November 2011
Pleasures change with the seasons
Fall has crept across the landscape this year with uncommonly warm days and frost free nights. Clear blue skies heighten the brilliance of gold tamarack needles and colorful leaves linger. Some wildflowers bloomed again, confused by the mild conditions.
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 a lot to see and do.
Jingle Bells Sweepstakes tickets are now in most stores in and around Park Rapids. The Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber presents the annual Jingle Bells promotion, sponsored by area businesses. The sweepstakes offers a $10,000 cash giveaway of five $1,000 prizes and one $5,000 prize in a drawing and gala celebration on Thursday, December 15, 2011 at Century School in Park Rapids.
Merchants welcome early shoppers to savor 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.
A Park Rapids tradition continues with Peppermint & Pinecones craft show for “hunting widows” Friday and Saturday, Nov. 11 and 12 at Century School.
The Arts Downtown PR series will continue Thursday, Nov. 17 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 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, November 20, 2011 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 Live Nativity production, a Santa visit and merchants offering hot cider and other treats in their stores as part of a Yuletide Sampler. After the tree 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.