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This is my one of my favorite holidays of the year.  Think about it, you get to see all of your family in a very relaxed atmosphere without the pressure of buying gifts and you are expected to gorge yourself on the best food in the world.  “Hi Matt, great to see you, have some food!” Sign me up.  

Speaking of Thanksgiving, I know it’s last second, but there is a free meal held on Thanksgiving at Chisago Lake Lutheran Church in Center City.  This is put on by local residents who take the time out of their Thanksgiving Day to cook, bake and serve those who would otherwise  be alone this Thanksgiving.  The meal is at 12:30pm with seating starting at noon.

I had the chance to take in the Chisago Lakes High School musical Shrek on Thursday.  Wow, was that a great show!  Anthony Walker played Shrek with Maggie Wille playing his sidekick Donkey.  Fiona was played by Kaia Douglas with Erik Kargel playing a hilarious Lord Farquaad. These kids along with a massive cast kept the audience laughing and entertained for close to three hours.  Congratulations to the cast, crew and director Rachel Lexvold on a great show.  We can’t wait until next year’s!

This Friday, besides (gulp) Black Friday, the holiday and tree lighting season officially kicks off.  Beginning Friday, you and your family are invited to Taylors Falls for their super popular Lighting Festival.  There are a ton of things to take in, including Christmas at Folsom House, Mrs. Claus reading to children at the historic library, booya at Romayne’s, cloggers at the River Shoppes and the grand lighting of the village followed by a lighted Santa parade.

Saturday the fun continues with an art show at the one room school house, a craft fair at the community center, a medallion hunt that starts at 10 am, and bingo at the community center.

Sunday there is an Irish dance performance at 2pm at the community center and at 3pm there is a great winter concert by the St. Croix Valley Orchestra.

This Saturday I encourage any and all to save some gas and money and shop locally.  There are some incredible stores around here that sell some terrific presents for your loved ones.  Also on Saturday you are encouraged to play Shop Small Saturday Bingo where you get a card and stamp it at participating businesses. We have an ad for the bingo on page 10.

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