’Tis The Season to Celebrate Small Town Cheer
The gorgeous tree is lighted on Park Rapids’ extra wide Main Street and town and
country homes and yards show the Christmas season is here. As December begins the
only thing missing is snow so it’s at the top of our wish list.
Still a weekend or a week here to embrace the joys of the season, experience nature
and take life at a different pace may be the best gift you can give for the holidays this
year. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, inspiration from nature or small town cheer
and goodwill, you won’t be disappointed.
While anglers wait patiently for the ice to thicken. the outdoors welcomes hikers, star
gazers, bird watchers and a quiet retreat.
Downtown Park Rapids welcomes you to think “Small Business Season” and find great
service and friendly smiles at local stores as you fulfill those Christmas wish lists. Kids
can write letters to Santa and drop them off in the big red mailbox in Pioneer Park on
Main Street. Santa and Mrs. Claus also are visiting with kids from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Saturdays at Bella Caffé. And at 1 p.m.on Saturdays (including Dec. 23) adults and kids
can enjoy free movie matinees at Park Theater choosing movies that are “naughty” and
“nice.” Organizations that benefit youth will wrap your gifts from noon to 4 p.m.
Saturdays at Wine Not? for a free will donation.
If you’re looking to get into the Christmas spirit, the Park Rapids Classic Chorale has
just the musical concert for you. “Reflections of Christmas,” a concert of Christmas
music, will be presented Dec. 1 and Dec. 3 at Riverside United Methodist Church. The
concerts are open to the public with a free will offering at intermission. Everyone is
invited to join the chorale in the social hall for refreshments after the concert.
Two more musical events are on the calendar. Bemidji Brass Quintet will perform a
concert of Christmas music at Dec. 14 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids. The
holiday concert program will include pieces for brass and organ, traditional holiday
favorites for brass quintet and a couple of solo organ selections. Add to your Christmas
spirit and attend an evening of traditional Christmas music performed by Santa’s
talented elves, Scott Jasmin and the MistleTones. This Christmas concert will be Dec.
15 at the Armory Arts & Events Center.
Other seasonal festivities include a Holiday Market Dec. 2, 3, 9 and 10 at Timber Creek,
a Celebration of Lights Dec. 2 in Nevis, a Cozy Holiday Gathering Dec. 3 at Tamarac
National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center and a Christmas At Camp Drive-Thru Light Event
Dec. 8 and Dec. 9 at Northern Pines Camp & Retreat Center. Find details about these
and other events on the Chamber calendar.
This holiday season take part in the annual winter bird count at Itasca State Park Dec.
19. 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. For more information
and to register, call 218-699-7259 or email constance.cox@state.mn.us.
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 smell the hot chocolate or celebrate the arrival of a New Year.
If you need help planning a memorable and affordable visit or if you have questions, call
our friendly staff at 218-732-4111 to learn more.