TOWER- Tower’s first annual Small Business Saturday, held on Nov. 25, got off with a bang, and organizers hope to make this an annual event. Tower’s Main Street businesses saw increased traffic and sales. Families and over 40 children got a chance to sit with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Cookie the elf, and the event’s receipt raffle box nearly overflowed with entrants. The Tower-Soudan Area Events Board gave out $300 worth of raffle prizes with the help of local donating businesses. Winners were as follows:
 Good Ol’ Days customer Lisa Ledman received a $40 gift card package
 Sulu’s customer Amy Dorey received a $30 gift card package
 Winter Market customer Paula Barnes received a $30 gift card package
 Northern Lights Salon & Co customer Gen Bjorgo received a $35 gift card package
 Nordic Home North Customer Kassie Bjorgo received a $35 gift card package
 Winter Market customer Michelle Jackman received a $35 gift card package
 Pike River Products customer Lynn Billett received a $40 gift card package
 Pike River Products customer Amy Berglund received a $35 gift card package
 Winter Market customer Sue Cramer received a Timberjay Newspaper Subscription
 Larry Suihkonen received a Tower News subscription.
Linda Haugen was the winner of the split-the-pot raffle benefiting the Tower-Soudan Area Events Board.  Linda provided a generous donation back to the group with her winnings.
Dianna and Terry Sunsdahl provided hot cocoa, cider, and cookies to those who stopped by event headquarters at Pike River Products. They also provided a children’s craft area. Other area businesses offered specials throughout the day. Six area vendors participated in the Winter Farmers Market. Jarri Ankrum was the winner of Nordic Home North’s raffle of the personal fireplace. Katrina B’s photos of children and their families with Santa are posted online on her Facebook page.
This event would not have been possible without the time, energy, and talents from our event volunteers: Charles and Lorna Winger; Dianna and Terry Sunsdahl, owners of Pike River Products and Tower’s Gathering Gallery; Katrina B. Photography; and The Timberjay newspaper. 
The Tower-Soudan Area Events Board would also like to thank the following businesses for their generosity in donating additional prizes for the raffles: Nordic Home North, Zup’s Foods, The Timberjay, Sulu’s Espresso Cafe, Tower-Soudan Agency, The Tower News, UBetcha Antiques and Uffda Gifts, D’Erick’s Tower Liquor, and Little Green Pantry.  Thank you to all of the community members who took part in the event including shoppers, merchants, Santa visitors, and those out just enjoying the day.