Leave standing in line and parking misery behind and head north for a week or weekend.
Recent warm temps melted an earlier snowfall, leaving everyone wishing for a white Christmas and all the fun snow lovers embrace. Ice on small lakes has begun to thicken, but please be cautious about when and where to set up. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources guidelines on ice thickness are at www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/ice/thickness.html.
This holiday season take part in the annual winter bird count at Itasca State Park Monday, Dec. 18. Meet at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center lobby between 7:30 and 8 a.m. for assignment of count areas. Stay a few hours or spend the day. A First Day Hike: at Itasca State Park will be held from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 1. Meet at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center. The snowshoe hike will explore the area around the Mississippi Headwaters. For more information on these and other winter events, call 218-699-7251.
Seasonal festivities continue. The Park Rapids Classic Chorale will present its annual Christmas Concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1 and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3 at St. Johns Lutheran Church. Or visit the 5th annual Sweets, Treats & Treasures event Saturday, Dec. 2 at Riverside United Methodist Church and enjoy the holiday cookie walk, handcrafted items and gently used holiday decor, sponsored by CHI St. Joseph’s Health Auxiliary.
Downtown Park Rapids invites you to Love Local and find great service and friendly smiles at local stores as you fulfill those Christmas wish lists. On Saturdays, kids will find Santa at Bella Caffé before free children’s Christmas matinees at Park Theater. Adding to the joy of shopping, participate in the Stan the Shop Small Snowman Scavenger Hunt. Participating businesses will hide a Stan the Shop Small Snowman cutout and provide a passport to be signed when you find the little snowman. Once your passport is complete, turn it in to be eligible to win prizes. The scavenger hunt continues through Dec. 15.
All season, Park Rapids’ giant tree brightens Main Street on winter nights and stands as a symbol of small town cheer and good will, lighting the way to a New Year.
Take time in December to immerse yourself in the season’s small town charm or celebrate the arrival of a New Year. If you need help planning a memorable time or if you have questions, call our friendly staff at 800-247-0054 to learn more.