Our Very Own Hallmark Movie Moment
In a decades-old tradition, a skilled logging crew installs a giant tree on Park Rapids’ Main Street the Sunday before Thanksgiving. The next morning, crews from our power companies decorate it with ornaments from top to bottom.
Our small-town charm comes into full display the Friday after Thanksgiving, with an evening that everyone agrees is like being in a Hallmark movie. A stage is set up by the tree, fire pits glow, and downtown businesses invite you inside for treats. Think a sniff of hot cider, a bite of chocolate, the sound of Christmas music, and so many smiling faces.
At 6 o’clock, a community tree lighting program begins on the stage, and people fill the street in anticipation.
A fundraiser for CHI St. Joseph’s Health Hospice, the event includes a heartfelt story about the care a family member has received the past year and a Christmas Carol sing-along. Then, the crowd parts as a fire truck arrives, followed by Santa and Mrs. Claus in their sleigh and join the choir and others on the stage. The countdown begins, and the tree is lit to oohs and aahs.
Kids of All Ages Can Delight in the Magic of the Season
The magic doesn’t stop there. Kids are invited to share their wish lists with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Bella Caffé. In addition to joyfully listening to the wish lists, the couple hand out reindeer corn and happily pose for photos.
Another option after the tree lighting, especially if your children are a little older, is to head to the Armory Arts & Events Center to see “A Very Good Christmas Carol.” The Northern Light Opera Company’s production is very interactive, so you never know when someone from the audience might end up on stage. Did we mention it’s free? Donations are much appreciated. The show will be repeated at 2 p.m. Saturday.
The Hallmark Movie Moment Continues
The fun continues on Saturdays between Thanksgiving and Christmas when Mr. and Mrs. Claus pull up to Pioneer Park in their sleigh, empty children’s letters from the mailbox, and move on to Bella Caffé from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There’s also a small Christmas tree in the park, where people are invited to hang ornaments in memory of a loved one.
On three Saturdays – Dec. 7, 14, and 21 – Park Theater will show their “Naughty and Nice” list of matinees at two p.m.and They’re free, thanks to generous donors! This year’s lineup is “Rare Exports” (2010) and “Arthur Christmas” (2011) Dec. 7, “Batman Returns” (1992) and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000) Dec. 14 and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (1989) and “Elf” (2004) Dec. 21. Free movie matinees are a Christmas season tradition that also reaches back decades.
Other events to take in are a Park Rapids Farmers Holiday Market at the Armory Arts & Events Center on Dec. 7, a concert by Scott Jasmin and The Mistletones on Saturday, Dec. 7 at Wine Not? and Friday, Dec. 13, at the Armory, and a Christmas at Camp Drive-Thru Light Event the evenings of Dec. 13 and 14 at Northern Pines Camp & Retreat Center. Don’t have time to bake? Enjoy a Christmas Sweets & Treats Cookie Walk on Dec. 7 at Calvary Lutheran Church.
We Look Forward to Having You in Park Rapids this Holiday Season!
If you can’t be here in person, you can watch and listen to the tree lighting and other festivities on our south-facing webcam. We hope you will join us for at least a few days in the weeks to come.
Many other events are on the calendar in the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Check out these and others on the Chamber website, and be prepared to experience small-town charm as it begins to look a lot like Christmas…everywhere you go.
