ONLY IN NISSWA

Kindergartners riding in a Nisswa fire truck

• During Fir e Prevention Week in October, firefighters from the local fire hall arrive at Nisswa Elementary School with sirens blaring to spray the building with fire hoses, give high-fives to students while dressed in full firefighting gear before sharing a fire safety presentation, then boost the young students into fire trucks and take them to the fire hall.

Fourth graders marching down the street behind a Color Guard • Nisswa Elementary School fourth-graders get a firsthand lesson in patriotism during a flag disposal ceremony at the Nisswa American Legion in the fall. Legion members march with students a half-mile from the school to the Legion to then show them the proper way to retire a flag and fold a flag. Students then get a chance to fold a flag on their own.

Turtle races, of course

• Surely you've raced turtles in downtown Nisswa. But did you know locals officially kick off the season when all Nisswa School students hike over to the turtle track in May for a day of racing? The Nisswa A&W donates root beer floats for every student. Halloween parade

• Visit downtown Nisswa on Halloween and you won't believe your eyes. Everyone from merchants to Nisswa School students and staff — including the principal — dresses in costume as students parade through downtown for trick-or-treating at businesses. It's a sight to see!