REGIONAL—If you can’t find something fun to do over the next several days, you’re just not trying. With somewhat milder temperatures forecast for Saturday and Sunday, it should be a great time to get out and enjoy the fresh snow and the holiday cheer being served up all around the region during the traditionally busy holiday season here in the North Country.
Here’s a sampling of what’s on tap over the next two weekends:
• Virgie Hegg Hospice Partners Lights of Love tree lighting ceremony and carols, Friday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. at the Cook city gazebo.
• Choralaires Holiday Concert, Friday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Virginia. A free will offering will be collected to support local churches, community projects, and music needs.
• Ely Folk School Holiday Arts Market and Carols, Friday Dec. 6, from 4-6 p.m., in partnership with the Northern Lakes Arts Association. Support local artists, artisans, and culinary talents. There will be a youth craft table, fresh baked treats, and a variety of beverages. The event is free and open to all, but contributions are welcome. 209 E. Sheridan St.
• Orr Snow City Festival, Saturday, Dec. 7- Fuel up for a full day of fun at the Orr Fire Department’s pancake breakfast at the Orr Community Center (former American Legion) from 7-9:30 a.m. Vendors selling a wide variety of items perfect for the giving season will open for business in the center from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. More venders will be on hand across the tracks at the Orr Center, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
The most highly anticipated event of the day is the Snow City parade which kicks off at noon, running behind the Orr Muni and over to Lumber Orr Hardware. You can enter your family, business, or organization in the parade – just show up by Norman’s One Stop before noon to line up with the other entrants. The festival theme this year is The Grinch.
Santa will be taking Christmas wish lists at T. Pattenn’s Café from 1-3 p.m. and there will be carnival games available during that time as well. Families are welcome to take in popcorn and a movie at Calvary Lutheran Church at 4 p.m. The featured film is “Angela’s Christmas.”
• Tower Christmas Craft Show, Saturday, Dec. 7 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Herb Lamppa Civic Center in Tower.
• Community Lutefisk and Meatball Dinner at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cook, Saturday Dec. 7 from 4 - 6:30 p.m. Take out meals available, but no delivery will be available. Net proceeds will be donated to the Cook Flood Survivor/Preparedness Fund and the Church Parsonage Repair Fund.
• Virgie Hegg Hospice Partners Lights of Love tree lighting ceremony and carols, Saturday, Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m. at the Orr Center.
• Ely Community Choir Cantata “Love is Born,” Saturday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Ely.
• Holiday Boutique and Pancake Breakfast, Saturday, Dec. 7, from 8-11 a.m. at Timber Hall. Toy drive with a special holiday guest, so bring the kids!
• Mrs. Claus Party, Saturday, Dec. 7, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Grand Ely Lodge. Kids can meet Mrs. Claus and participate in various activities. More details available at ely.org.
• Santa’s Workshop, Sunday, Dec. 8 from 3-5 p.m., presented by Cook Friends of the Parks at the Cook Community Center. You’ll find Santa, sleigh rides with horses, treats, activities/games, crafts-to-go, and a free picture with Santa by Connie Stone Photography. It’s supported by donations from generous area organizations.
• A Scandinavian Christmas at the Nelimark Homestead, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 12-14 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. all three days. You’ll find handcrafted and ethnic gifts, baked goods, coffee and conversation.
• Embarrass ice candle lighting at the Embarrass Cemetery, Saturday, Dec. 14, with a holiday gathering to follow at Embarrass Town Hall, from 4-6 p.m.