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The coloring pages have been flowing in pretty steadily this last week or so.  If your kids have yet to color  the page coloring contest page from the gift guide, I would urge them to do so soon.  If you missed the gift guide or maybe recycled it, we have plenty here at the Press.  There are three prizes given away for three age categories.  Simply have your kids color the page and drop it off here or mail it to us at County Press, PO Box 748, Lindstrom MN 55045.  

Friday, there are a couple of more chance to take your kids to see Santa.  Security State Bank of Marine is holding their annual Holiday Open Houses at all of their locations.  Santa will be at the Marine and Scandia locations from 4-6pm with sleigh rides for the whole family.  Santa and his ponies will be at the Lindstrom location from 4-6pm.  They all are serving goodies with coffee and cider as well as giving away 2024 calendars and other gifts.

In North Branch at Anderson Koch Ford, Santa will make an appearance.  The man in the red suit will be joined by his llamas from 4-7pm.  The first 50 kids will get a free Santa and His Llamas book.  There will be hot cocoa and holiday treats for all to enjoy as well. 

Saturday, Santa makes yet another stop.  This time he is headed to Ole’s Crossroads in Shafer.  He will be there from 11am to 1pm.  Along with photo opportunities, there will be gift bags for the kids and cookies.

Saturday evening something really neat is taking place.  The good folks at First United Methodist Church in Lindstrom are holding their 11th annual Living Nativity. This year they are back to a drive thru nativity.  They are a bit short on volunteers this year which made producing the show quite daunting.  The nativity runs from 6-8pm - see you there!

And as always, there is the Miracle at Big Rock in St. Croix Falls.  We have been there a few times and it’s not just for kids.  We had a great time with adult friends looking at the lights and even sliding on the hill by the barn.  They even have adult drinks if you are so inclined. I hear the old fashioned drink is very tasty...Ok I had one and it was fabulous.

I could have told you it was going to snow Monday evening.  Why is that? Because I decided to spend four hours shoveling an ice rink on Sunday afternoon.  It was either going to snow or rain soon after.  I can only remember one year where we cleared an ice rink and were able to use it more than twice..

If you are cleaning out your clothes and getting ready for new clothes that Santa brought you, we are still collecting for the homeless.  The clothing needs to be warm and in decent shape. We have been collecting for years and this community continues to be a wonderful contributor for the homeless.  Thanks so much for giving. 

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