Posted: 11/23/04
Caledonia Christmas activities set to begin
The Christmas season in Caledonia begins this week, with many events sponsored by the Caledonia Chamber of Commerce that run through December 12.
It starts on Wednesday, November 24 at 5 p.m. with the lighting of the Christmas lights that outline the downtown businesses.
Founders Days is again sponsoring the Christmas Lighting Contest. (See the ad on page 10.)
The Santaís Helper craft sale is slated for Saturday, November 27, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at St. Maryís Auditorium. There is also American Legion Bingo that night in the city auditorium.
On Sunday, November 28, there is a Silent Auction and Wine Tasting event at the Inn on the Green from 7-9 p.m. This fundraiser for the Chamberís Bluff and Valley Balloon Rally is by ticket only.
Parade, balloons next week
Next weekís events start on Friday, December 3 with a Rotary Soup from 4:30-6:45 p.m. in the city auditorium basement. There is also a Silent Auction in the city auditorium to benefit the balloon rally.
The 16th annual Christmas parade sponsored by Founders Days is that evening at 7 p.m. This yearís theme is ìHome for the Holidays.î The parade line-up is located at Caledonia Care and Rehab. It goes down Badger, Grant, and Pine Streets, then west on Main to Kingston, then south. There is still time to sign up, so contact Jane Schiltz at 725-8000 if interested.
After the parade, enjoy a sing-along of Christmas songs at the city auditorium.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance at this event too. A silent auction to benefit the balloon rally will be taking place during the events at the auditorium.
Saturday, December 4, begins with the first lift-off of the Bluff and Valley Balloon rally at the Houston County airport at 7:30 a.m. There is another lift-off at 2:30 p.m.
The Houston County Historical Society will host its seventh annual Old Fashioned Christmas Open House from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 4 and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 5, at the museum complex on the Houston County Fairgrounds in Caledonia.
Sleigh rides at Camp Winnebago will take place on four different days during the holiday season: Saturday and Sunday, December 4 and 5, and Saturday and Sunday, December 11 and 12. The Saturday rides run from 10-3; the Sunday rides from noon-3. Reservations are recommended but not required. Call 507-724-2351 for details.
The Caledonia Lions are sponsoring a Euchre tournament at the city auditorium from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, December 4. Advance tickets are available from Lions members.
Legion Bingo is at 7 p.m. Saturday.
Sundayís balloon launch is at 7:30 a.m. at the airport. Brunch will be served at Good Times from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the balloonists and members of the public who want to attend.
Santa is coming December 11
On Saturday, December 11, the Caledonia Lions will have ìBreakfast with Santaî at the city auditorium from 7:30 to 11 a.m. All area children are invited.
Many stores in Caledonia will be open from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 5, Sunday, December 12, and Sunday, December 19.
Store hours from December 20-23 are 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Merchants will be open on Christmas eve from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Shoppers are encouraged to sign up for the Caledonia Bucks drawings at participating Chamber of Commerce members. Drawings will be held December 6, 13 and 20. Two prizes of $50 each will be given each Friday.
Merchants Bank and Community First Bank are again offering low interest loans for shoppers at Caledonia businesses. Contact the bank of your choice for more information.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com