---

I know the bulk of you will get this on Wednesday, so I will say it again.  If you are going to be alone on Thanksgiving, please listen to me.  You do NOT have to spend Thanksgiving alone.  The great folks that put on the FREE community Thanksgiving meal would love to spend some time with you.  The dinner will begin serving  at 12:30 and runs until 2 p.m.  I have been part of this dinner for years, and I can personally guarantee that the food you will be eating is top notch and absolutely wonderful tasting.  There are no speeches, it is just a great relaxed, warm atmosphere with great people.  I hope to see you there.  They do ask that you please reserve a spot so they make enough food. Please do so by calling 651-257-6300.

This Friday grab the kids and head to Taylors Falls. That is where you will find the 32nd annual Lighting Festival.  Taylors Falls and St Croix Falls really know how to get in the spirit of the Holidays. Friday, you are invited to come view some great local artists displaying their works at the depot in Taylors Falls.  At 6 p.m., the grand lighting of the town takes place followed by a lighted Santa parade.  It is a great night parade with lights and Christmas characters.  Kids absolutely love the parade and seeing and speaking to Santa.   There will be free wagon rides and s holiday booya and Mrs. Claus will be reading to kids at the library.
Saturday has a holiday craft fair along with a medallion hunt. There will be a puppet show, Irish Dancers, a performance from St Croix Valley Orchestra and a bingo.  Tons of stuff to do in Taylors Falls.  

This week marks the birthday of  one of the most influential people in my life.  My grandmother Evelyn Silver, turns 99 years old this week.  I know, there are lots of 99 year olds in the world. Yes, but this one is the best one in the world.  Okay I am a tad bit biased, but she means the world to me.  She is my inspiration and my rock.  If I could, I would have her around another 99 years. 

As we sit here on Thanksgiving gorging ourselves on turkey and pie and hopefully watching the Vikings beat the Lions.  I wanted to take a minute to do a public thank you.  Thank you to all of our readers for being the most loyal passionate readers we could hope for.  Thank you to all of our great advertisers who make this paper such a great local paper.  Thanks to each and every one of our employees for their undying efforts.  This paper has survived, thrived and succeeded by their hard work.  Thank you everybody!

Remember this Saturday is Shop Small Saturday.  That is our chance to keep this small town community thriving and in business.  Can you buy all of your Christmas presents locally? Yes. I understand people will shop the black Friday deals, it’s unavoidable.  But after you have fought the crowds, after your migraine has subsided, after your nerves have calmed, try getting out and shopping locally.  It is stress free, and you will be blown away by what you will find.

---