Minnesota Prairie Roots

THROUGHOUT MINNESOTA, including in Faribault, December brings holiday and winter-themed events. In a typical year, I’d embrace all of these celebrations. But, like last December, we are still very much in the middle of a pandemic. And, for me, that means skipping most crowded events. Even those which are outdoors. If people masked and were mostly (all) vaccinated, I would feel more comfortable. But that isn’t happening. At least not locally.

With that as a disclaimer, I want to share that Faribault is celebrating Winterfest, which began on Thursday and continues through Saturday. It’s a wonderful celebration with a wide range of activities. And I expect because COVID-19 canceled Winterfest in 2020, lots of folks will join in this year’s festivities. I encourage you, if you attend, to remember that our county is still in a high community transmission rate for COVID and to take care to protect yourself and others.

Friday, December 3:

• Elf, The Musical, 7:30 pm at the Paradise Center for the Arts (Masks recommended per CDC guidelines.)

• Horse-drawn wagon rides along Central Avenue

• Shattuck-St. Mary’s snow sculpting by Burkhartzmeyer Shoes (weather permitting)

Saturday, December 4:

• 14^th Annual French-Canadian Christmas Open House at the Alexander Faribault House, 11 am – 3 pm (Masks required.)

• Holiday Spirits Bazaar at 10,000 Drops Distillery, 11 am – 4 pm

• Sleds on Central Vintage Snowmobile Show, 1 – 4 pm, 400 block of Central Avenue (food and beverages available for purchase)

• Fireworks, launched near the viaduct, 5:30 pm

• Parade of Lights on Central Avenue between 1^st and 6^th Streets, 5:50 pm

• Street Dance with music by Fender Bender, 400 block of Central after the parade (food and beverages available for purchase)

• Elf, The Musical, 7:30 pm at the Paradise Center for the Arts (also showing at 2 pm Sunday, December 5, and other dates; check the Paradise website) Masks recommended per CDC guidelines.

Also check out the Faribault Parks & Rec Department Holiday Tree Display in Central Park, now through December 9.

#

© Copyright 2021 Audrey Kletscher Helbling