Area towns make big plans for holiday festivities

Area towns are making big plans for the holidays, including Elbow Lake, Dalton, and Herman. 

Elbow Lake is planning a full day Holiday Extravaganza for Friday December 16. The fun starts with a Holiday Market at the Community Building. Vendors will be plying their wares from 2 to 7 p.m. 

Hans House is sponsoring a Holiday Tea from 2 to 4 p.m. and the CP Holiday Train arrives at 4:15 p.m. This season’s show, which starts at 4:30 p.m. features Kelly Prescott and Alan Doyle.

Born in Ottawa, Kelly Prescott comes by her music in the most honest way possible as a third-generation singer/songwriter on both sides of her family. Growing up between a tour bus and a world-class recording studio, her childhood was steeped in traditional country music. Kelly and her family made their Grand Ole Opry debut as guests of Terri Clark in 2018. She has toured all over North America with such acts as Alan Doyle, Kyle Cook (Matchbox 20), Terri Clark, Dallas Smith, Jim Cuddy, Colin James, Dean Brody, and her former band, The Claytones.

Born in Petty Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador, Alan Doyle is a singer, songwriter, and actor who rose to fame as the enigmatic frontman for acclaimed Newfoundland folk-rock band Great Big Sea. During their commercial peak from the late ‘90s to the mid-2000s, the band’s energetic fusion of traditional Celtic fare and sea shanties earned them international success far beyond the shores of their island home. Doyle launched a solo career in 2012 and released a trio of well-received albums. In addition to his musical work, he has appeared in numerous films and television shows.

The Grant County Food Shelf will be collecting donations at the Holiday Train, cash is preferred.

After the show,everyone is invited to have Supper with Santa at the Community Building from 5 to 7 p.m. Kids will be able to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and parents can take photos. Supper with Santa is served by the Splash Pad Committee, and the Dec. 16 Holiday Extravaganza is sponsored by the Elbow Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and Elbow Lake Municipal Power.

Head on up to Dalton for the colorful “Dalton Christmas Fest and Threshing Village Tour of Lights,” open now until New Years Eve from 5 to 9 p.m. nightly. Sightseers can walk or drive through the beautifully decorated Threshing Village. Watch for special events Saturday, Dec. 10 and 17, including rides on the “Dalton Express” Christmas Train, roasted marshmallows, and hot dogs at the Dalton Firehall, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Threshing Village, and hot chocolate and cider.

See the Dalton Christmas Fest Facebook page for details.

Santa Claus Day in Herman is Saturday, December 17. Santa will be visiting with children, with treats  and taking requests in the Community Center from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The Odd Fellows will be sponsoring Toy Bingo, there will be goodies for sale and a collection for the food shelf, all sponsored by the Herman-Norcross Booster Club.