A scene along Central Avenue during the 2015 holiday season. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.
THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON blankets Faribault this weekend with holiday events ranging from a figure skating show to a kids’ Christmas party to concerts to a home-grown theatrical production and much more.
Dark wood and stone define the sanctuary at The Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.
When I started jotting a list of events, even I was astounded. I could schedule my entire weekend around enjoying myself rather than focusing on holiday prep. If I wasn’t donating blood on Friday evening, I could kick my weekend off by attending Handel’s Messiah, presented at 7:30 p.m. by the Cannon Valley Regional Orchestra at The Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour, 515 Second Avenue Northwest.
Some of the cast members of “Wrapped in Love & Glory” pose inside the Faribault Woolen Mill. Photo by Edward Brown and courtesy of The Merlin Players.
I already have tickets for The Merlin Players performance of “Wrapped in Love & Glory,” an original play written by Faribault native Michael Lambert. “The show weaves together the letters, history and music of the women working in the Faribault Woolen Mill to make blankets for the troops fighting overseas during WW II,” according to a TMP press release. Twenty-six songs from that era are incorporated in to the production.
The show opens at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Avenue, with additional evening performances set for December 10 and 15 – 17. Sunday shows are at 2 p.m. on December 11 and 18. Click here for more information or call (507) 332-7372.
Canned produce sold at the summer Faribault Farmer’s Market. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.
Also at the Paradise are the creations of area artists. Perfect for holiday giving. Additionally, from 1 – 4 p.m. Saturday, the Winter Farmers’ Market opens inside the Paradise with local vendors selling everything from eggs to maple syrup to soap, baked goods and more.
Historic downtown Faribault. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.
Historic downtown Faribault will be one busy place Saturday as Faribault Main Street also hosts its second annual Holiday Snack Contest from noon – 3 p.m. While you shop, you can sample tasty treats at local businesses. All through-out the downtown, local shopkeepers (and even a pop-up shop) offer a variety of goods—shoes, home décor, antiques, electronics, specialty gifts, baked goods, cheese…
A sampling of flight offerings at F-Town. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.
And let’s not forget the beer. Drink it on-site at F-Town Brewing, just off Central, or purchase a growler to take home. Or check out a local liquor store for F-Town beers.
A scene from the 2012 ice skating show at Shattuck. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.
If you’re out and about with your family, drive to Faribault’s east side for Shattuck-St. Mary’s School’s annual Christmas Walk. The free community event begins with a “Christmas Spectacular on Ice” show at noon in the SSM Sports Complex. Festivities continue thereafter until 4 p.m. on the Shattuck campus with musical performances; activities for kids in Morgan Refectory; visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus (from 1:30 – 4 p.m.) in The Inn; and a 3:30 p.m. holiday concert in The Chapel of the Good Shepherd.
Kids worked on holiday crafts in the dining hall at Shattuck. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.
On Sunday, there’s more family-oriented fun, this time at the Faribault Eagles, 2027 Grant Street, as the club hosts its annual free Kids Christmas Party from noon to 3 p.m. for kids 12 and under accompanied by an adult.
Nearby at the Faribo West Mall, shoppers can take in a 3 – 3:30 p.m. Sunday concert by the Faribault High School Orchestra followed by the Faribault Area Community Band’s “A Christmas Concert for Busy People.” That concert title seems especially fitting given the season and all that’s happening in Faribault. These pre-Christmas weekends are busy ones in my southeastern Minnesota community.
© Copyright 2016 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
There is so much going on everywhere, isn’t there? What a wonderful time of the year! I would so go to the Messiah —one of my favorite memories of growing up with my Daddy was going to sing alongs with him. I think I only did it a couple of times but he loved the Messiah. Thanks for the push to check out if anyone is doing it in our area!
That’s a lovely memory you have with your dad. Thanks for sharing.
It is. I miss him every day. And rats—The Messiah performance is tonight and I am leaving on a jet plane. Figures.
I envy your close relationship with your dad.
Where are you jetting to tonight?
Going to Ohio for a whirlwind weekend –first to see Carlton and Colleen and then on to see my mom. Any and all prayers appreciated—it’s gonna be a good but tough weekend.
You all will continue to be in my prayers. Update me via email when you can.
Will do. Getting ready to fly soon.
Safe travels, my friend.
Our temps plummeted last night… that “Summer In a Jar” looks mighty delicious!! 😀 I’d love to see “Wrapped In Love and Glory”. I sure hope there will be a post on that!
I likely will post about the show. Depends.
Cold here, too, and a light dusting of snow now on the ground with more expected this weekend.
Bundle up because it looks like it is going to be a cold weekend.
And snowy, according to the headline in the local paper.
We have our community Christmas event happening this weekend. I find it funny that they are making snow for the event – ha! I love this time of year, especially the gathering of the community to play, laugh, have a little fun, be entertained, see Santa, etc. 🙂 Happy Day – Enjoy!
Sounds like a fun event. But, yeah, making snow in Florida. How long is the snow going to last?
Not very long with temps in the high 60’s and low 70’s here.
Seems rather silly to make snow given that heat. 🙂
Yes it does. Maybe bubbles would be better 🙂
Kids would like those.
So much to do and so little time….Sounds like a wonderful festive weekend! I would love to come to Fairbault during the Christmas season sometime. Seems like our weekends are always booked. I’ve especially had a desire to checkout Shattuck, I remember other posts you have done and it looks like such a beautiful place.
You are right on that. So much to do and so little time.
You would absolutely love Shattuck’s beautiful historic campus with aged buildings.
If only I had some extra time to travel south to your area. The play about Woolen Mills sounds quite interesting. Be sure to give us a report.
It is amazing the variety of activities one can choose from to help forget the bitter cold.
I am really looking forward to “Wrapped in Love & Glory.” I always love the Christmas plays presented at The Paradise.
What a great list! Thank you.
You are welcome. Many reasons to head to Faribault this weekend.
Wow that looks like a lot of fun
I hope to take in a few of the events.