Bismarck Magazine - Volume 7: Issue 6 November/December 2022

Since its founding 31 years ago by Bismarck, ND-native Patrick Atkinson, your GOD’S CHILD Project has raised and educated over 80,000 orphaned and abandoned children… opened and operated 6 clinics, 7 schools, a hospital for malnourished children, and 1 sustainable jobs program that has trained 46,250 teens, women, and men… built 2,500 homes for impoverished families… and received hundreds of international awards while doing so. Be part of this wonderful work this Christmas Season. Be the Hero for a needy child.

Fabricators Unltd

Starting a business, growing your farm operation, or buying that dream home—this is what living first looks like. No matter where you are in life, with First International Bank & Trust you’ll be ready to say yes, from your first home mortgage to retirement planning, business loans, insurance, and everything in between.

It's time to make your gift list and check it twice! Shop local this year with the help of our Holiday Gift Guide.

Photo by Jenna Kluting

Bismarck Magazine is published bi-monthly and is complimentary. Copies are available across the Bismarck, Mandan and Lincoln communities or online at bismarck-magazine.com.

Bismarck Magazine Corporation, Copyright 2015 Bismarck Magazine and bismarck-magazine.com. All rights reserved. This periodical cannot be reproduced without the written permission of Bismarck Magazine. Bismarck Magazine will not be held responsible for any errors found in the magazine. Bismarck Magazine Corporation accepts no liability for statements made by advertisers.

Health

Essentia

Together—with the doctors you know and trust—we’ll face the challenges of healthcare, believing that with community and commitment we can build something better. Something brilliant. Something rare.

Our promise to you is to continue delivering the high quality and personalized care you and your neighbors deserve. Because this place, these people—are like nowhere else.

LETTER

PUBLISHERS

Can you even believe it? It is the holiday season already! It feels like yesterday we were highlighting parks and summer fun, and now we are heading into holiday cheer and Christmas lights. Every year, Bismarck Magazine looks to support, highlight and cheerlead for the small, local businesses we have in our community. As a small, local business, we want to do all we can for those like us.

Now do not get me wrong, we love a good Starbucks coffee or Amazon Prime deal, but what if people in our town lined up for one of our local's sales? What if traffic was stopped and roads were closed because we were all so excited and waiting in line outside of a local boutique or local restaurant? Imagine what that would do for that business owner and their family. What it would mean to them if we waited hours outside their doors just for a chance to get a table or take advantage of their sale?

The small boutique owners, restaurants and mom-and-pop shops are owned by those who live here, eat here, and invest here. Many times, we forget that they are our neighbors, too, and they work hard to bring unique experiences to our community, something that the next community doesn’t have. This holiday season we encourage you to shop local, to find that local business owner and support their business. Whether you are looking for that perfect hostess gift to bring to your holiday party or finding grandma the perfect gift, let’s remember to shop local. Bring your guest, family member or friend a little piece of Bismarck/Mandan, something more unique and different than Amazon.

This year we did something fun with our holiday issue. We partnered with Mandan Progress Organization to highlight all things holiday. The first half of Bismarck Magazine this month is all about our local shops, their Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Holiday deals and sales. Check out the local gift guide and see what unique things you can find. Back by popular demand is our 12 Days of Giving! We have partnered with local restaurants to give away gift cards to some of our favorite places starting December 1st. Watch us on Facebook to see how to win!

Now onto the second half of the magazine. Mandan Progress Organization is putting on a light show like nothing we have seen before, with bigger than life displays, photo ops and of course SANTA! Be sure to check out the Mandan light show EVERY NIGHT starting Saturday, November 26th. Read all about the light show and holiday activities starting on page 53.

Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Small Business Saturday, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Photo by NewAge Creative

Learn how you can put your time, knowledge and talent to use volunteering with AARP in North Dakota. Help make the communities where you live, work and play the best they can be while engaging with others who share your passion for service.

Get to know us at aarp.org/nd

Happy Holidays

from the Bismarck Magazine Team

Shopping local not only supports families right here in the area but also allows you to find unique, personalized gifts for the special people in your life. We asked seven local shops to select items that they thought would make your holiday gift giving a cinch. Be sure to stop in to the stores to peruse all their items, attend special holiday shopping events, especially Small Business Saturday, and shop holiday sales going on throughout the season.

Hiccups

Top 5 Ways You Can Support Our Local Businesses

There are so many ways we can support local this holiday season. Yes, every business loves when you walk in and spend money at their establishment, but it takes a lot more than just swiping your card. There are multiple ways to help your local small businesses and not all require a swipe.

1.Shop Local

I know this one sounds like a no brainer, but shopping locally goes beyond just helping a business grow their revenue. Not only are you spending

money in your community your allowing your money to stay in the community. You are helping that business owner employ other community members, building our local economy and helping keep unique products and services here in our town.

2.Buy Gift Cards

Maybe you are not sure what size someone is, or you want to give your friend an incredible dining experience. Buying local gift cards is a great way to help support our local talent. Even if a business doesn’t advertise

that they have gift cards, I bet they would love if you asked.

3.Spread the Word

Supporting local doesn’t always mean you have to support monetarily. Tell your friends about your new product or about your delicious dinner you just had. Word of mouth is always an effective way to advertise.

4.Leave a GOOD Review

Again, supporting local doesn’t always mean you have to buy

something. Did you know that surveys show that 95% of consumers read online reviews before they shop or eat somewhere? That is crazy. Your good review could mean so much more to that small business owner than even your purchase. So be sure to leave a review when you have an exceptional experience.

ways to spread the word about upcoming sales or promotions is through email. When they ask at checkout or offer you a promo, do them a favor and sign up, plus added bonus you will be the first to hear about their sales.

Be sure to be nice this season, remember that all our business owners are doing their best to make your experience enjoyable. A simple thank you goes a long way.

5.Sign

Up for their Email List or Reward Program

We all hate junk mail, but we also have all signed up for that email blast in order to get 10% off our purchase. Let’s do that for the small business too!

Many small businesses have a small marketing budget and one of the most cost effect

THE BEST DEALS, ALL WEEK LONG

We did all the investigating - you pick where and when!

BISMARCK

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

4-5:30 pm

$1 off draft beer

Anima Cucina

101 N 5th St

$2 off 6 oz glasses of wine $15 and under $3 off 6 oz glasses of wine over $15 10% off bottles of wine

4-5:30 pm $1 off draft beer $2 off 6 oz glasses of wine $15 and under $3 off 6 oz glasses of wine over $15 10% off bottles of wine

4-5:30 pm $1 off draft beer $2 off 6 oz glasses of wine $15 and under

$3 off 6 oz glasses of wine over $15 10% off bottles of wine

4-5:30 pm $1 off draft beer $2 off 6 oz glasses of wine $15 and under $3 off 6 oz glasses of wine over $15 10% off bottles of wine

4-5:30 pm $1 off draft beer $2 off 6 oz glasses of wine $15 and under $3 off 6 oz glasses of wine over $15 10% off bottles of wine

Blarney Stone Pub

408 E. Main

Broadway Grill and Tavern

Broadway Centre at 100 W

Broadway

3-6pm, 9-close $1 off draft beer $1 off bar pours $1 off house wine

3-6pm, 9-close $1 off draft beer $1 off bar pours $1 off house wine

3-6pm, 9-close $1 off draft beer $1 off bar pours $1 off house wine

3-6pm, 9-close $1 off draft beer $1 off bar pours $1 off house wine

3-6pm, 9-close $1 off draft beer $1 off bar pours $1 off house wine

9-close $1 off pints $1 off bar pours $1 off house wine

All Day $1 off pints $1 off bar pours $1 off house wine

3-6pm Happy Hour

$4 well drinks $4-4.50 beers $5-6 wine by the glass

The Bistro 1103 E Front Ave

3-6pm Happy Hour

$4 well drinks $4-4.50 beers $5-6 wine by the glass

5-7pm $4 domestic taps $5 tall import/ craft taps 50% off house wine bottle or glass $3 pours

3-6pm Happy Hour $4 well drinks $4-4.50 beers $5-6 wine by the glass

5-7pm $4 domestic taps $5 tall import/ craft taps 50% off house wine bottle or glass $3 pours

3-6pm Happy Hour

$4 well drinks $4-4.50 beers $5-6 wine by the glass. 25% wine bottles

5-7pm $4 domestic taps $5 tall import/ craft taps 50% off house wine bottle or glass $3 pours

3-6pm Happy Hour

$4 well drinks $4-4.50 beers $5-6 wine by the glass

3-6pm Happy Hour

$4 well drinks $4-4.50 beers $5-6 wine by the glass

Borrowed Bucks Roadhouse

118 S 3rd St

2-8pm $2.75 taps, domestic & bottles, & well drinks

Free Birthday Mug or Buy a $2 mug for $4 for taps, wells, and teas or $7 for topshelf

2-8pm $2.75 taps, domestic & bottles, & well drinks 8-10pm 241’s on all drinks behind the bar

2-8pm $2.75 taps, domestic & bottles, & well drinks 8-10pm Ladies' night $5 fishbowls $5 schooners for everyone

2-8pm $2.75 taps, domestic & bottles, & well drinks 8-10pm 241's on everything

2-8pm $2.75 taps, domestic & bottles, & well drinks 7-9pm 50 cent taps

4-8pm $2.75 taps, domestic bottles, and well drinks 7-10pm $10 all you can drink

WE ARE MIXING TUNES

Bismarck Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Peacock Alley

422 East Main

3-6pm, 9-close $4 tap beer pints $6 select wine, beer, margaritas

3-6pm, 9-close $4 tap beer pints $6 select wine, beer, margaritas

3-6pm, 9-close $4 tap beer pints $6 select wine, beer, margaritas

3-6pm, 9-close $4 tap beer pints $6 select wine, beer, margaritas

3-6pm, 9-close $4 tap beer pints $6 select wine, beer, margaritas

3-6pm, 9-close $4 tap beer pints $6 select wine, beer, margaritas

Sidelines

300 S 5th St

9pm-midnight $1 off domestic bottles & cans, $3 Ice Hole

Sports Page

1120 Tacoma Ave

Stadium Sports Bar

9pm-midnight $1 off tall draft beer, $3 shots of jag

3-6pm happy hour on well drinks, domestics & more

1247 W Divide Ave All Day $1 off drinks

Tap-In Tavern 601 Memorial Hwy All Day all drinks $3.25

Toasted Frog 124 N 4th St

3-6pm happy hour on well drinks, domestics & more

4-6pm $1 off drinks 4pm-midnight $1 off tall top beers

All Day all pounders $3.50

9pm-midnight 241s

9pm-midnight $3.50 Crown drinks $3 shots of Fireball

3-6pm happy hour on well drinks, domestics & more

4-6pm $1 off drinks 9-11pm 241 bottles

3-6pm happy hour on well drinks, domestics & more

8-10pm $2 & $3 you call it drinks

11am-5pm $3.50 pounders, bloody mary's and caesars 8-10pm $2 & $3 you call it drinks

9pm-midnight 241s

3-6pm happy hour on well drinks, domestics & more

4-6pm $1 off drinks All Day $4 Absoluts 3-7pm $1 off everything

11am-3pm $3 bloody marys, caesars, & clam diggers

All Day seltzers & domestic pints 3.50 2-7pm $1 off all drinks. 2-7pm $1 off all drinks. 2-7pm $1 off all drinks. All Day $2.75 domestics

4-6pm 50% off lavosh, taps, & glasses of wine

4-6pm 50% off lavosh, taps, & glasses of wine

4-6pm 50% off lavosh, taps, & glasses of wine

4-6pm 50% off lavosh, taps, & glasses of wine

4-6pm 50% off lavosh, taps, & glasses of wine

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Blackstone Tavern $4 Jack Daniels $3.50 Bacardi and Morgans $1 off Tap Beer $4 Crown Royal $4 Fire friday  $5 bomb shots All Day Happy Hour

Broken Oar

4724 Pintail Loop SE 4-6pm .50 off all drinks 4-6pm .50 off all drinks 4-6pm .50 off all drinks 4-6pm .50 off all drinks

4-6pm .50 off all drinks 12-6pm Men's day $2 domestics and wells

MANDAN LISTENING TO MIX

The Drink

4007 South Bay Dr SE

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

3-8pm $4.50 tall domestic, $3.25 short domestic bottles, & wells

3-8pm $4.50 tall domestic, $3.25 short domestic bottles, & wells

3-8pm $4.50 tall domestic, $3.25 short domestic bottles, & wells

3-8pm $4.50 tall domestic, $3.25 short domestic bottles, & wells

3-8pm $4.50 tall domestic, $3.25 short domestic bottles, & wells

Lonesome Dove

3929 Memorial Hwy

12-5pm $2.50 regular drink and beer, 5-7pm $3 regular drinks and beer

12-5pm $2.50 regular drink and beer, 5-7pm $3 regular drinks and beer

12-5pm $2.50 regular drink and beer, 5-7pm $3 regular drinks and beer

12-5pm $2.50 regular drink and beer, 5-7pm $3 regular drinks and beer

12-5pm $2.50 regular drink and beer, 5-7pm $3 regular drinks and beer

12-5pm $2.50 regular drink and beer, 5-7pm $3 regular drinks and beer

12-5pm $2.50 regular drink and beer, 5-7pm $3 regular drinks and beer

Last Call

118 W Main St All Day Happy hour

Powerhouse Bar & Grill

501 Burlington St SE

Rusty's Saloon and Grill

2331 Co Rd 136 St. Anthony, ND

Strawberry Bar

210 W Main

4-6pm $2.75 Domestic bottles & well drinks $3.75 Tall Taps

All Day Happy Hour $1 off drinks

4-6pm $2.75 Domestic bottles & well drinks $3.75 Tall Taps

Happy Hour 11am-1pm & 4-7pm 7-11pm 241’s

4-6pm $2.75 Domestic bottles & well drinks $3.75 Tall Taps

Happy Hour 11am-1pm & 4-7pm All Day $4 Long Island teas

4-6pm $2.75 Domestic bottles & well drinks $3.75 Tall Taps

Happy Hour 11am-1pm & 4-7pm All Day $3 Fireball shots

4-6pm $2.75 Domestic bottles & well drinks $3.75 Tall Taps

Happy Hour 11am-1pm & 4-7pm $4 Bomb Shots

Happy Hour 11am-1pm & 4-7pm $3 Canned Beers

Vicky’s 106 2nd Ave NW

$6 mules $4 house wines

6-10pm 241 beers, All day 241 well drinks

11-1pm & 5-7pm $3 beers, $4 turkey bombs, $3 well drinks

LINCOLN

DJ's Tavern

70 Santee Rd

$1 off whiskey drinks $6 mules $4 house wines $6 mules $4 house wines $6 mules $4 house wines

6-10pm 241 beers, All day 241 well drinks

11-1pm & 5-7pm $3 beers, $3 Jack Fires, $1 off taps

6-10pm 241 beers, All day 241 well drinks

11-1pm & 5-7pm $3 beers, $3 lemon drops, & 241s

$3 Fireball shots and drinks $6 mules $4 house wines

6-10pm 241 beers, All day 241 well drinks 6-10pm 241 well drinks 6-10pm 241 well drinks

11-1pm & 5-7pm $3 beers, $3 Fireball

11-1pm & 5-7pm $3 beers, $3 Fireball & Margan's

6-10pm 241 beers, All day 241 well drinks

11-1pm & 5-7pm $3 beers $3 pounders & Screwball 11-1pm & 5-7pm $3 beers

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

4-7pm happy hour 2.75 domestics, bottles, and wells .50 off other drinks

4-7pm happy hour 2.75 domestics, bottles, and wells .50 off other drinks

4-7pm happy hour 2.75 domestics, bottles, and wells .50 off other drinks

4-7pm happy hour 2.75 domestics, bottles, and wells .50 off other drinks

4-7pm happy hour 2.75 domestics, bottles, and wells .50 off other drinks

1-4pm happy hour 2.75 domestics, bottles, and wells .50 off other drinks

Buckets of Beer (domestic) $16

SEASON’S greetings greetings from

Edward

Being

Edward Jones celebrates Mandan Holiday Lights on Main

Being part of the community means caring

Being part of the community means caring

Being part of the community means caring

November-December

November-December

November-December

Edward Jones celebrates Mandan Holiday Lights on Main Vanessa

Mandan, ND

Mandan, ND

November-December

Mandan, ND

Official Holiday Lights of Mandan Guide

Holiday Lights of Bismarck, Mandan and Lincoln

presenting sponsor

S i m p l y D i f f e r e n t .

From:

Welcome

Mandan is a community that surrounds itself with events that foster wonderful traditions and memories. The Christmas holidays are a time for memories and being together with family, friends, and community.

The 2022 Holiday season is a start of a new era for attractions in Mandan, and this winter season we bring to Mandan the “Mandan Holiday Lights on Main” transforming the newly renovated Dykshoorn Park along with Heritage Park, the Mandan Depot, the Beanery, and the Morton Mandan Public Library. For 40 plus nights, the “Mandan Holiday Lights on Main” will serve as a central, vibrant, and engaging community space which will inspire the holiday senses through a collection of innovative traditional and modern largerthan-life displays.

The holiday lights attraction will engage the traditional spirit of the holiday seasons along with activities that will exemplify Mandan’s unique event creating philosophy. We really hope that the community enjoys creating core moments in the “Mandan Holiday

Lights on Main”, like capturing a perfect holiday selfie, a Christmas family picture, or even an engagement. We want to thank the business community for supporting the inaugural season of this attraction and the wonderful ways to give back to the community. Through non-perishable food drives, freewill donations to community groups and the Christmas Trees of Charity found in the Morton Mandan Public Library.

With the spirit of the holidays arriving, we the Mandan Progress Organization board, staff, and community members want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays in Mandan.

Matt Schanandore, Executive Director Mandan Progress Organization

Sponsor Nights

Date Sponsors Night

Adopt a Night Partner

November 25th, 2022 Farmer’s Union Insurance Mandan Morton Community Fund

November 26th, 2022 Pizza Ranch Healthy Familes North Dakota

November 27th, 2022 BNC Natioanal Bank

November 28th, 2022 BNI Coal

November 29th, 2022 First Community Credit Union Mandan Moose Lodge

November 30th, 2022 I Heart Media MIX 92.9

December 1st, 2022 City of Mandan

December 2nd, 2022 MDU Utilities

December 3rd, 2022 BNSF Railroad Furry Friends Rockin Rescue

December 4th, 2022 Bismarck Larks

December 5th, 2022 Gate City Bank

December 6th, 2022 KXMB News

December 7th, 2022 Bearscat Bakehouse

BPW Women’s Art Project DWAC

December 8th, 2022 Farmer’s Union Insurance Rebuilding Together Greater BisMan Area

December 9th, 2022 Starion Bank Mandan Kachina Dance Team

December 10th, 2022 Heritage Electric LLC Mandan Marlins Swim Club

December 11th, 2022 Railway Credit Union Leiws and Clark PTO

December 12th, 2022 Ideal Image Dentistry and Spa

December 13th, 2022 Bravera Bank Central Dakota Humane Society

December 14th, 2022 Bismarck Magazine

December 15th, 2022 Farmer’s Union Insurance Addilynn’s Bee-lievers

December 16th, 2022 Security First Bank Friends of the Morton Mandan Public Library

December 17th, 2022 BNSF Railroad Bismarck Cancer Center

December 18th, 2022 Plains Commerce Bank

December 19th, 2022 I Heart Media MIX 92.9

December 20th, 2022 Edward Jones

December 21st, 2022 City of Mandan

December 22nd, 2022 Farmer’s Union Insurance

December 23rd, 2022 Mandan Progress Organization

December 24th, 2022 Mandan Progress Organization

December 25th, 2022 Merry Christmas

January 1st, 2023 Happy New Year

"

BNSF has supported many organizations and events in Mandan and Bismarck for decades because we strive to be a positive force in communities where we serve customers and our own employees and their families live, work and play. The Mandan Light Show is an exciting new destination for Mandan and we are proud to be able to help make that happen.

BNSF’s presence in Mandan provides good jobs for our employees and allows other businesses to grow. We also want to be part of events that help shape and improve where people live. This Light Show is one of those events that will help bring people together and create community." - BNSF Railway

"Starion Bank is thrilled to be the premier sponsor of Mandan Holiday Lights on Main. What an opportunity to add even more joy and wonder to the holidays and build a unique and iconic display in the wonderful city of Mandan. When asked if we'd like to help out, we of course said yes!"- Starion Bank

“Rooted in the history of the communities in which we serve since our small-town beginnings, Plains Commerce is always looking for ways to get involved locally. Sponsoring the Trees of Charity at the Mandan Holiday of Lights for its inaugural year was an opportunity that fit right in with our traditional values.” -Plains Commerce Bank

“Montana-Dakota is proud to be part of the Mandan community and this exciting new event.  What a great way to ring in the Holiday Season, by lighting it up and creating new family traditions for years to come.” -Montana-Dakota Utilities

A Family Christmas Tradition

By Maria Fleck

Every year after Thanksgiving, the lights go on at 2228 Kennedy Ave, and people flock to see them until they turn off a week after New Year’s. The Chmielewskis pour countless hours into creating an incredible display every year for their community.

The tradition started about 20 years ago. Homeowners Kathy and Al Chmielewski have two sons whose enthusiasm for Christmas decorating started it all. “For Christmas, they would ask for Christmas lights for presents. They would come home from school, and they would decorate. Every year it just got bigger and bigger,” describes Kathy. Every year since then, Kathy, Al, their two sons, and other family members come to help with the large display that takes one to two months to fully set up. “It’s a big family event. Just about every weekend they’re here helping put stuff up,” says Al. “[One of my favorite] parts is when all the kids are here to help, and we just get to goof around.”

Besides the lights, nearly everything on display in the Chmielewskis’ yard is handmade by Al with the aid of his sons. The Ferris wheel, the carousel, the ski lift, and the roller coaster are all just a few of the handmade displays that Al made himself. And the Chmielewskis are still making their display bigger and bigger, “Every year we try to do something new,” says Kathy. This year, Al says to keep an eye out for some new animation elements.

While the handmade elements are the display’s showstopper, the Chmielewskis’ home is also known for its brilliant glow. Over 100,000 lights contribute to the bright display. One of the first decorations the Chmielewskis included was the large star on their roof. “I wanted it big so everyone could see it from way around,” describes Kathy. “Well, my boys wanted it bright. They’re into the bright, so they ordered lights for me that are commercial. I don’t know how many lumens they are, but they’re brighter than any lights even a business would have. They stand out.”

Mandan Holiday Lights on Main www.VisitMandan.com

Putting up a display of this size with so many handmade elements is an incredible amount of work, and for the Chmielewskis, is a labor of love for their community. “It’s a lot of hard work… My favorite part is when it’s done, and we can enjoy seeing the people come through and visiting with them… You really see and hear how much people appreciate it and how much they enjoy it,” explains Al. People come from far and wide to visit the Chmielewski Christmas Corner. The display has had visitors not only from across the country, but from across the world. Some people will drive from out of state just to see this display every year. Knowing how much people love their display makes it all worth it for Kathy and Al. “It started as such a little thing and grew into this,” says Kathy. Last year alone, they estimate that over 54,000 people came to visit.

The Chmielewski Christmas Corner has even gained national attention. In 2018, the house was on ABC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight for its elaborate display and handmade elements. The Christmas display has also seen its fair share of marriage proposals, wedding photos, and even music videos. “One of the coolest things was when Tigirlily was here. They filmed their Christmas video here,” says Al. The Chmielewskis even use their Christmas display to give back to those in need, teaming up last year with Toys for Tots.

This year, the display promises to be just as impressive as ever. If you love Christmas lights, take the time this holiday season to drive over to the Chmielewski Christmas Corner. The lights are usually on Monday through Thursday from 5-11 pm and Friday through Sunday from 5 pm until midnight. On the weekends, there are often concessions available and a certain jolly man in a red suit can be found there, too. If you do visit this amazing light show, please be mindful of the handmade displays and respectful of the neighbors’ property. You can also follow the Chmielewskis on Facebook at CCClights.

Christmas at the Library

By Maria Fleck

The newly remodeled Morton Mandan Public Library is spreading Christmas cheer this year by fully embracing the spirit of festivity and offering several different programs that will be sure to get you in a jolly mood.

All the Morton Mandan Library Christmas programs and events will kick off the first day after Thanksgiving. That very first Friday they will have a young local author come in, do a reading, and sign books after. Children and their parents will be invited to replicate part of the story by setting up tents and reading a Christmas story. The Library is also planning a parentchild holiday ball.

On a regular basis, Thursdays will be a book activity night, Fridays will be Family Frolic Nights (activities will include caroling, a craft vendor show, and more), and Saturdays will be a movie night. The Library will put on classic Christmas movies for people to enjoy over the holiday season. After watching a sentimental Christmas movie, you can walk right outside and enjoy the festive Christmas display along Main Street. Keep an eye out for the huge Santa chair which will be located outside the library, although it may occasionally find its way inside for various events.

The Library is also hosting the “Christmas Trees of Charity” event. Local non-profits and businesses are invited to sponsor a tree that they will decorate with a unique design. Twenty of these trees will be spread throughout the library, and people will have the chance to vote for their favorite one. The top three trees will win a monetary prize that will go to support their mission.

During the holiday season, the Library will extend their hours until seven to help support the Holiday Lights

for the Christmas Trees of Charity this holiday season at the Mandan Holiday of Lights on Main.

Christmas Trees are decorated and benefiting local charities, community organizations and groups!

Member FDIC

on Main Street. Bathrooms will be available, and the library will serve as a place to get out of the cold. Shawna Marion, community engagement coordinator at the Morton Mandan Public Library, is excited for the hustle and bustle of the season. “I’m looking forward to the noise and activity level passing in and out of the building,” she explains. She hopes that all the library events will inspire the participants to visit the lights outside after they attend a book reading or movie showing. To keep up with the Library events, check them out on Facebook @MortonMandanPL

Mandan Holiday Lights on Main www.VisitMandan.com

Mandan Holiday Lights on Main Library Events

Date Time Activity

Fri., Nov, 25 4:00 – 5:00

Family Frolic Night: Holiday Tea Party with Guest Author Jonathan O’Konek

Sat., Nov. 26 4:00 – 5:00 Big Screen Getaway

Thur., Dec. 1 4:00- 5:00 Book Adventures

Fri., Dec. 2nd 6:00 – 7:00 Family Frolic Night: Family Movin’ & Groovin’ with Jazmyn from the Jazz Co. Dance Academy

Sat., Dec 3rd 4:00 – 5:30 Big Screen Getaway

Thurs., Dec. 8th 4:00 – 5:00 Book Adventures

Fri., Dec 9th 6:00-6:30

Family Frolic Night Christmas Caroling By the Fireplace

Sat., Dec. 10th 4:00 – 5:30 Big Screen Getaway

Thurs., Dec. 15th 4:00 – 5:00 Book Adventures

Fri., Dec. 16th 6:00 – 8:00

Family Frolic Night: Holiday Ball with BeLoud Entertainment

Sat., Dec. 17th 4:00 -5:30 Big Screen Getaway

Thurs., Dec. 22nd 4:00 – 5:00 Book Adventures

Fri., Dec. 23rd 4:00 – 6:00 Family Frolic & Big Screen Getawy in One Night

Sat., Dec. 24th Closed

Thurs., Dec. 29th 4:00 – 5:00 Book Adventures

Fri., Dec. 30th 4:00 – 5:00 Family Frolic Night

Sat., Dec. 31st Closed

Thurs., Jan. 5th 4:00 – 5:00 Book Adventures

Frl, Jan. 6th 4:00 – 5:00

Family Frolic Night: Unwind from the Holidays Yoga with Keri from The Studio

Sat., Jan. 7th 3:30 – 5:30 Big Screen Getaway

Lions Club Christmas Tree Lot

By Maria Fleck

The Mandan Lions Club has served the community since 1939. The Lions Club is dedicated to raising donations for different local and international organizations through various events and fundraisers. One of these fundraisers is their annual Christmas tree lot located at Heritage Park in Mandan. The Lions Club started this tradition in 1964, making this their 59th consecutive year of selling Christmas trees. The club sells anywhere from 300500 trees every year. The lot is usually open from the Monday before Thanksgiving until they sell out of trees. “The community has been great, and they’re buying all the trees out in a couple weeks,” says Dennis Friesz, the secretary of the Mandan Lions Club. All proceeds raised go to the various charitable organizations they support. Last year they raised about $10,000.

The Lions Club lot has Christmas trees of all sizes, from four feet tall to twelve feet. The most popular varieties of trees are the Douglas firs and Fraser firs, but they also sell Balsam firs and Black Hills Blue spruces. If you are looking for more than just a tree, they also sell wreaths in a variety of shapes, including traditional, candy cane, and cross. Christmas tree shopping can be a fun family tradition, so be sure to visit the Mandan Lions' lot and bring your family along for lasting Christmas memories.

Mandan Holiday Lights on Main www.VisitMandan.com

'Tis the Season of Giving

By Maria Fleck

An important part of the Mandan Holiday Lights is the opportunity it provides for charitable donations. Local organizations, agencies, and even businesses have the opportunity to sponsor one of the Holiday Lights nights. They can then host some sort of event or sell holiday treats at the park, take the money earned from their event and use it to support their mission. The other major way the Holiday Lights will promote charitable giving this Christmas season is through its partnership with AID, Inc. On any night you get the chance to stroll through the Mandan Lights, take some pictures, listen to some music, and also give back to those in need. Instead of selling anything, they are asking visitors to bring non-perishable food items for their food pantry.

AID, Inc is one of the few non-profits located in Mandan, and the only one with their specific mission. AID helps low-income people in the Burleigh-Morton county who are in need of emergency assistance. Rather than being a shelter or a permanent solution, AID is there to help those who are experiencing a serious setback and need help getting back on their feet. Patti Regan, executive director of AID, explains, “This isn’t a handout. It’s a hand up.” The hope is that once AID has helped someone with their situation, they never need to come back to AID again.

If you would like to help donate to AID’s food pantry, please remember to check if the food you are donating is expired. Also, while canned food is greatly appreciated, packaged food is preferred simply because it is easier for people to make a full meal with. Examples include hamburger helper, pasta, rice, or instant mashed potatoes. If you are interested in further helping AID’s cause, you can donate money directly to their organization or volunteer at their thrift store. For more information, visit aidincnd.com

Mandan Holiday Lights on Main www.VisitMandan.com

The History Behind the Holiday Lights on Main

By Maria Fleck

The Christmas display in Dykshoorn Park in Mandan has been an enduring tradition. Now, this festive light show is being revitalized and adapted into a new Christmas light show that will enhance the traditional Christmas displays that so many have come to know and love.

The original Christmas display in downtown Mandan started 26 years ago. Gene Veil and Del Wetsch wanted to bring Christmas cheer to more places than just Main Street, and they thought a Christmas display in Dykshoorn Park would be the perfect way to do this. After gaining support from the community, they went ahead with the project. The design of the display was a celebration of Mandan through the years, with nods to their slogan, “Where the West Begins,” and the railroad, along with traditional Christmas touches. The original Christmas display in Dykshoorn Park included a train, stage coach, carolers and a band, the three magi, and the traditional nativity scene of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. They also included evergreen trees, deer, and buffalo throughout the display, and a large archway that welcomes people into the park. Mandan Steel Fabricators designed and built all the displays which were completely paid for by sponsors.

Leo Philips and Del, along with other volunteers, strung the lights along the frames built by Mandan Steel Fabricators and spent many cold hours putting the display together. As the display grew in popularity, it also grew in size and spread. The display took on a river boat, then an angel with bell towers, then Rudolph with a sled that says Mandan across it. And the Christmas display is only continuing to grow, thanks to continual community support and the

Mandan Holiday Lights on Main www.VisitMandan.com

efforts of the Mandan Progress Organization.

This year, the Christmas lights in Mandan will incorporate Dykshoorn Park, Heritage Park, the Mandan Depot, the Beanery, and the Morton Mandan Public Library. New modern light displays will be added to the traditional Christmas displays. The new displays will enhance the old ones, turning this tradition into a larger community celebration. The lights will turn on the day after Thanksgiving and run until January 7th. Lights will be on from 5pm to 10 pm every night.

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