped in my ears and the traffic below raced by. My co-workers urged me on, even though the pounding of my heart in my ears nearly drowned them out. One foot, then the other. One foot, then the other.

I almost made it to the end when suddenly, my stomach lurched and I let out an unflattering yelp. I had slipped and

Though this experience happened in 2019, my co-workers and I still talk about our time at Blacklight Adventures to this day. Every detail of our entire visit was intentional, every interaction was genuine, and every memory we made was long-lasting. When owners Jay and Tina Mrozek told me that this is their goal with all guests who visit Blacklight Adventures, I was not surprised. You can read more about their entrepreneurial journey on page 28.

As for me, I will not be walking any more planks. If you need me, I’ll be in one of the escape rooms.

Until next time, Emily Bertram, Editor

Publisher

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Emily Bertram, St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce

Alicia Chapman, Bluebird Creative

Eric Cheever, Stearns History Museum

Luke Griener, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development

Dr. Fred E. Hill, St. Cloud State University

Vicki Johnson, St. Cloud Area Planning Organization

Ari Kaufman, freelance writer

Sam Kraulik, Whitebox Marketing

Lynn MacDonald and Allison Bily, St. Cloud State University

Josh Villa, Magnifi Financial

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Cover Story Photography

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Vicki Lenneman, St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce

1411 West St. Germain Street, Suite 101, P.O. Box 487, St. Cloud, MN 56302-0487 Phone (320) 251-2940 Fax (320) 251-0081

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2022-23 BOARD MEMBERS

Nick Bischoff, Design Electric

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Ray Herrington, Pioneer Place on Fifth

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