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We are getting very close to Thanksgiving and (gulp) Christmas.  The folks at Chisago Lake Lutheran Church in Center City are once again putting on their community Thanksgiving meal.  Yes our good friend Covid is hindering our dining in options again this year, but they are committed to having the meal even if it is carry-out.  There is a small army that will be spending their Thanksgiving morning preparing meals.  The dinner is free to anyone and will be distributed in the lower level of the church parking lot.  They are asking people to please make a reservation by calling 651-257-6300.  If you would like to volunteer, they would love to have you. Please call Chris at 612-810-6770.

This Friday there are multiple places to have some fun and potentially win big.  Center City Fire Department is holding their annual Cash Bingo at 7pm.  Held at the fire hall,  the night will feature tons of chances to win cash prizes as well as the final cover-all prize being a turkey.

Also on Friday the Taylors Falls Lions Club will be hosting their annual Turkey & Ham Bingo. Beginning at 6:30pm at the Taylors Falls Community Center, the games will feature cash prizes and turkeys and hams as prizes too.  Both bingos will have snacks and drinks for purchase.

This weekend Winehaven is celebrating the annual Cheese and Chocolate Weekend.  You are invited to experience Winehaven unique wines paired with local cheeses and artisanal chocolates.  While at the winery, don’t forget to pick-up your Thanksgiving wines, including the new Cranberry wine and the first ever Itasca wine from the University of Minnesota's new grape.  Winehaven is open from 10am to 7pm on Friday and to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.

The Saturday following Thanksgiving (Nov. 27) is Shop Small Saturday. That is a day when shoppers across the country and our community get out and Christmas shop locally.  The day has grown in popularity over the years and is now super-popular.  Businesses in Chisago Lakes, North Branch, Almelund, Shafer and Taylors Falls will have great sales and specials for shoppers.  For some retailers, this day translates to a large portion of their yearly budget.  Let’s make a concerted effort to get out to as many businesses as we can.  Even a little bit goes a long way.  Thanks in advance!

This weekend we will be putting out our annual Gift Guide.  The guide will feature fun holiday ideas including recipes, and decorating ideas as well as a coloring contest for kids.  also included in the guide is advertising for many of those businesses of which I just spoke about.  There are some great deals to be had this holiday season, so I urge you to take a look at the guide.  If you didn’t get one over the weekend you can just stop in here at the Press and pick one up.  You can submit your coloring contest entries to us here by dropping off or mailing them to PO Box 748, Lindstrom, MN 55045.

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