Minnesota Prairie Roots

Writing and photography by Audrey Kletscher Helbling

Saving plastic Jesus December 21, 2023

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Vintage Holy Family. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2023)

AS A WOMAN OF FAITH, the true meaning of Christmas rests for me in the birth of Jesus. Certainly, I appreciate and celebrate the secular aspects, too. But, above all, my focus centers on the Christ Child born in Bethlehem.

In early December, I joined a group of volunteers who were decorating my church, Trinity Lutheran in Faribault, for Advent. This was my first year participating as I don’t particularly enjoy putting up decorations. But I decided I could at least follow directions and do whatever I was told.

Turns out I rather enjoyed several hours of working with my faith family to hang greens and other festive decorations. My only stipulation—I wouldn’t climb a ladder.

When the guys climbed a ladder, pulling a vintage plastic Nativity set from a storage space, my new friend Nancy told me she’d been tasked with disposing of the scene (she planned to donate it to a downtown secondhand shop). I protested. Loudly. I wanted the Holy Family to stay at Trinity. And displayed.

I scanned the narthex for a spot, my eyes landing on a corner bookshelf. Perfect. I ran my idea past Leann, who was all in. She rolled the bookshelf to another space. And then several of us unboxed the trio of mother, father and child, actually two children. Another Nancy and I chose the darker-skinned baby with hands that appeared more life-like than the other plastic Jesus. And then Nancy tossed the rejected baby back in the box. Tossed. I protested loudly. In fun, of course. She picked up the second Jesus and laid him gently in the box.

Then I stepped into the cool December Saturday morning to shake dirt from the plain brown swatch of fabric found with the baby. Perfect, we all thought. Just like back in Bethlehem days—a basic, simple wrap to warm the new baby born in a barn.

The scene, though, was still missing something. A star, suggested Leann, who promised to bring one from home. Perfect.

Sunday morning I arrived for worship services to see the scene completed with a glowing star set upon a table and “The Christmas Story” children’s picture books artfully displayed on a round table for kids to borrow. The table represented the stable in Bethlehem. Marilyn’s idea. It worked.

Baby Jesus, though, was no longer wrapped in the basic brown cloth. Rather, he was snugged in a green and white quilt of stripes and circles stitched and tied by the Trinity Quilt Makers. Not exactly period authentic, but it would have to do. I was not in charge of decorating.

After church services, as I visited with friends, I observed a preschooler walk up to the Nativity set and take in the scene before him. My heart, my spirit, my soul filled with joy. This was exactly why I wanted Mary, Joseph and the Christ Child to remain at Trinity. I knew kids would be drawn to the corner scene of lighted figurines, to view the plastic Jesus so carefully laid in the manger under the watchful eyes of his loving parents.

© Copyright 2023 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

Last-minute Minnesota centric gifts, mostly local December 20, 2023

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A delivery truck for Cry Baby Craig’s hot sauce, parked behind the business in downtown Faribault. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo 2021)

WITH ONLY DAYS until Christmas, hostess and other last-minute gifts purchased locally are great options. I’m most familiar, of course, with what can be found in Faribault. But I have a few ideas from neighboring communities also.

Faribault Mill blankets/throws artfully hung on a simple pipe in the factory store. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo)

First up, Faribault. We are nationally and internationally-known for the Faribault Mill, previously the Faribault Woolen Mill. The mill’s high-quality woolen blankets and throws are its signature products sold at its factory store, in several Twin Cities metro locations, online and elsewhere. I have several of these high-end blankets gifted to me through the years. They’re not inexpensive. Selections range from traditional patterns to Peanuts designs (which I hear are incredibly popular with Gen Z; especially Snoopy) to the artwork of Adam Turman. His art is more Minnesota centric with loons, Up North outdoors scenes and nature themes on mill throws.

Award-winning Amablu Gorgonzola from Caves of Faribault. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo)

Handcrafted cheeses aged in sandstone caves along the Straight River in Faribault are a tasty gift for anyone who appreciates blue, Gouda, Gorgonzola and Swiss cheeses. These are award-winning cheeses. I always have a Caves of Faribault cheese in my refrigerator. This is top-notch cheese available locally at HyVee Grocery and in many other retail locations in Minnesota and across the country. Other local artisan cheese makers include Shepherd’s Way Farms, rural Nerstrand, and Cannon Belles Cheese, Cannon Falls.

The original Cry Baby Craig’s hot sauce. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo)

Also wildly popular in the food category is Cry Baby Craig’s gourmet hot sauce, made in the heart of historic downtown Faribault. It’s gained a following in the metro and beyond. My son-in-law from Wisconsin loves this sauce crafted with ingredients sourced from area farms. As with Faribault-made blue cheese, there’s always a bottle of CBC in my fridge. It’s available for pick-up right at the Central Avenue location and elsewhere. I just picked up three bottles of three different sauces the other day.

Cry Baby Craig’s recently partnered with 10,000 Drops Craft Distillers a block away to craft Lokal Vodka infused with pickled pepper brine and CBC hot sauce. The distillery also creates plain vodka and key lime, blood orange and meyer lemon Lokal Vodka. So if someone on your gift list appreciates vodka and you want to support local, head to 10,000 Drops. Loon Liquors Distillery in neighboring Northfield also does vodka and other hard liquors.

Minnesota wines, including from Vintage Escapes Winery just to the west of Faribault in rural Kilkenny, would be a good hostess gift. Or coffee, roasted at Mighty Fine! Coffee, next to the distillery in Faribault.

Coveted butter from Hope Creamery. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo)

This may seem like an odd gift, but handcrafted European style butter from Hope Creamery in small town Hope (south of Faribault along Interstate 35) is something I’ve always wanted to try and which I think would be an excellent gift for anyone who loves to bake. It’s sold in Hope and also at select grocery stores (including at Fareway and HyVee in Faribault) inside and outside the metro.

Craig Kotasek’s print of Minnesota-based Jolly Green Giant brand peas. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo)

For the art appreciator, I recommend the letterpress art of Craig Kotasek of Tin Can Valley Printing. He uses old school letterpress to create prints, greeting cards and more. I’m perhaps a bit biased given Craig worked at the same weekly newspaper, The Gaylord Hub, where I worked as a reporter and photographer right out of college. Craig worked on the printing side, many years after me. His art is sold at select locations in and around his Le Sueur business base.

Two rural-themed books featuring the work of Minnesota writers and purchased at Books on Central. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2023)

I love books. And our area has some great independent bookstores to buy books for the book lover on your list. Content Bookstore in Northfield. Little Professor Book Center in Owatonna. And, new to Faribault, Books on Central, a volunteer-run used bookstore owned by, and benefiting, the Rice County Area United Way. Housed in a former jewelry store, this bookshop features a central vintage chandelier, built-in shelves and drawers, and friendly, helpful staff. It’s a stunning, cozy space with a remarkable, high-quality selection of used books at reasonable prices. Yes, I’ve already purchased several books here, nearly all Minnesota centric.

My writing has published in these volumes of The Talking Stick, the 2023 volume 32 not included in this stack. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo)

Which brings me to my last suggestion. The Talking Stick, an anthology published by the Jackpine Writers’ Bloc, features a collection of fiction, creative nonfiction and poetry by Minnesotans or those with a strong connection to Minnesota. Any of the anthologies would make an excellent gift for the book lover on your list. And, yes, I have writing in the latest edition of TS and many years prior. The anthology can be ordered online.

That’s it, my ideas for gifts that are mostly from my region. Happy last-minute shopping Minnesota style.

© Copyright 2023 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

The magic of Christmas experienced at Kiwanis Holiday Lights display in Mankato December 19, 2023

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This sign tops the concessions stand at the Kiwanis Holiday Lights display at Mankato’s Sibley Park. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo November 2023)

VIEWING A HOLIDAY LIGHT display on an unseasonably warm mid-November afternoon of nearly 70-degrees in southern Minnesota seemed odd. But, in many ways, it was ideal to walk leisurely through the massive Kiwanis Holiday Lights exhibit at Sibley Park in Mankato before its official opening on November 24. There were no pressing crowds. No concern about parking. No sensory overload for me.

Lights frame a tunnel. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo November 2023)

Sure, Randy and I missed the full affect given our day-time visit. Yet, even without holiday lights aglow, the Mankato Kiwanis Club’s gift to the greater Mankato community and beyond impressed.

Riding in a one-horse open sleigh at Sibley Park. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo November 2023)

There are painted plywood cut-outs of Disney, Peanuts, Dr. Seuss and many other popular characters to delight the kids, especially.

In the bright afternoon sunshine, the lights on the holiday tunnel appear to be plugged in. But they aren’t. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo November 2023)
Walking along a candy cane lined path past the field of snow people on a late autumn afternoon. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo November 2023)
Candy canes crafted from PVC pipe. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo November 2023)

There are tunnels of light and a field of snowmen and candy canes shaped from PVC pipes.

High in a tree, snowflakes dangle. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo November 2023)

There are snowflakes twisting from tree branches, lights twisting around tree trunks, a Christmas tree towering 80 feet tall.

Overhead tunnel lights. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo November 2023)

Holiday lights are strung seemingly everywhere.

The centerpiece 80-foot Christmas tree. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo November 2023)

Admittedly, this would be beautiful to view in the dark of a southern Minnesota winter evening. Viewing hours are 5-9 pm Sunday – Thursday and 5-10 pm Friday and Saturday through December 31. Mondays and Tuesdays are lighter traffic days. This is a drive-through or a walk-through display, although I’d suggest walking to get a full, immersive experience.

The place to warm up and grab some food and beverages. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo November 2023)

There are places to stop inside the park. The concessions building serves beverages like hot cocoa and cider, plus candy canes, mini donuts and even Little Debbie holiday treats. The souvenir shop offers snow globe ornaments, lighted snowflake wands, ceramic campfire mugs and much more. Oh, how Minnesotan.

Santa lounges in Sibley Park, far from any warm beach. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo November 2023)

On weekends, Santa is on-site for visits. So are live reindeer.

Kids will love all the plywood cut-outs, including Disney characters like these from Aladdin. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo November 2023)

Admission is free. But cash and non-perishable food donations are welcomed.

Snow people aplenty are part of the holiday light display. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo November 2023)

I can only imagine how magical the Kiwanis Holiday Light Display feels at night, when lights burst color into the darkness, when families and couples and singles view the lights and feel the pulse of the holiday spirit. I experienced a bit of the magic on that warm mid-November afternoon. How magical it all must feel on these December evenings so near Christmas.

© Copyright 2023 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

The lights of December in Minnesota December 18, 2023

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The Rice County government services building, Faribault. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2023)

LIGHTS IN HOLIDAY HUES rim the Rice County government services building along busy Minnesota State Highway 60/Fourth Street in Faribault adding a festive flair to the city-scape.

I love this, these unexpected jolts of color brightening the darkening sky of late afternoon, the darkness of nightfall in December. Minnesota winters get long and dreary and dark and any extra light lifts my spirits.

Soon days will lengthen following the winter solstice on December 21. For that I feel grateful. Even if January brings cold and snow, followed by more cold and snow, I can see the light of spring in lengthening days.

© Copyright 2023 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

Johnston Hall film screening at historical society December 15, 2023

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Johnston Hall, date unknown. (Photo courtesy of Rice County Historical Society)

IN EARLY NOVEMBER, I watched a local documentary online about Johnston Hall in the comfort of my home office. The film, “Love Inwrought: Johnston Hall and the Memory of a Building,” was created by Sam Temple and Logan Ledman. The ambitious and talented young filmmakers have, since their high school days, focused on local history through their 1855 History Team (Steamboat Media Co.). Their latest project focuses on Johnston Hall, completed in 1888 as part of Seabury Divinity School. The building was demolished in 2021 after standing on Faribault’s east side for 133 years.

Sam Temple, left to right, Logan Ledman and Troy Temple. (Photo courtesy of 1855 History Team)

This Saturday, December 16, the duo will present a public screening of their film at the Rice County Historical Society in Faribault from 5:30-6:30 pm. And while I am not able to be there, I encourage anyone interested in Johnston Hall and the fine work of writers and directors Temple and Ledman to attend.

A Q & A follows the screening. Attendees are encouraged to share their stories about Johnston Hall, which saw many uses through the years.

Johnston Hall model. (Photo courtesy of 1855 History Team)

But that’s not all. A model of the building handcrafted by Rathbun Reliquilaries plus artifacts and architectural items saved by the historical society will also be available for viewing.

Saturday’s event offers an ideal opportunity to learn more about Johnston Hall and to meet members of the team that worked diligently to create the documentary. Besides Temple and Ledman those include Troy Temple, illustrator Piper Mohring, composer Sam Dwyer, and actors Steve Searl (portraying Bishop Henry Whipple) and Eli Hastings (as the Rev. Henry St. Clair).

Documentary promo. (Courtesy of 1855 History Team)

According to Sam Temple, the title of the documentary traces to a quote by Bishop Whipple: “There is an unwritten history of faith and love inwrought in every building erected here.” The Episcopalian bishop was referencing buildings (including Johnston Hall) at the schools he helped organize.

This signage stands at Johnston Hall Memorial Garden across the street from the local hospital and clinic. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo August 2023)

The work of Temple, Ledman and their team is top-notch professional, outstanding and deserving of accolades. These young men are passionate about history, storytelling, filmmaking and creating an appreciation for our past. Their enthusiasm and work impress me. I can’t wait to see what they do next.

FYI: To read my review of “Love Inwrought,” click here.

© Copyright 2023 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

Oh, Christmas tree December 12, 2023

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The Kletscher family Christmas tree always sat on the end of the kitchen table, as shown in this December 1964 photo. That’s me in the red jumper with four of my five siblings.

TO BE OR NOT TO BE is not the question. Rather, the question is this: Real or artificial? Do you prefer a real Christmas tree or an artificial one?

There’s no right or wrong answer here. Rather tree choice is a matter of personal preference. But I am unequivocally a real Christmas tree kind of woman.

Given my farm background, my strong connection to the land, my love of simple and natural, I have always selected a real tree. Even when I lived in a college dorm and my own apartment, I had real trees. The dorm tree was a small potted Norfolk Island Pine, gifted to me by my Secret Angel, Elise, during my freshman year at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato.

Our Christmas tree this year. I always hang tinsel on our tree. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2023)

My preference for real Christmas trees, though, traces back to my childhood. Each December our family trekked to the local grocery store—back in the days when Vesta had a corner store and a whole block of businesses—to peruse the trees leaning against the exterior storefront. I don’t recall details, only that our tree was small, short and short-needled, intentionally so.

I lived in a tiny 1 ½ story farmhouse during the first 11 years of my life. An oil-burning stove and several pieces of furniture filled the living room, leaving no space for a Christmas tree. Our tree sat on the end of the Formica kitchen table, next to the west-facing drafty window. Remembering it from an adult perspective, that tree had to be really small. But I loved the imperfect Charlie Brown tree. Everything from the colorful bulb lights to the ornaments to the tinsel draping the boughs delighted me.

Randy stands outside the garage with our tree, purchased at Ken’s Christmas Trees. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2023)

Today that childhood nostalgia deeply influences my tree choice. I prefer imperfect and smallish to anything sculpted or over-sized. Seven foot ceilings also limit the height of our tree.

When my kids were little, our friends Joy and Steve invited us to their rural property to cut down a pine tree from among those they intentionally planted for Christmas trees. I hold fond memories of our young family weaving among the trees to find just the right one. Eventually that forest was depleted and it was on to other options—like Farmer Seed and Nursery, Faribault Garden Center or Donahue’s Greenhouse. The nursery and garden center are permanently closed now, Donahue’s no longer open at Christmas.

The photo of Ken Mueller is new to the tree lot this season. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2023)

Our go-to tree source now is Ken’s Christmas Trees, a temporary tree lot set up in a parking lot next to the now-closed Taco John’s. Ken Mueller started his holiday side business years ago at a north-side Faribault site along a busy thoroughfare. Eventually, he had to move and we followed him to his new location.

Ken has since retired. Sort of. On the December day Randy and I stopped by to buy our tree, he was vending trees, wreaths and more. His kids have taken over the business, but can’t always be there. So Ken steps in. And when he’s not around, he’s still there. A life-size photo cut-out of the Christmas tree vendor stands next to a row of trees. It was a surprise to Ken, who, even if he may not admit it, appreciates the unexpected, humorous recognition.

Ken’s Christmas Trees seems to have a loyal following of customers who appreciate his fresh trees, trucked in from Up North. Sizes and shapes range from the short and Charlie Brownish to larger, sculpted. Every year I bundle up, head to the west side of town and search for my imperfectly perfect Christmas tree.

TELL ME: Is your Christmas tree real or artificial? Why? I’d love to hear your stories.

© Copyright 2023 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

Faribo Frosty under construction December 7, 2023

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Faribo Frosty, photographed on April 2, 2023, as spring approached. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo April 2023)

THE LAST TIME I SAW Faribo Frosty, his smile was turned upside down in a frown. That was in April, when winter was winding down in southern Minnesota and Frosty’s demise was imminent.

The latest Faribo Frosty, photographed under construction on December 2, 2023. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2023)

Now some nine months later, the ginormous snowman is back, at least partially. Faribault homeowner Andy Hoisington is busy building the 2023-2024 Faribo Frosty in his front yard at the corner of First Street Northwest and Third Avenue Northwest in Faribault. Since 2005, the Hoisington family has crafted a massive snowman, their gift to the community and now a popular winter attraction for locals and out-of-towners, young and old alike.

Jake, left, and Andy Hoisington work on Faribo Frosty in January 2020. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo January 2020)

It’s truly a labor of love. Andy hauls trailer load after trailer load of shaved ice from the Faribault Ice Arena across town to construct the snowman. He scoops, waters, carries (up a ladder) and shapes the snow ice into the snowman which this year will stand nearly two stories tall. That’s taller than last year, when Frosty was shorter, more robust than some other years.

My then 2 1/2-year-old granddaughter hugging Faribo Frosty in 2018. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo December 2018)

Visitors are welcome to step into the Hoisingtons’ yard for photos and a closer look at Frosty, maybe even a hug.

Last year’s Faribo Frosty. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo December 2022)

Nothing, not even near 50-degree temps predicted today and tomorrow and a lack of natural snow, stop Andy in his mission to bring happiness and smiles. Faribo Frosty is his gift to us, and we are all the happier for this celebrity snowman in our community.

© Copyright 2023 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

The harmony of the holidays December 6, 2023

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The Lakelanders sing at a recent holiday concert. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2023)

THEIR VOICES BLENDED in perfect harmony, their singing so flawless that I felt emotionally moved by the sheer experience of listening.

I was among those packed inside Faribault Evangelical Free Church for a recent free holiday concert performed by three area men’s choruses: The Faribault Lakelanders Barbershop Chorus, The Northfield Troubadors and The Riverblenders Barbershop Chorus from Mankato.

Their holiday selections ranged from faith-based to secular to a humorous take on “Oh, Christmas Tree” featuring a verse about lutefisk. That set the crowd laughing.

A scene from the Nativity set displayed each holiday season in Faribault. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo 2016)

But it was the classics, the aged hymns, the time-honored songs, to which I most connected. They hold the memories of many Christmases. Memories of the Christmas story told and retold within the verses of “Oh, Little Town of Bethlehem.” Memories of singing “Silent Night” in the still darkness of a sanctuary, peace settling upon me. Childhood memories of belting out the jubilant words of “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing.”

An airliner flies into Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo)

And then there were the secular selections. The familiar words of “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas,” the dream held by even those who otherwise dislike snow. “Deck the Halls” reminding many, including me, of the decorating yet to be done. And then the song, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” that nearly did me in, that caused me to check tears because I can’t recall the last time all three of my adult children were together, back here in Minnesota for Christmas. I thought then of my son flying in next week from Boston and the daughter in Madison, Wisconsin, who won’t be home for Christmas. Joyous reunion mixed with missing a loved one.

The Lakelanders and the Riverblenders close out the concert together. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo December 2023)

But in the all of the holiday concert, I felt the wonderful spirit of Christmas emanating from the musical selections sung by the likes of Pastor Juan Palm and his young son, my friend Greg, Curt D. and a guy I recognize from a local grocery store. These are gifted musicians from my community and beyond who, for the love of music, the joy of singing, the desire to spread happiness, sing in sweet, blessed harmony.

And they do more than simply sing. This year the Lakelanders raised $4,500 for Ruth’s House, Whispers of Hope and Hope Center at their annual fundraising concert, “Hope in Harmony.” Representatives of those three nonprofits were recognized at the holiday concert. Through the years, the singers have given $39,000 to charities.

A sign inside Vang Lutheran Church advertised its annual Lutefisk & Meatball Supper several years ago. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo)

This warms my heart. This generosity of spirit given through music. These singers create harmony in the chaos of life, bring peace and lift spirits with their voices. On this early December afternoon, I was right where I was supposed to be—seated on a comfortable, padded chair behind another Audrey (to whom I’d been introduced by my friend Greg of the Lakelanders). I imagined the warmth of a blazing fire over which chestnuts roasted. I heard bells jingling on a sleigh. And I remembered the long ago taste of lutefisk—cod soaked in lye—cooked and served with warm, melted butter. Memories in music. Sweet harmony in words sung. Emotions rising.

Inside the historic Chapel of the Good Shepherd, the pews face the aisle rather than the altar. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo)

FYI: Holiday concerts abound this time of year. At 1:30 pm Thursday, December 7, the Faribault High School Choir performs at the Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour in Faribault. Cathedral organist Andrew DeZiel will also play selections on the aged church pipe organ. At 4 pm on Saturday, December 9, student musicians at Shattuck-St. Mary’s School perform in The Chapel of the Good Shepherd as part of the afternoon Campus Christmas Walk. Also on Saturday, The Riverblenders sing at 7 pm at Central Building Auditorium, 501 East Elm Avenue in Waseca.

© Copyright 2023 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

Southern Minnesota events connect communities, spark holiday happiness December 5, 2023

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One of 64 decorated trees in the Adopt-A-Tree program in Faribault. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2023)

AS I WATCHED THE LIVE TV broadcast last week of the Christmas tree lighting at Rockefeller Center in New York City, I, for a brief moment, wished I could be there. The pulse of the music, the enthusiasm of the crowd, the coming together in a singular celebration drew me in. But then I realized how much I would dislike the pounding music, the pressing crowds, the feeling of being hemmed in by skyscrapers.

Nona Boyes creates particularly interesting and lovely window displays at her shop, Keeper’s Antiques. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2023)

I much prefer the small town celebrations of southern Minnesota. The lighted holiday parades, the fireworks, the concerts, the holiday boutiques, the festive window displays, neighborhoods ablaze in decorative lights, even the blow-up Santas and reindeer and snowmen that, by morning, deflate in heaps of folded plastic.

Donated and decorated trees line the sidewalks of Faribault’s Central Park. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2023)

Already I’ve attended several holiday events. That includes Winterfest in Faribault where, at Central Park, children and parents lined up Friday evening for photos with The Grinch. “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” ranks as a favorite animated film with its message that Christmas joy is found in each other, not in material possessions and holiday busyness. As I observed the waiting families, I wondered how many kids actually recognized The Grinch and might even have felt a bit scared of the kinda scary looking green guy. Yet, kids and parents and grandparents pressed together, connecting in memory-defining moments.

Sixty-four trees were set up in Central Park for the Adopt-A-Tree program. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2023)

Next to the small tent sheltering The Grinch, I grabbed a bag of complimentary popcorn (and later a cup of hot chocolate) before heading along the park sidewalks to see the 64 lighted and decorated trees in the Adopt-A-Tree program. Organizations, businesses and others purchase and decorate artificial trees displayed in the park and then given to families in need. The creativity and generosity impress me as this program continues to grow each December.

More of those 64 trees to be given to families in need. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2023)

On this evening, when fires blazed in barrels and attendees rode around the block in a horse-drawn wagon and youth sang, I felt a strong sense of togetherness.

Love in multiple languages on a Virtues Trail sign. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo August 2018)

I felt the same on Saturday while watching fireworks along The Virtues Trail, a city-owned trail lined with affirmative messages on posts. As Randy and I waited in the cold for the show to begin, we visited with friends Dave and Tammy and made new friends with a Mankato couple dining at the nearby Depot restaurant. I welcomed them to Faribault. Again, I felt the joy that comes in connecting, in conversation, in sharing a moment in time.

Local ice carver Adam Scholljegerdes carved Faribault’s symbol, a fleur-de-lis, for Winterfest. It’s located at the corner of Central Avenue and Fourth Street/Minnesota Highway 60 in the heart of downtown Faribault. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2023)

Soon fireworks burst into the dark night sky against the backdrop of the historic viaduct. Sparkles and glitter and bold booms and streams of color and light had me occasionally closing my eyes. Still, the experience, this gathering of people bundled in warm winter coats and stocking caps and scarves and mittens, brought us together on a December evening.

The single photo I took of the parade, because I wanted to be in the moment rather than taking photos. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2023)

Afterwards, we joined the throngs walking two blocks to Central Avenue for the Parade of Lights. Crowds lined the downtown street in warm 30-degree temps for the 45-minute parade. I stood next to John and Laurie, there with their daughter and her family, including 18-month-old identical twin girls. Randy stood next to a drink-holding woman who’d spent time already at a bar. She was happy, shouting “Merry Christmas” to parade participants, gathering candy to give to Randy, keeping chocolate for herself. She was fun and generous and spirited.

“Barbershop” singers performed at a free community holiday concert on Sunday at the Faribault Evangelical Free Church. They included the Lakelanders Barbershop Chorus from Faribault, The Troubadours from Northfield and The Riverblenders Barbershop Chorus from Mankato. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2023)

As I watched the parade, I, too, pocketed the occasional chocolate, waved, danced a bit, caught up in the moment. Randy dropped a circular green glow stick atop my stocking cap as The Grinch passed, one of many. Multiple Santas and kids and dogs and just a whole lot of parade participants spread holiday happiness. This, I thought, is what The Grinch felt—this happiness found not in stuff or in busyness, but in community.

© Copyright 2023 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

Dandelions in December December 4, 2023

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A patch of dandelions at the Rice County Fairgrounds. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2023)

IN THE DRY, CRACKED soil, among the curling leaves of autumn and the litter, dandelions bloomed, on a December morning in southern Minnesota.

Discovering them at the Rice County Fairgrounds was unexpected. Dandelions are the flower, or weed (depending on your perspective), of summer. Not near winter.

But here these hardy dandelions grew, flourishing on a brilliant sunshine-filled day of low 30-degree temps, seemingly unaffected by the cold. Only a short distance away, snow lingered on the pavement, in the dark shadows of buildings. Remnants of the season’s first snowfall remain throughout town.

Seasons seem to clash. Dandelions and snow. In the summer and winter of December.

© Copyright 2023 Audrey Kletscher Helbling