November 2010
Quiet descends on the north woods
Crisp morning air and smoke curling from chimneys signal the change of seasons. The architecture of bare branches dominates the landscape, but after the leaves drop, hidden vistas of lakes and forests emerge.
For many of those fortunate enough to live here year round, the days ahead are filled with preparations for the firearms deer hunting opener. Hunters unpack their gear and kitchens warm from the steam of boiling pots and heated ovens. Some prepare for the arrival of family and friends for the opener. Others cook and bake for church basement feasts of chili or turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and pie.
After the final “harvest” of the season, quiet descends. You can’t measure it or take a picture of it or even really describe it, but the true quiet of the north woods brings a certain calm to hectic days.
And it’s always a good time to head north to enjoy the outdoors, relax or enjoy some local culture. There’s lots to see and do.
Downtown Park Rapids looks forward to Main Street opening to vehicle traffic Friday, Nov. 5. The extra wide street has been under construction since Aug. 2 and if you haven’t seen the transformation, check it out. Finishing touches and a second phase of the renewal project will resume next spring, but for now center street parking will resume and Main has become a more pedestrian friendly, inviting place.
Merchants welcome you to shop in the hometown-style atmosphere you will find downtown where personal service, free gift wrapping and friendly smiles await as you fill those Christmas wish lists.
Jingle Bells tickets are now in most stores, banks, restaurants and other businesses in and around Park Rapids. The Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber sponsors the annual $10,000 Jingle Bells promotion, a sweepstakes which offers five $1,000 prizes and one $5,000 prize in a drawing and gala celebration Dec. 16.
A Park Rapids tradition continues with a Holiday Arts and Craft Fair for “hunting widows” Friday and Saturday, Nov. 12 and 13 at Century School.
The Arts Downtown PR series will continue Thursday, Nov. 16 in downtown Park Rapids. This event is designed to bring audiences to see and hear visual artists, musicians, writers and other artists in businesses in downtown Park Rapids on the Third Thursday of the month year round. A schedule of times various artists will be performing will be available at downtown businesses and the Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber office as well as on the Park Rapids Downtown Business Association website (www.parkrapidsdowntown.com).
The Park Rapids Community Band will bring in the spirit of the season at a winter concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 21 at the Area High School Auditorium.
Another activity sure to bring smiles is Park Rapids’ annual Hospice Light Up a Life tree lighting on Main Street the Friday after Thanksgiving. This tradition comes with caroling, a Santa visit and merchants offering hot cider and other goodies in their stores as part of a Yuletide Sampler. After the lighting ceremony, the giant tree stands as a symbol of small town cheer and good will, lighting the way to a New Year.
Many other activities and seasonal events are on the November calendar. The Chamber Website has all the information you need to put together a memorable vacation or weekend visit. If you want help or have questions, call our friendly staff at 800-247-0054 to learn more.