The last week in October, Mother Nature flipped a switch and transformed our most beautiful fall color season into early winter with a blanket of snow.
Ready for winter or not, it’s time to get ready for our four major holidays: the Firearms Deer Hunting Opener, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. You’re invited to share all of them with us.
Hunters are occupied with siting in their rifles, airing their blaze orange gear and checking the weather forecast. Nowadays, many women hunt, too, but traditional “hunting widows” begin shopping for home and the holidays.
The tradition continues with a Ladies Shopping Day Saturday, Nov. 4 at Blueberry Pines and a Holiday Arts, Crafts and Exposure Show Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 11 and 12 at Century School. The library and League of Women Voters Park Rapids will host a special program on the Ojibwe language project at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7 at the Northwoods Bank Community Room.
The Park Rapids Community Band will bring in the spirit of the season at a winter concert at 3 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Area High School Auditorium.
On Thanksgiving Day, burn off those calories before the feast at the 3rd Annual Turkey Trot and 5K Walk/Run sponsored by Heartland Homes. The walk/run starts at 9 a.m. with registration beforehand in the lobby of Essentia Health/CHI St. Joseph’s Health.
The tree lighting on Main Street the Friday after Thanksgiving offers a greeting card moment to share with friends and family. Festivities begin with a Yuletide Sampler at participating stores from 5 to 6 p.m., a Live Nativity and the annual CHI St. Joseph’s Hospice Care Light Up a Life Tree Lighting Ceremony. Join in singing Christmas carols, roasting marshmallows over fire pits, welcoming Santa and Mrs. Claus and a celebration of life and memories. The ceremony starts at 6 p.m. Once lit, the giant tree stands as a symbol of small town cheer and good will, lighting the way to a New Year. Kids are invited to visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus that night at Bella Caffè.
Beginning Saturday, Nov. 25 and continuing through Dec. 23 children can visit the Clauses Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bella Caffè and attend free children’s movie matinees at 1 p.m. at Park Theater.
Park Rapids merchants welcome early shoppers to savor the hometown-style atmosphere where personal service, free gift wrapping and friendly faces will help you fill your Christmas wish lists. Remember to take part in Small Business Saturday, Nov. 25 and for some seasonal shopping fun, pick up a “Stan the Shop Small Snowman” passport and do the scavenger hunt for a chance to win prizes.
It’s the season to visit whether it’s enjoying the outdoors, relaxing or joining in some local traditions. The Chamber Website has all the information you need to put together a memorable stay or weekend visit. If you want help or have questions, call our friendly staff at 800-247-0054 to learn more.