---

What a blast we had going to the Taylors Falls Lighting Festival.  I will say, it was one of the coldest that I can remember, but judging by the size of the crowd, that didn’t seem to bother too many people. People lined the street for the lighting and the parade that followed.  

Thanks so much to all of the volunteers who worked so hard to make the festival such a fun time.  

If you missed the festival in Taylors Falls don’t worry. There are two more chances to take in a local tree lighting festival this weekend.  Lindstrom is hosting its annual tree lighting Saturday evening beginning at 4:30 p.m.  The event is at Memorial Park nar the Chamber office.  You will be treated to live reindeer, hot cocoa, coffee and s’mores.  There will be hot dogs and brats too.  The Chisago Lakes High School Brass Ensemble will be performing along with the Santa Lucia program carolers.  Santa will make his grand entrance in time to light up the park at dusk.  He will then head inside for pictures with the kiddos, so make sure your children bring their list for Santa.

This Sunday, Chisago City invites your family to Moberg Park at 4:30 p.m. for the lighting event.  The Chisago Lakes High School Choir will be singing carols for your entertainment.  Come enjoy cookies, hot cocoa and even a candy cane scavenger hunt.  The super popular horse drawn trolley rides will take you around the downtown.  There will be a petting zoo for the kids.  Kids are asked to bring their Santa letters with a self stamped addressed envelope to give to Santa.  (The envelope is so  Santa can respond to their letters.)  Decorative lights get flipped on at 5pm. with Santa arriving shortly after.

There are a few craft fairs taking place this weekend as well.  The 22nd annual Chisago Lake Lutheran Christmas Bazaar is this Saturday from 9am-3pm at the Chisago Lake Lutheran Church in Center City.  Filled with wonderful gifts for your loved ones and spectacular baked goods for purchase.  They also have some wonderful raffle items including a quilt and Minnesota Wild tickets.

Also; Saturday running from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. is the Harmony in the Park sponsored Holiday Craft Fair.  The event is at the Lindstrom Community Center and is filled with great gift ideas for this holiday season.  

It had to be too good to last, our beloved Vikings came back to earth with our new found hero QB looking pedestrian. All those Kirk Cousins-bashers out there (yes there were a ton of them) are maybe rethinking their stance now.

---