6 SoMinn SCENE City-By-City Holid ay Shopping Guide
A guide of regional places to shop for that hard to shop for person on your list. 10 Biggest SoMinn Holiday Events
A roundup of holiday events across the SoMinn SCENE region.
12 Some Holiday Stage Magic
The best seasonal shows in the SCENE region.
Philip Weyhe at editor@southernminnscene.com, 507-931-8579 or follow him on Twitter @EditorPhilipWeyhe WANT TO
Deanna Boland - 507-340-5806 deanna.boland@apgsomn.com
DESIGNER Kate Townsend-Noet
The holiday season is, once again, upon us! Trees will go up, lights will be lit, and gifts will be bought. Truth be told, I love it all. This season gives even the most cynical among us an excuse to temporarily indulge in all things magical, regardless of practicality.
It’s time to enjoy pretty things just because they are pretty, eat candy because it’s delicious, and give our loved ones gifts just because we love them.
If you’re like me, you pride yourself on giving the “perfect” gift. I use gift-giving as a way to show my people how well, hopefully, I know them, and therefore, how much I care for them. But sometimes that is easier said than done. If you have a melophile — someone who loves music — on your list, then allow me to assist. Here is a list of my favorite albums by local Minnesota artists to gift to friends and family — and where to find them.
Durry - “Suburban Legend”; 2023; durrymusic.com
The newest selection on my list; every song is good. Catch them on the way up.
Kiss the Tiger - “Vicious Kid”; 2021; kissthetiger.com/merch
I just really like all the songs on this one. However, seeing them in person is really the best way to experience KTT; tickets to a show (or promised tickets) make a great gift, too.
Prince - “Purple Rain”; 1984; store.prince.com/dept
If you don’t know why I put this on the list, I’m afraid we can never be friends.
Dessa - “Chime”; 2018; dessawander.com
Every Dessa release is my favorite. I just closed my eyes and threw a dart.
Bad Bad Hats - “Psychic Reader”; 2015; badbadhats. square.site/
This is an oldie, but a goodie.
Your Smith/Caroline Smith“Bad Habit”; 2018 EP and “Wild Wild Woman”; 2019 EP
So, I tried to find someplace to buy a physical copy of these EPs. No such luck. These will have to be a recommended download. But hey, a good recommendation should fit in to even the smallest of budgets. If these two EPs got together, they would make one fabulous album, baby.
- “Feeling Strangely Fine”; 1998; shop-semisonic.com
Possibly the defining album of my youth. It came out the year I graduated from high school and got me through long drives home from college my freshman year.
Obviously all or most of these albums can be downloaded from your platform of choice. But there is still something I can’t let go of when it comes to owning a physical copy of my favorite music. I’m not saying to not listen to the downloaded versions, but there is no replacement for having a physical copy, cassette, CD, or vinyl that I can touch and feel.
And, whenever possible, the links above take you to the official websites of each artist. If you would prefer to shop in person for your gifts, I recommend first trying an independent record store in your area. You just might find something for everyone on your list in one spot. You never know what treasures you will find within.
And, really, isn’t that a kind of holiday magic in itself?
Jermey Messersmith - “The Reluctant Graveyard”; 2010; jeremymessersmith.com
This is the one with “A Girl, a Boy, and a Graveyard.” Need I say more.
Lizzo - “Cuz I Love You”; 2019; store.lizzomusic.com/products
She maybe wasn’t born here, but she grew and flourished here, and I’m claiming her as a local forever.
Hippo Campus - “Landmark”; 2017; hippocampus.band/#shop
Again, you can’t really go wrong with any Hippo Campus album, and some of their best stuff is on their EPs, but I went with this one.
Bob Dylan - “The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan”; 1963; bobdylan. com/ albums/ freewheelinbob-dylan
About every
Bob Dylan album has at least one epic song on it. And Since Bob has reinvented himself at least 10 times over his career, you could really have an album for every mood. I’m currently in a “Freewheelin” mood.
By TOM NELSON Guest Contributor
In search of that perfect gift for that someone special on your holiday shopping list? Well, there is no need to travel far since there is an outstanding assortment of unique shops and boutiques right here in Southern Minnesota that will help you meet all of your Christmas shopping needs in 2024.
Throughout the area, Southern Minnesota shoppers have a wide range of shopping opportunities ranging from large retail establishments like Target, Walmart and Fleet Farm to mall shopping in Medford, Mankato, the Twin Cities and Rochester.
The Southern Minn Scene area boasts a large selection of local shopping spots in towns and cities throughout the region. These “shop small” experiences can be typically found in locally owned retail outlets in unique store locations and they offer a wide range of merchandise, which is often locally crafted or produced.
One of those stores is Swedish Kontur in St. Peter, which is located at 310 S. Minnesota Ave. in the historic downtown. A longtime favorite, Swedish Kontur has been selling a variety of Scandinavian merchandise at its current location since 1973 and it is currently owned
by sisters Jennifer Bjorling, Lisa Grant and Susie Heim.
“Our parents started this shop in 1962 and more recently, now that both of them have passed away, we share the shop,” Heim said. “Our parents (Anders and Janet Bjorling) started the business in our house and we’ve been down here since 1973 in this location.”
Heim explained the connection to St. Peter, “My father grew up in Sweden and he met my Mom (who was from Iowa) up at Gustavus. They went back to live in Sweden for four years after graduation and then at that point they came back here and people said you need to sell some of the Scandinavian merchandise over here.”
At the start, the Bjorling’s would frequently travel back to Sweden to obtain new merchandise and establish connections with new vendors. Much of their initial business was centered around glassware, including products from noted Swedish glassware companies such as Orefors and Kosta Boda.
Over the years many much of the Scandinavian merchandise is now available through vendors from the Twin Cities and other locations in the United States. Heim will meet with many of these vendors in person and others through online outlets. Some of the connections began with her parents and now Heim is working
with second generation contacts at some of the vendors she deals with.
“There are also some local Minnesota vendors that we use as long as there is a Scandinavian design or feel to it,” Heim said.
The holiday shopping season is always a busy one at Swedish Kontur and Heim sees an interest from customers in shopping local.
“I would say that anybody that has retail, this last quarter is pretty significant for all of us. We appreciate local shopping and the customers that come in and purchase from us as opposed to online,” Heim said. “ think it is great to shop local and St. Peter is a good destination and I hope people come on out to see what we are all about.”
The store offers a large array of Scandinavian items ranging from home decor, clothing, shoes, cards, jewelry, gift items, candles and Scandinavian food items - along with a full line of festive holiday decorations.
“People do love all the ornaments and other decorating pieces that we have right now. As we get more toward Christmas it will shift more to gift items…sweaters and clogs. We have Icebug boots that are phenomenal in the winter and have cleats on the bottom so they keep you upright on the ice,” Heim said.
The large number of Scandinavians that call Minnesota home and the close proximity to
Gustavus Adolphus College has been a natural fit for a shop like Swedish Kontur in St. Peter
“There are a lot of Scandinavians that live in the area and that certainly helps us but I wouldn’t limit it to that either because I think there are a lot of people who are just interested in the (Scandanavian) design…sort of streamline and clean and people appreciate that kind of look,” Heim said.
Through social media, advertising and word of mouth, Swedish Kontur continues to attract customers from near and far. The majority of their business is from in store shopping although they will ship to customers if needed.
“We are seeing a lot of traffic from Sioux Falls, heading to the Cities and back and forth. A lot of Southern Minnesota and outstate also, we are not just limited to this immediate area and that’s increasing all of the time,” Heim said. “I was just looking at the numbers the other day and 50 percent of the people who came in during October were new customers. There’s a lot of local shoppers but there are a lot from other areas coming here and that is great to see.”
As part of a vibrant retail scene in downtown St. Peter, Swedish Kontur recently held a holiday open house to kick off the shopping season and it has joined other stores downtown with open hours on Sunday afternoons through
Christmas.
“I think St. Peter is becoming a destination with various stores and we have a new Paddlefish Brewery. I think people are looking at St. Peter as a destination,” Heim said.
Another downtown shopping destination in Southern Minnesota is the Fleur De Lis Gallery in Faribault. The gallery began as a pop-up store in 2016 and opened as a permanent store in 2017 and has been at its current location at 318 Central Ave. since 2019.
“We were a holiday pop up to start with but I kept running into people who said we need this store in town. So we are going on our eighth year which is really exciting and I have over 60 artists that I am working with right now and we started with 10,” said Jessica Brill, owner and curator of the Fleur De Lis Gallery.
The gallery offers an amazing selection of items that range from household decor to clothing to jewelry. All of the items for sale are handmade by artisans and 90 percent are created by local artists.
“Our artists are local,” Prill said. “We have a couple from the Twin Cities but primarily they are from south of the Cities.”
One of those artists whose products are available at the gallery is Prill, who is a silversmith and jewelry maker. The store serves as her studio and customers can often watch her creating new works of art while they shop. Her jewelry is just part of the eclectic mix of merchandise featured in the store.
“If it fits with the vibe of the gallery all are welcome,” Prill said of her criteria for selecting the type of items found in her shop.
Prill said business typically picks up around
the holiday shopping season and she will offer Sunday shopping hours in December and Faribault’s upcoming Winterfest on Dec. 5-7 will be a perfect opportunity to find holiday treasures at stores in town.
“I get people from all over the place,” Priil said of her customer base. “We have our regulars and locals who definitely support us and come in regularly but there are a lot of passerby’s. With Faribault being right off the freeway, they come downtown to find lunch and then come in here. I think our stuff is so unique and you can’t get it anywhere else, so when they find it here they get really excited and tell their friends and make day trips to come here.”
A resident of Faribault, Prill has been active in the retail business for many years and previously ran a store in Northfield for five years. She went on to work as a sale representative before opening Fleur De Lis.
“I had a child and had to quit my job but I had my jewelry and I wanted to make an income while I was raising her. So, I started this just to have a place where I could do my jewelry and people could come in and watch me work.
CONTINUED page 8
CONTINUED from page 8
I also found other people who wanted to put their art in here and the word grew,” Prill said about the creation of the gallery.
Along with the gallery, Prill also opened a coffee shop in the hallway across from her store that has since become a popular spot in down-
said. “People tell me I am like therapist. They come in and they feel comfortable here and a lot of people tell me how inspired they feel even if they didn’t buy something…and that’s everything for me.”
Here are just SOME of the great places nearby to help you wrap up your shopping before Santa drops down the chimney:
Burkhartzmeyer Shoes, 128 Central Ave. N., Faribault, burkhartzmeyershoes.net, 507-3347774. Open Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Serving Faribault for over 75 years, Burkhartzmeyer Shoes offers a full range of footwear brands and styles along with orthotic services and shoe repair.
Chappuis Jewelers, 413 Central Ave. N., Faribault, chappuisjewelers.com, 507-334-7114.
Open Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday by appointment only. Chappuis has been showcasing diamond and fine jewelry since 1933 in Faribault.
Faribault Woolen Mill Factory Store, 1500 NW Second Ave., Faribault, faribaultmill. com, 507-412-5534. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday -Saturday. Bed blankets, throws, baby blankets, pillow cases, scarves, caps, mittens, wine bags, beverage sleeves, fingerless gloves, shawls,cardigans.
Fleur de Lis Gallery, 318 Central Ave. N., Faribault, fleurdelisgallery.com. Open TuesdayFriday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The gallery features one-of-a-kind handmade items created by local artists and craftspeople.
Star Sports & Apparel, 110 Division St. W, Faribault, starsportsandapparel.com, 507-3329809. Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Sports equipment of all kinds, fan apparel for many area schools/teams, scarves, gloves, water bottles, shoes.
Simply Saved Thrift Store, 107 W 1st St., Janesville, facebook.com/SimplySavedThriftStore. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Emphasizes clean, quality items at affordable prices.
Tatge Jewelry, 625 Second St., Kenyon, tatgejewelry.com, 507-789-6522. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday - Friday; 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday. Jewelry (earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets) Seiko and Citizen watches, clocks (cuckoo, mantel, grandfather, floor, table-top).
St. Mary’s Thrift Store, 69 E. Minnesota St., Le Center, facebook.com/thriftstoreonminnesota, 507-357-6942, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. New and used clothing (wide variety of sizes), shoes, houseware items, toys, home décor and more.
Treasures in Town Thrift Store, 206 S. Main Street, Le Sueur, 507-665-4923, Tuesday-Friday 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Treasures in Town offers a wide range of clothing, home decor, household items and more at its location in Le Sueur.
Lady Bug Thrift Shop, 116 S. Broadway, New Richland, 507-463-3443. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 1-6 p.m. Wednesday; 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. A high quality consignment store which sells clothing for the entire family, household items, collectables and antiques and small furniture.
Cheap Chics Designs, 704 N. 3rd St., Nicollet, 507-232-1112, cheapchicsdesigns.com. 12-6 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Men’s, women’s and kids apparel, accessories and gifts with affordable prices, trendy designs and hints of adult humor.
Content Bookstore, 314 Division St. S., Northfield, contentbookstore.com , 507-2229238, Open Monday-Wednesday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Books and audiobooks for all ages and interests, calendars, puzzles, greeting cards, stationary and journals along with a large selection of children’s toys and educational material.
Mainstream Boutique, 506 Division St. S., Northfield, northfield.mainstreamboutique. com , 507-366-6786, Open Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Located in downtown Northfield, Mainstream Boutique offers a wide range of clothing items and accessories for women.
The Measuring Cup, 320 Division St. S., Northfield, measuringcupofnorthfield.com , 507-664-9152, The perfect place to holiday shop for those who like to create in the kitchen. The Measuring Cup offers a full line of cutlery, bakeware, cookware, cook’s tools, gourmet food/beverage items and seasonings.
Mercado Local, 108 Fifth Street E., Northfield, 507-321-4420. Open Wednesday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. A variety of products from Latin artisans and sellers that includes art, jewelry, home goods and food.
The Sketchy Artist, 315 Division St. S., Northfield, the-sketchy-artist.square.site, 507645-2811. Open Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Art supplies, drawing pads, notebooks, journals and gift items.
MN Soulstice Boutique, 425 Division St. S., Northfield, 507-366-1386. Open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday; Tuesday-Wednesday and Friday-Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 12 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Men’s, women’s and children’s clothing (80% of brands are Companies with a Cause), accessories, home decor.
Monarch Gift Shop, 405 Division St. S., Northfield, monarchgiftshop.com, 507-6637720, Monday-Friday 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Gifts, jewelry, greeting cards, women’s apparel, decor items, soaps and lotions.
Petalina Mercantile Co., 313 Division St. S., petalinamercantile.com , 507-200-0762. Call for hours. Household decor, candles, gifts, speciality foods, jewelry and clothing. Featuring locally crafted merchandise.
Rare Pair, 401 Division St. S., Northfield, rarepair.com, 507-645-4257. Open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday - Wednesday, Friday, Saturday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday; 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Women’s and men’s apparel, footwear, accessories (hats, handbags, socks), jackets, coats.
town Faribault.
Prill has watched the rebounding growth of business in downtown Faribault and believes that people enjoy being able to shop in person at small stores like hers while supporting local business.
“You come in here and it is a very friendly environment and I get to know people,” Prill
Wise Furniture Company, 106 Ferry St., Le Sueur, wise-furnitureco.com, 507-665-2238.
Open 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Appliances, TVs, bedding, flooring, lamps, rugs, clocks, mirrors, furniture.
Bellebrook Boutique, 118 N. Oak Ave., Owatonna, bellebrookboutique.com, 507-413-0045. Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Women’s clothing, accessories, stocking hats, Minky blankets.
Graif Clothing, 202 W. Bridge St., Owatonna, graifclothing.com, 507-413-0114. See listing under Mankato for details.
Kottke Jewelers, 115 N. Cedar Ave., Owatonna, kottkejewelers.com , 507-451-6644, Tuesday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 4
p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. A full service jewelry shop established in 1919 that offers watches, fashion items, bridal and custom jewelry.
Owatonna Shoe, 121 N. Cedar Ave., Owatonna, owatonnashoe. com , 507451-4640, MondayWednesday and Friday 9
a.m. to 5:30
P.M., Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday
12 p.m. to 4 p.m. A family owned and operated shoe store in downtown Owatonna since 1946. Offers a full range of boots and shoes for work, dress, casual and play for all ages.
bikes, sports equipment and active wear.
Urban Loft, 303 N. Cedar Ave., Owatonna, shopurbanloft.com, 507-382-5486, Tuesday and Thursday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A collection of clothing, home decor items and a variety of gift ideas for the holidays.
Straight River Sports, 222 Bridge Street, Owatonna, straightriversports.com , 507-4511666, Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A great source for
Contents, 304 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter, contentshome. com 507-9348616. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. MondaySaturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Located in a renovated building from the late 1800s, Content offers a selection of accents for the home, books, greeting cards, candies, picture frames, candles, food items, jewelry and bath and body items. Cooks and Company, 316 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter, cooksandcompany.com , 507-9341172. Open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. A locally owned kitchen shop that offers a wide variety of cookware, cutlery, bakeware, barware, chef’s tools and kitchen gadgets.
Her Happy Place, 217 S Minnesota Ave., St. Peter, 507-931-0008, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. All things womenswear, including clothes, shoes and accessories. Home decor items as well.
Nutter Clothing Company, 320 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter, 507-931-4340. Open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday - Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Menswear (casual, business, sportswear), footwear, Saints gear, accessories.
Swedish Kontur Imports, 310 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter, swedishkontur.com, 507-9311198. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Saturday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Scandinavian imports (glassware, silver, textiles), candles and candleholders, sweaters, tableware, footwear, decor and Scandinavian foods.
Homestead Home Goods and Vintages, 917 N. State St., Waseca, 507-327-7492. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. Features vintage pieces, unique trinkets and home goods.
Past & Present Antiques & Gifts, 1101 State St. N, Waseca, 507835-4000. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Antiques, furniture, decor, locally produced products (lotions, soaps and more), Christmas decorations, florals.
The Speckled Hen, 123 State St. N., Waseca, 507-461-0371. Open Wednesday-Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Decor items, clothing and accessories.
Tre Chic Boutique, 118 Third Ave. NE, Waseca, 507-461-6529, acebook.com/trechicboutique.net. See page for hours. Offers affordable and on trend clothing for women.
Our region is loaded with art centers, and each of them host special sales during the holidays. A great way to share locally made products for those who appreciate them.
Arts Center of Saint Peter; Northfield Arts Guild; Owatonna Arts Center; Paradise Center for the Arts in Faribault; Waseca Art Center
For the carnivores you know and love, there are a number of options in the Scene region. Ellendale - Steve’s Meat Market; JanesvilleWiste’s Meat Market; Kenyon - Kenyon Meats; Lonsdale - Country Meat Market; Medford - Grandpa’s Old Home Meats; NerstrandNerstrand Meats and Catering; New Richland - Neighbor’s Meats; Nicollet - Schmidt’s Meat Market; Nicollet - George’s City Meats; Waseca - Morgan’s Meat Market
Find some vinyls (or CDs or cassettes) for the music lover in your life. Northfield - Verbena Records; St. Peter - Aesthetic Religion Records & Texts; MankatoTune Town
Tom Nelson is a resident of Northfield. Prior to his move to this area in 2021, Nelson worked as an intercollegiate
for over 30 years. A
By ASHLEY HANLEY Guest Contributor
Two million lights. That’s how many you can try to count if you take a stroll or a drive through Mankato’s Kiwanis Holiday Lights display at Sibley Park this year. Scott Wojcik is the President of the Kiwanis Holiday Lights. He said the idea for this magnificent display came in 2010, but their first year of set up was in 2012. He’s been with the organization since the beginning.
“At the time of the “idea” I was the President of the Mankato Kiwanis Club, and we were looking for a new fundraiser/volunteer idea. That is when visiting my hometown who puts on a similar event, I brought that to Mankato,” Wojcik said. “After a long tradition of lights at Mary Circle, Broad Street, and Riverfront that are no longer were around. I had the idea to start a Lights show in Mankato.” From there, this bright idea has shined throughout many areas in the southern Minnesota area.
Last year, over $100,000 was donated back to area nonprofits, the largest amount in the event’s history. They also collected 11 tons of food for area food shelves.
“The community involvement is amazing. To see volunteers show up and dedicate their time to an event that everyone can enjoy is worth it,” Wojcik said.
This year they are estimating 1,500 people will volunteer, with most of them coming from the 65 area non-profits they have participating. Last year it took 80 hours to put all the lights up, but that’s just the beginning.
“Our event continues to be 100% volunteer driven. We have 17 very dedicated board members that volunteer hundreds of hours every year to put this event on,” Wojcik added. “The community can help by continuing the excellent volunteer work from the non-profits. We also have amazing local business sponsors that support us financially. Not to mention the restaurants who donate food to feed our volunteers.”
Wojcik said the most challenging part is trying to come up with new and exciting things to do each year. “We want to keep it fresh. Well, that and dealing with Mother Nature. You never know when you will be setting up in Rain, running the event in inches of snow, or tearing down the lights when it is -20 in January.”
New this year will be the Kiwanis Holiday Express Train – with rides on Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights. They will also have 20 more displays.
But the magic of the season and the brilliance of the lights keeps people coming from all over the country. In 2023, 225,000 people made their way to Sibley Park to either walk or drive through to experience the wonders of the holiday season.
And these visitors came from all over. Primarily of course central and Southern Minnesota, but Wojcik said they also had visitors from Northern Iowa, Eastern South and North Dakota and Western Wisconsin, just that he knows of.
This year, the display will be open Nov. 29 through Dec. 31. They are open from 5-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 5-10 p.m. Friday and Saturdays.
Here’s a roundup of holiday events across the Southern Minn SCENE region:
Winterfest, Dec. 5-7, evenings, downtown Faribault. Carriage rides, Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, bounce house, dance to festive music, create winter crafts, window decor contest, tree and park lighting, Christmas lights, ice carving, Christmas market, fireworks display, parade of lights, winter street dance. faribaultmn. org/2024/10/10/2024-winterfest.
Christmas in Kenyon, Dec. 14, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., downtown Kenyon. Fun-filled day of activities and socializing. Keep an eye on the Facebook event page, “Christmas in Kenyon 2024,” for more details.
Christmas Fair, Dec. 8, 8:30 a.m. to noon, St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Brunch served by KC’s, a Christmas play, games for kids, a bake sale, raffle baskets and more.
Christmas in the Valley, Dec. 6, 5 p.m., Main Street. Music, warm fires, Santa, festive goodies for all and a parade.
Tuba Christmas, Dec. 7, 3-5 p.m., Skinner Memorial Chapel, Carleton College. Low brass instruments playing Christmas carols in harmony provides a listening experience that has no parallel. vintagebandfestival.org/weblog/ post/category/tuba-christmas.
Winter Walk, Dec. 12, 4:30-9 p.m., downtown Northfield. Experience downtown Northfield by candlelight. Stroll through unique shops, dine at fine restaurants, enjoy caroling, live reindeer, fireworks, storytelling, luminarias, decorated storefronts and much more.
Living Nativity, Dec. 4, 4:30-7:30 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 609 Lincoln Ave. Experience the Christmas story brought to life! Outdoors at Trinity Lutheran Church.
Lighted Holiday Parade & Lighting of the Lights, Dec. 6, 6 p.m., Cedar Avenue and Central Park. This unique parade is the official launch to Hometown Holiday Weekend! From firetrucks to bicycles, there are always surprises at this family tradition-worthy parade. The excitement continues after the parade as the switch to light up the trees in the park is flipped, the Owatonna High School Carolers perform and cider is passed out freely to all who come. Nothing says “Welcome” to the holiday season quite like this beloved town tradition.
Christmas in the Village, Dec. 7, 12-4 p.m., Village of Yesteryear, 1431 Austin Rd., Owatonna. This free event features live demonstrations, children’s activities, games, and live musical performances. Christmas in the Village is a great
opportunity to take your picture with Santa & Mrs. Claus. Don’t forget to pick up your Polar Express ticket to track your journey through the Village.
Dec. 2, 9:30 a.m. - Great Candy Cane Hunt.
This classic St. Peter holiday tradition is back in force this year. Santa has dropped off thousands of candy canes at the St. Peter Community Center’s gym for the young and “young at heart” to enjoy. Come for the candy canes, stay for hot chocolate, games and other fun.
Dec. 9, 4 p.m. - Santa at the new Fire Hall. Santa heard that St. Peter’s new fire hall is amazing, so he decided to come check it out for himself. Come enjoy hot chocolate and cookies and meet Santa. A food drive will also be held for the St. Peter food shelf.
Holiday Lights, Nov. 29-30, Dec. 6-7, 13-14, 6-9 p.m., Waseca County Fairgrounds. A variety of holiday light displays throughout the fairgrounds. Meet and greet with Santa Claus.
Christmas Time at the Mill, Dec. 7, 1-11 p.m., The Mill. A free event featuring family friendly fun, with local bands and choirs, cookie decorating, and appearances from Santa Claus, the Grinch and Frozen’s Olaf. From 8 to 11, local country musician Bryce Leppert will perform. Winter Wonderland, Dec. 7-8, 14-15, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Starfire Event Center. Meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Enjoy snacks and crafts. Do some holiday shopping at the craft show.
Ashley Hanley is a wife and mom of three kids under the age of 6 in North Mankato. When she’s not handing out snacks or kissing boo-boos, you can find her cheering on her favorite Minnesota sports teams and is a firm believer they will win a championship in her lifetime.
Troy Barkmeier as Bjorn (top left), Dan Stephans as Saltzpeter (top right), Marie Gery as Rosie (bottom left), Barbara Piper as Madge (bottom middle) and Q Vicaire as Mac.
By JANE TURPIN MOORE Guest Contributor
Check — and Czech — December theatrical entertainment plans off your list immediately. Holiday stage shows in the area, most of which involve live music and comedy, promise cheery hours of smiles, jingle bells and enough ho-ho-hos to keep you laughing until New Year’s Eve.
You can delight young and old friends and family members the entire month, dashing through the snow to performances…from Red Wing to Zumbrota to Faribault to New Ulm. Undoubtedly, there’s something everyone will love. Amidst the peppermint lattes and sugar cookies of the season, skilled local actors and musicians have wrapped up the holiday’s most perfect gift: time to enjoy the company of family and friends while momentarily escaping the cares of the world.
Make those ticket reservations now! Here’s information about two sparkling new shows—
samples of what’s in store for those who step into the month’s theatrical magic.
“Holiday Music and Christmas Thieves: A Small Town Radio Play,” Northfield Arts Guild Theater.
Seasonal celebrants flock to this Rice County river town for its annual Winter Walk (Dec. 12) and St. Olaf College’s renowned Christmas Festival (Dec. 6-8), but Northfield Arts Guild
Performing Arts Manager Pauline Jennings knew there was room for more holiday fun.
“We [the Guild’s theater] hadn’t done a holiday show in a few years, so our theater committee tossed around ideas,” said Jennings. “Someone who’d seen ‘Christmas Thieves’ elsewhere said it was hilarious.
“The rest of us read the script and agreed. It’s filled with silly humor that makes you giggle, and as a one-act play that runs about 50 minutes, it seemed perfect.”
Written by Greg Oliver Bodine, “Christmas Thieves” involves a handful of cast members adopting the personas of staff at a small town, polka-heavy radio station. Desperate to keep their financially challenged operation afloat,
they hire a troupe of British actors to perform for a fundraiser play (“Christmas Thieves,” a play within the play) on Christmas Eve.
But when the real actors are incapacitated by food poisoning (lutefisk, anyone?), the locals stand in. And hilarity ensues.
“We have an experienced, multi-generational cast that’s been great to work with,” said “Christmas Thieves” director Tania Legvold.
“They have good comedic timing and the right sense of the material.”
An hour of holiday music precedes the play
Three musical acts are programmed: The Page Family Singers, comprised of Nate and Laurie Page and their 12-year-old daughter Virginia; an acoustic ensemble (cellist Martha Larson, guitarist Brian Johnson and banjo specialist Helen Forsythe); and composer/guitarist/singer Barbara Piper in a vocal duo with Jennings.
“Every group will share holiday-themed music—some traditional, some Christmas carols, but also uptempo pieces, ballads and original compositions—and it’s all going to be terrific and uplifting,” said Jennings.
Between the comical “Christmas Thieves” and an hour of holiday music, the Guild’s theater promises to put a bright bow on the season for all attendees.
“Our focus is to spread joy, prompt laughter and uplift people,” said Jennings. “This is a light, family-friendly way to ring in the holidays.”
Added Legvold, “This is like a tasty Christmas cookie you can enjoy. Come, be delighted and laugh, knowing the play’s happy ending will bring a smile to your face.”
“Holiday Music and Christmas Thieves: A Small Town Radio Play,” with shows at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6, 7 13 and 14, and at 2 p.m. Dec. 8 and 15. Northfield Arts Guild Theater, 411 Third St. West, Northfield. Tickets at northfieldartsguild.org/northfield-arts-guild-65th-theaterseason or call 507-645-8877.
“Czech the Halls” at The Park Ballroom, New Prague.
Inspiration struck when New Prague music and communications dynamo Den Gardner traveled last year to LeMars, Iowa, where he attended the musical variety show “A Brown Family Christmas” with his wife Sandy and friends.
During the three-hour drive home from Iowa, Gardner mused, “Why don’t we try this in New Prague?”
Witnessing the Brown family’s draw, en-
hanced by pre-show meals and comedic banter, made Gardner believe he and his twin brother Dan could create similar holiday magic closer to home.
“It was a wild idea,” said Gardner
But never underestimate a creative, determined team with performing experience; the Gardners play in the ‘60s/‘70s cover band, Little Chicago, and produced a successful Christmas album 10 years ago as a GreenCare for Troops fundraiser.
“I knew a couple of talented New Prague women, Nikki Roberts and Jacqueline Elizabeth of Starlight Productions, and combined with band members Bill Halverson and Randy Fierst, plus guitarist Tim Price, we had the essentials for a show,” Gardner said.
Rounding out the crew are sound engineer Mike Dorshak and retired theater teacher/director/actor Chris Moore.
“Tim Price is one of the best guitarists I’ve ever heard,” said Gardner. “He’ll play pre-show Christmas music on acoustic guitar and perform a couple of other songs in the show, plus provide background for Chris Moore’s humorous Christmas reading.”
Gardner’s informal market research led him to conclude that, with a town of 8,200 and other thriving communities (Belle Plaine, Montgomery, Jordan, etc.) nearby, “Czech the Halls” could be just the ticket for December in New Prague.
While the bulk of the program will feature well-known Christmas tunes — “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “Feliz Navidad” and the like — delightful twists will also be inserted.
For instance, Roberts and Elizabeth will share “Sisters” from the classic 1954 movie “White Christmas,” and a song—“Christmas in New Prague” — written by the Gardners’ band Little Chicago for their aforementioned Christmas album, will also be on tap.
“And you can listen for the Eagles’ ‘Please Come Home for Christmas,’” mentioned Gardner.
In a nod to New Prague’s St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, “Good King Wenceslas” was a no-brainer addition to the lineup.
Situated at the Park Ballroom, “Czech the Halls” is designed like a dinner theater event, featuring a delicious pre-show buffet meal.
And since a large portion of the targeted audience is seniors, nine of the 12 shows are mid-week matinees, with the remaining three taking place on Thursday evenings to better accommodate families and working adults.
“Dan and I just turned 73; we’re old farts who like to have fun,” laughed Gardner. “We’re going to make this a family-friendly show, including lots of great music and a couple of skits and sketches.
“We hope to draw some good crowds for what will be a Chanhassen Dinner Theater-type
experience right here in New Prague.” Czech the Halls, with 12 shows from Dec. 3-19 at the Park Ballroom, 300 Lexington A S., New Prague. Tickets at onthestage.tickets/ show/starlight-productions/6621ceac8fa944294 7e23db7/tickets#/productions-view.
“Scrooge the Musical,” Dec. 6, 7, 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 8, 14 and 15 at 2 p.m., Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave. North, Faribault. Tickets at paradisecenterforthearts.org/theater or call 507-332-7372.
“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” Dec. 6 and 7 at 7 p.m., Dec. 8 at 2 p.m., State Street Theater, 1 State St., New Ulm. Tickets at https:// statestreetnewulm.org/ or call 507359-9990.
“The Magic of Christmas,” Dec. 8 at 12 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6:45 p.m., Tri-City United Performing Arts Center, 700 4th St. NW, Montgomery. Tickets at etix.com/ticket/v/28484/tricity-united-performing-arts-center.
“Jingle All the Way: A Collection of Christmas Cheer,” Nov. 30 at 7 p.m., Dec. 1 at 2 p.m., State Theatre, 96 E. 4th St., Zumbrota. Tickets at ztheatre.org, at the door or at the box office on Nov. 25-26 from 6:30-8 p.m.
“Miracle on 34th Street,” Dec. 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 7 p.m.; Dec. 14, 15, 21 and 22 at 2:30 p.m., Lincoln Community Center, 110 Fulton St., Mankato. Tickets at merelyplayers.com or call the box office at 507-388-5483.
“A Grand Ole Opry Christmas,” 1:30 p.m., Sheldon Theatre, 443 West 3rd St., Red Wing. Tickets at sheldontheatre.org or call 800-899-5759.
“An Andy and Bing Christmas,” Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m., Sheldon Theatre, 443 West 3rd St., Red Wing. Tickets at sheldontheatre.org or call 800-899-5759.
“Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus in Concert,” Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m., Sheldon Theatre, 443 West 3rd St., Red Wing. Tickets at sheldontheatre.org or call 800-899-5759.
“A Christmas Carol,” now through Dec. 29, at Guthrie Theater, 818 South 2nd St., Minneapolis. Tickets at guthrietheater.org or call the box office at 612-377-2224.
Freelance writer/collaborative pianist Jane Turpin Moore grew up in the Mankato area and is now based in Northfield. She blogs at timeformoore566445504.wordpress.com and fields emails at jturpinmoore@ gmail.com.
Afew years ago, I published a guide to understanding your teen at Thanksgiving. Gen Z had come up with some doozies, think: “No cap” “sus” and “bet.”
The youngest among us, Generation Alpha (born from 2013 on) and Gen Z (1997-2012), have a unique set of slang vocabulary that may make conversing with young relatives at your Holiday parties challenging.
With the ever-changing jargon of the youths, us geezers must keep up with the times. I enlisted my 9-year-old nephew Calvin to decipher some of the hottest new slang, so here is a helpful guide:
Aura/Negative Aura - Pretty much describing someone’s vibe. If you are doing good things, you have “(positive) “aura,” if you are a drag or a party pooper you have “negative aura”
Cap (see also “No cap”) - “Cap” means lie. So, “no cap” means, “no lie,” or that you are
telling the truth.
Cringe - Once a verb, now a noun. Example: “Oh man, that show is cringe.” Similar to adjective “cringey.”
Delulu - This is just a swap-out for the word “delusional.”
Fanum Tax - According to Urban Dictionary, “fanum tax” is an internet slang term that refers to theft of food from friends. OH! Like “mom tax.” I know this one well. I will always grab fries from your bag before handing you your food, bet.
Flex - To put a skill or talent to use, or show off a skill, talent or achievement. Example: Grandma pulls a fresh homemade apple pie out of the oven- “Nice flex, Grandma!”
Full sweat - Basically just means putting in all your effort, giving it your all, going “full speed” or “full send.”
Glizzy - I can’t even believe it myself, but “glizzy” is just another word for a hot dog. Don’t get it twisted.
Gyatt - This is a slang term that is used to expressed strong surprise and excitement.
According to my nephew, it derived from people seeing a girl with a nice behind and
saying, “God D----!” Ridiculous and hilarious! Example: Your prom date walks down the steps in her gown looking stunning. You exclaim, “GYATT!”
Just Put the Fries in the Bag, Bro - My nephew says that no one says this. But if you do hear it, it usually is used to dismiss someone acting outside of their social standing.
Millennials would call that being “on one.”
So, if someone at your holiday party is being “on one,” don’t be surprised if you hear a teen bring this one out.
Mewing - This is sort of the modern-day version of Gen X “voguing” but involves a movement of your pointer finger tapping your mouth twice almost as if to signal “shh” and then outlining your jaw from back of jaw towards your ear to chin. Hard to describe, but if you have an Alpha at your Holiday party, ask them to show you how! It is essentially what you do when you want to look your best, say, for a photo!
Ohio - “Ohio” refers to something weird or odd, maybe even something cringey. Apparently, it comes from the many references of strange occurrences in the state of Ohio.
(“They’re eating the cats! They’re eating the dogs!”) Do know that when used by Gen Alpha, the term “Ohio” is indeed pejorative. On God - This means that you swear that something is true.
Riz - Short for “charisma”
Rizzler - Gen Z hit us with “the rizz,” short for “charisma.” A “rizzler” is someone who drips with style and charisma.
Sigma - Leave it to Gen Alpha to coin this phrase. “Sigma” means a popular, dominant and independent leader—typically male, but can also just refer to anyone who comes across cool and self-sufficient.
Skibidi - This slang could mean a lot — good, cool, even bad. It is named after a popular YouTube animated series called “Skibidi Toilet.”
Skibidi toilet - Some replace “skibidi” with the entire phrase “Skibity Toilet,” but it means the same thing. It’s an expression that, based on circumstances, could mean a litany of things, good, cool, bad. Anything. Wild!
Skibidi Rizz - This is the charm shown by a male Skibidi toilet to a female Skibidi toilet. You still with me?
Skibidi Ohio Rizz - This is just the same as calling someone weird. It’s the “Ohio” that does it.
Slay - I don’t know if I will give the younglings credit for this, I feel like Millennials coined it, but Alpha has certainly adopted this word which means, simply, to “win,” or “crush it” or simply do well in a particular field or activity.
Stop the Cap - If you recal, “Cap” is a Gen Z term for lie. “Stop the cap” simply means, stop lying.
Twin - This is simply what you call your best friend. Nothing to do with looking alike or being actual twins in any fashion. Example: “What’s up, twin!”
I hope this guide helps give some clarity to the foreign words you may encounter at your holiday gatherings. I do not advise trying to use them yourself or you will surely find yourself with negative aura in Ohio. For real, you cannot try to be hip, it’s futile, you will be burned. Oh- and before you Millennials get on your high horses about how bad these terms are, can I remind you of: “The Bomb!” “BAE,” “Basic,” “Lit,” “Extra,” “Low-Key,” “Salty,” “Thirsty,” “Fam.” Yeah, you’re not special, you drove the older generations nuts too. And Gen X, dude, don’t even start. It is fun to see the evolution of some of these terms, as well the stigma that can come with using outdated slang.
Safe to say that Gen Alpha is going to keep us all on our toes. Happy holidays!
It’s horrifying, and we all know it’s coming. Every year, this tradition approaches and we try to block it out of our minds. We attempt to be out of town or schedule extra activities, so we’re harder to locate, but it always manages to find us. Yes, I’m talking about the annual holiday cookie/candy exchange.
It can be the office version or the neighborhood kind or the book club type. It’s all basically the same living hell. “Let’s all make our specialty treats and exchange them at a jaunty seasonal get together!” OK, Krampus … I know I’ve been bad, so I should just suck it up and go to my 400th cookie exchange, but can’t I just get that colonoscopy I’ve been putting off instead?!
You know Connie next door is gonna bring those underbaked white cookies with no discernable flavor and chopped candy canes on top. Doris in HR started making her Grandmother’s Divinity candy that appears to be made of bathroom caulking, months ago. It’s been in her garage freezer and tastes just like garlic bread at this point, but she cranks it out in huge quantities so everyone has extra to take home!
Jim in Accounting is making his famous green rice cereal treats shaped like wreaths and adorned with cinnamon candy berries. He’s using his special ingredient (margarine instead of butter), so they’re extra slippery and make each tooth feel like it’s wearing a wool coat. Stephanie from book club has six cats. The cats roam free on her kitchen counters and lick pretty much everything she brings to share. You’re guaranteed to enjoy a hefty percentage of cat hair in her peanut blossoms. Sue loves to make themed cake pops for every get together. She buys her ingredients on sale at the Dollar Store after Christmas so she’s ready to bake the next year. FYI - She knows exactly what day they throw the canned frosting in the dumpster out back. And, don’t forget David, the computer guy. He’s the one who always makes the hilarious cat poop cookies served in a litter box. No one’s sure if it’s a new litter box or not, but who doesn’t look forward to that every year?!
What’s happened to the world? Where did we go so wrong? When did people start bringing those gas-station-cookies-that-arejust-all-neon-chemicals-and-soylent-green-sothey-never-get-stale to special events? And no,
Stacey…just because you sliced the tube of cookie dough snowmen does not mean they were made from scratch.
I mean, I can survive another crudité tray from Costco with yet another bowl of ranch dressing, but I’ve never been desperate enough to crave a mashed-up ball of boxed cake with a paper stick plunged in it and dipped in waxy white chocolate. Of course, extra points if your treat has edible candy eyes glued to it. That screams “making holiday memories” to me!
The reason we all love this time of year is the thought of our Mom baking lots of fabulous things and filling the house with the smell of fresh pastries. Treats we only got to enjoy once a year. Scent is the strongest tie to memory. No one thinks those sprinkle cookies you picked up by the hotdog roller machine at the gas station are homemade, Laura. They aren’t gonna trigger any happiness for any member of the Neighborhood Watch Group. And, no one can even tell those sugar cookies are meant to be stockings, Patti. Your community ed class on cookie decorating did not make you Martha Stewart. Stay in your lane!
Just like when I get my coffee in the morning at Starbucks, no one wants to see you run-
ning your hands through your hair or making change before you grab the lip of my cup. I don’t need to see your actual kitchen to know I don’t wanna risk eating anything that came out of it. I also don’t enjoy knowing that you took the corner too fast on the way to work and just picked all your homemade candy off the floorboards of your car prior to arriving at your desk.
People, try to kick it up a notch this year. Wash your damn hands, wear disposable gloves, don’t use those spices you bought for that one time you made gingerbread in college. Splurge and maybe get some fresh ingredients and real butter this year. Here’s a crazy thought, follow a recipe and use actual measuring spoons.
Baking is a science after all. And, just because your Grandma poured brown sugar and chocolate chips on saltine crackers does not mean she invented the concept, Sheila. No one cares that your “secret family recipe” has been passed down for generations. We all know your Gamma got it off the back of the chocolate chip bag.
Let’s try to do better this year!
Help the animals get home
Why was the math book sad at Christmas?
Because it had too many problems!
What do you get if you cross a snowman and a dog?
Frostbite!
What’s a snowman’s favorite cereal?
Frosted Flakes!
What kind of motorcycle does Santa ride?
A “Holly” Davidson!
Why did the turkey join the band?
Because it had the drumsticks!
What do you get if you cross a snowman and a dog?
Frostbite!
What’s a snowman’s favorite cereal? Frosted Flakes!
What’s a snowman’s favorite snack? Ice Krispies!
What kind of motorcycle does Santa ride?
A “Holly” Davidson!
What do you get if you cross a snowman and a vampire? Frostbite!
Because it had the drumsticks! cross
Because it had the drumsticks! What do elves learn in school? The Elf-abet!
Why did the turkey join the band?
What do you call a snowman with a six-pack?
An abdominal snowman!
Why was the snowman looking through the carrots? He was picking his nose!
What do elves learn in school? The Elf-abet!
a vampire? Frostbite!
What do you call a snowman with a six-pack? An abdominal snowman!
Why was the snowman looking through the carrots? He was picking his nose!
What do elves learn in school? The Elf-abet!
In the light of day, not the dark of evening, I viewed one of the region’s most spectacular holiday light displays — the Kiwanis Holiday Lights in Mankato’s Sibley Park. And it proved delightful, even minus the evening draw of glowing lights, music, Santa and his reindeer, the holiday train and more that brought 225,000 people to the park in 2023. A night parade and lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29, kick off the 2024 event.
I arrived on an unseasonably warm and sunny mid-November 2023 afternoon, weeks from opening night. It was perfect timing. No night-time crowds. No hurry. Just a leisurely stroll along the paths that wind through the park and zoo.
I walked past wood cut-outs of handpainted characters from Disney movies, children’s books and more. There’s a certain folksy charm to handcrafted from wood rather than mass-produced holiday decorations. Sort of a Santa’s workshop
feel, as if the elves, in their spare time, created these Christmas-themed cutouts just for fun. Community volunteers actually do all the work here. Businesses also contribute to the event.
Over-sized candy canes made from PVC pipes and connected with strings of holiday lights keep visitors from straying off trails. I’ll admit, though, that on this day with only a few people in the park, I meandered off the pathways.
I passed a field of snow people, paused to take in the towering 75-foot high metal tree centering the holiday display, noticed over-sized snowflakes dangling from trees, saw masses of lights wrapped around tree trunks, walked through a tunnel of lights, laughed at a cut-out of Santa lounging with a drink in hand... Holiday bulbs appeared aglow in the afternoon sunshine. I can only imagine the festive brightness of lit lights in the dark.
Certainly, this dazzling display is best seen during its November 29-December 31 evening hours for a fully immersive
experience and optimal enjoyment. Visitors can drive through the park (be prepared for long lines, especially on weekends) or walk. That includes passing through light tunnels either on foot or in vehicles. Hours are 5-9 p.m. SundayThursday and 5-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. And, yes, occasionally the event closes due to inclement weather. This is Minnesota after all. So best to check ahead (kiwanisholidaylights.com) if you’re driving from a distance.
Perhaps one of these years I’ll view the Kiwanis Holiday Lights in the dark, among the throngs who are newbies or who have come every year for the past twelve. While admittance is free, donations of cash and non-perishable food are accepted. Last year, folks donated 11 tons of food and $100,000 was given to non-profits whose volunteers helped with the event. There’s holiday magic in those numbers. And that magic is a caring community.
not cynical or cold; heartwarming, but never saccharine.
Payne is also a great director of actors. Randolph won an Oscar for her portrayal of Lamb, Giamatti was nominated, and Sessa should have been nominated. They each bring graceful humanity to their performances.
Certainly, The Holdovers is not the first film to document the sadder side of the holiday season. George Bailey loses all hope and contemplates suicide in It’s A Wonderful Life. Clark Griswold must settle for a dispiriting subscription to a “Jelly of the Month” club, rather than collect a sizeable end-of-year bonus in Christmas Vacation. And Kevin McCallister is forgotten by his jet-setting family and left behind to fend off two bumbling burglars in Home Alone.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year … for those wreathed in love. But what about the lonely, the grieving, and the left behind?
Last year, acclaimed director Alexander Payne released his eighth feature film, The Holdovers (streaming on Amazon Prime), and gave voice to the lost and weary.
The lonely: Paul Hunham (Paul Giamatti).
Pompous and rigid, Hunham alienates both students and faculty alike as a history teacher at Barton Academy, an all-boys New England prep school. He leads a cloistered existence, sheltered from the broken dreams and disappointments of life outside the school grounds. During the Christmas break of 1970, Hunham is tasked with “holdover” duty –supervising the students unable to go home for
the holidays.
The grieving: Mary Lamb (Da’Vine Joy Randolph). As the cafeteria supervisor, Lamb stays behind as the sole cook on campus. She’s also mourning the recent loss of her only son, killed in Vietnam.
The left behind: Angus Tully (Dominic Sessa). Though one of Barton’s brightest students, Tully is coping with a fractured family and mental health challenges. He becomes increasingly resentful and rebellious after his mother cancels family Christmas to honeymoon with her new husband, forcing Tully to spend an isolated holiday with Hunham and Lamb. These three alienated and wounded souls need connection. They need the warmth and healing power of friendship. Slowly, they become a ragtag found family, if only for two weeks.
Perhaps this all sounds a little drippy and
sad and sentimental, but do not be fooled. This is a Payne film, after all. Since Election (which remains arch), he’s taken on weighty themes in Sideways (midlife crises) and The Descendants (grief and betrayal) and Nebraska (the decline of the American heartland) with piercing insight, empathy, and deft humor. The Holdovers is no different – melancholic, but
But, all of those films end festively, with the protagonists buoyed by the love of family, friends, and neighbors. The Holdovers, however, does not leave us with “God bless us everyone” joyfulness. Instead, it reaches for something more real, more human, more grounded. Though loneliness may still persist for our flawed trio as the year changes to 1971, the sadness and grief has been replaced with hope and acceptance.
The Holdovers is a cozy love letter to the restorative power of simple kindness, generosity, and empathy. Maybe it’s not always the most wonderful time of the year, but when we open our hearts and help one another, it’s a wonderful life.
Events are subject to change please see our event page for the most up-to-date information.
THURSDAY, NOV 28
IRIS Turkey Trot - Faribault-- 7:50-9:30 a.m., Faribault Middle School, 704 17th St. SW, Faribault. A Gobble Wobble, Tot Trot, 5K walk and run and 10K run. All proceeds go toward Infants Remembered in Silence, which offers parents, families and friends and professionals support after the death of a child.
Rotary Turkey Trot - Le Sueur-- 8 a.m., Le Sueur Community Center, 821 E. Ferry St. Young, young at heart and their furry friends come together the morning of Thanksgiving fay to have fun walking, strolling, and running. It’s a FUNraiser to help feed children, youth, and families throughout the year. Register online.
Holly Days - Faribault-- 12-5 p.m., Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault. Lots of art to peruse and buy in the Carlander and Vranesh galleries, plus Char Johnson and Rhonda Norgaard creative aging classes in the K&M Gallery. Runs through Dec. 21 during regular Paradise hours.
FRIDAY, NOV 29
Farmamerica Turkey Trot - Waseca-- 9 a.m.12 p.m., Farmamerica, 7367 360th Ave, Waseca. Walk or run the 5K or 1K route across the historic grounds. And you can welcome home the 2024 presidential pardoned turkeys as they arrive to their forever home. Register online.
Rock of Ages - St. Peter-- 6-9 p.m., Flame Bar and Grill, 225 Nassau St., St. Peter. Listen to some rock and blues.
SATURDAY, NOV 30
Vino & Vendors - Owatonna-- 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Grapeful Wine Bar, 306 N. Cedar Ave., Suite 2, Owatonna. Hosting local vendors to sell their products in the wine bar. Enjoy a glass of wine, charcuterie and snacks while shopping.
Christmas on the Farm - Owatonna-- 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Souba’s Greenhouse, 4003 Crane Creek Rd, Owatonna. Visit Santa, take a hayride, visit our farm animals, pick out your Minnesota grown Christmas tree, and shop local vendors. Free cider and popcorn all day
Holiday Bazaar - Faribault-- 10 a.m.-2 p.m.,
Boxers Grill & Bar, 429 Central Ave. N, Faribault. Lots of local vendors, hot chocolate bar, Santa’s selfie sleigh, Christmas raffle basket and more.
Craft Spirits
Holiday Market - Faribault-- 11
a.m.-4 p.m., 10,000 Drops, 28 4th St NE, Faribault. Grab a craft cocktail and shop handmade gifts from 20-plus local craftspeople.
Toy Drive and Party - Le Center-- 4 p.m., Le Center American Legion. Toy drive, silent auction, drawing and a chance to meet Santa, along with music, food and drinks. Proceeds go to Santa Anonymous. Tickets at the door.
Hollydaze - Le Center-- 5 p.m., Downtown Le Center. Annual celebration includes a parade starting at 6 p.m., followed by the lighting of Courthouse Park. Come early to get a bite from the food truck, The Smokin’ Lady BBQ & Catering. See Santa and his reindeer, a live nativity and a petting zoo. Holiday music from the Hobo Band. All kiks will receive a free book and treat.
Johnny Frost and the Heatseekers - Janesville-- 5:30-8:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville. Performing seven decades of music.
Curt CopelandOwatonna-- 6-8 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 111 N Walnut Ave, Owatonna. Singer, songwriter, multiinstrumentalist.
Holiday Lights - Waseca-- 6-9 p.m., Waseca County Fairgrounds. A variety of holiday light displays throughout the fairgrounds. Meet and greet with Santa Claus. Takes place Nov. 29-30, Dec. 6-7, Dec. 13-14.
Matthew Browne - Kasota-- 6-9 p.m., Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery, 1179 E. Pearl St., Kasota. Homegrown music with an organic sound, a unique blend of countryAmericana.
Melissa Schulz - Le Center-- 6:30 p.m., Le Center Municipal Liquors, 20 N Waterville Ave. A classically trained pianist and singer based in southern Minnesota. Performing over 250 shows each year, Schulz showcases her musical talents at venues that range from rowdy bars to chill breweries to upscale restaurants, fairs, and private events.
Girls Night Out - St. Peter-- 8 p.m., The Capitol Room, 419 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. A night of dancing, snacking, and sipping on some specialty cocktails and mocktails all while dressing in your favorite pajamas. Bringing it back to those middle school/high school slumber party days. Tickets online.
SUNDAY, DEC 01
Christmas Markets & Music - Le Sueur County-- 1-4 p.m., Next Chapter Winery, 16945 320th St., New Prague. Holiday festivities, live Christmas music, and local shopping. Enjoy some holiday cocktails or hot chocolate/hot cider while listening to some Christmas cheer.
Joel Ward - St. Peter-- 4-7 p.m., Patrick’s on Third, 125 S. Third St., St. Peter. Joel Ward is a soul singing, acoustic guitar pickin’, lyric writing, fool for music out of Winona, MN. He’s defied stereotypes and genres all over the country playing an original blend of roots, soul, folk, and rock n roll. His live performances are filled with an emotion to match the heartfelt lyrics he writes.
WINTER WONDERLAND AND HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW
December 7th & 8th
December 14th & 15th VISIT WITH SANTA
10:30am-12:00pm & 1:00pm-3:00pm + OVER 40 VENDORS EACH WEEKEND TO SHOP FROM! 10:00am-3:00pm
I Cantanti Choir - Northfield-- 4 p.m., Carleton Chapel, 405 1st St. E, Northfield. Presenting a Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. The concerts will feature music by composers Michael John Trotta, Kim André Arnesen, Jake Runestad and Morten Lauridsen with arrangements by Dan Forrest, Daniel Jackson, Brad Holmes, Robert Sieving and James L. Stevens. There are also opportunities for the audience to sing along on familiar carols. Free-will offering.
MONDAY, DEC 02
Mona Susan Power Author Talk - Owatonna-6:30 p.m., Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Ln, Owatonna. Reading “A Council of Dolls,” featuring an author presentation with Ms. Power herself. From the mid-century metropolis of Chicago to be windswept ancestral lands of the Dakota people, to the bleak and brutal Indian boarding schools, “A Council of Dolls” is the story of three women, told in part through the stories of the dolls they carried.
WEDNESDAY, DEC 04
Dr. Jeffrey Post Author Talk - St. Peter-- 1 p.m., Virtual talk. Unearthed:
Living Nativity - Owatonna-- 4:30-7:30 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 609 S. Lincoln Ave., Owatonna. Experience the Christmas story brought to life outdoors at the church.
THURSDAY, DEC 05
Anton Treuer Author Talk - Northfield-- 7 p.m., Content Bookstore, 314 Division St. S, Northfield. Reading from “Where Wolves Don’t Die.” Ezra Cloud hates living in Northeast Minneapolis. His father is a professor of their language, Ojibwe, at a local college, so they have to be there. But Ezra hates the dirty, polluted snow around them. He hates being away from the rez at Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation. And he hates the local bully in his neighborhood, Matt Schroeder, who terrorizes Ezra and his friend Nora George.
FRIDAY, DEC 06
Christmas in the ValleyLe Sueur-- 5 p.m., Downtown Le Sueur. Celebrate the season with music, warm fires, Santa, festive goodies for all and a parade.
Christmas Cocktails and Music - Waseca-5-11 p.m., The Mill Event Center, 310 2nd Ave SW, Waseca. Music from My Famous Friends, a unique, cool and funny multimedia rock ‘n’ roll experience. Professionally recorded drum tracks accompany two of the Twin Cities’ most accomplished musicians, providing a perfect listening, dancing and spectating environment. Covering classic rock bands. Wear an ugly Christmas sweater to get first drink free.
Lukas Graff - St. Peter-- 6-9 p.m., Flame Bar and Grill, 225 Nassau St., St. Peter. Some acoustic tunes to enjoy.
Murder Mystery Dinner - Le Sueur County-6-9:30 p.m., Next Chapter Winery, 16945 320th St., New Prague. All aboard the HMS Holiday, where the sounds of jingle bells, mistletoe kisses, Christmas songs, and screams can be heard on the high seas. Tickets online.
Family Tradition - Janesville-- 6-8:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville. Performing old and new hit country music.
Holiday Lighted Parade - Owatonna-- 6-8 p.m., More than 70
lighted holiday parade floats will travel to Central Park, where, immediately following the parade, the switch is flipped on for the lights in Central Park and the OHS Carolers perform on the bandshell stage. Complimentary cookies and cider will be served, along with a mini donut food truck.
Xmas Party - Kasota-- 6:30-9:30 p.m., Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery, 1179 E. Pearl St., Kasota. Doors will open for the social hour, Neon Live will be performing two sets with a 45-minute intermission to allow for more socializing. S&B BBQ onsite with the option to purchase meals for your group or have guests purchase individually. Tickets online.
Top Shelf Elves - Owatonna-- 7 p.m., Foremost Brewing Cooperative, 131 W. Broadway St, Owatonna.
Thaw out with live music, festive drinks and holiday cheers. Special hot chocolate, holiday-inspired cocktails and cozy atmosphere.
St. Olaf Christmas FestivalNorthfield--
7:30 p.m., Skoglund Center, 1634 Campus Drive, Northfield.
7:30 p.m.
Dec. 6, plus 3 p.m. Dec. 7-8. A tradition since 1912, the St. Olaf Christmas Festival is one of the oldest musical celebrations of Christmas in the United States. Led by five conductors, it features more than 500 musicians who are members of the college’s world-renowned choirs and orchestra.
The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe
- Northfield--
7:30 p.m., Northfield Evangelical Free Church. Shows 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 and 3 p.m.
Dec. 7. This dramatization of C.S. Lewis’ classic work faithfully recreates the magic and mystery of Aslan, the great lion, his struggle with the White Witch, and the adventures of four children who inadvertently wander from an old wardrobe into the exciting, never-to-be-forgotten Narnia. This story of love, faith, courage and giving, with its triumph of good over evil, is a true celebration of life.
WinterfestFaribault-- 12
a.m., Downtown Faribault, Central Ave. Takes place evenings Dec.
5-7. Carriage rides, Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, bounce house, dance to festive music, create winter crafts, window decor contest, tree and park lighting, Christmas lights, ice carving, Christmas market, fireworks display, parade of lights, winter street dance.
Vintage Holiday Gift Market - Owatonna-- 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Rice Lake Trading Post, 8867 Dane Rd., Owatonna.
8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 7 and 8 a.m. to noon
students singing and more. Santa may pop in for a great photo opportunity.
Riverwalk
Winter Market - Northfield-- 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Northfield Middle School. Vendors, crafts, food.
Great Candy Cane Hunt - St. Peter-- 9:3011:10 a.m., St. Peter Community Center, 600 S. Fifth St., St. peter. Bring the kids and let them move about the community center collecting candy canes and having fun.
Craft Spirits Holiday Market - Faribault-- 11 a.m.-4 p.m., 10,000 Drops, 28 4th St NE, Faribault. Grab a craft cocktail and shop handmade gifts from 20-plus local craftspeople.
Christmas Time at The Mill - Waseca-- 1-11 p.m., The Mill Event Center, 310 2nd Ave SW, Waseca. Free crafts, Santa, cookie decorating, letter writing, face painting, games and more. Food from Kelm’s BBQ; first 200 hotdogs free to kids. Later in the night, enjoy music from Bryce Leppert Band from 8-11 p.m.
Dec. 8. Fresh greens bundles & swags, vintage decor, Myra Bags, holiday decor, WillowBrooke Handcrafted Jewelry, Mason’s Masterpieces, unique gift items, Sorensen Honey Farm, repurposed furniture, scarves, handcrafted wood items, home decor and more.
Christmas Craft FairWaseca-- 9
a.m.-2 p.m., Waseca Junior/ Senior High School, 1717 2nd St. NW. A variety of vendors, concessions, gift wrapping, choir
in many communities of the United States for over 50 years. Low brass instruments playing Christmas carols in harmony provides a listening experience that has no parallel. Free, family friendly
Our Lady of Guadalupe - Waseca-- 5-8 p.m., Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 810 S. Cedar Ave., Owatonna. Mexican Mariachi music by Mariachi America from St. Paul, performing during the Mass and afterwards in the church hall. Mexican meal following mass in the hall provided by El Molino. Mass at 5 p.m.; music and meal at 6 p.m.
Holiday Lights - Waseca-- 6-9 p.m., Waseca County Fairgrounds. A variety of holiday light displays throughout the fairgrounds. Meet and greet with Santa Claus. Takes place Dec. 6-7 and Dec. 13-14.
Julia BloomOwatonna-6:30-8:30 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 111 N Walnut Ave, Owatonna. Half of the duo Cabin of Love, Julia Bloom is performing solo.
Give HOPE Concert - Owatonna-- 7 p.m., Shows 7 p.m. Dec. 7 and 2 p.m. Dec. 8. A concert from a range of musicians meant to inspire and raise funds for transitional housing.
The ZillionairesNorthfield-6-9 p.m., Imminent Brewing, 519 Division Street South Unit 2. Self-styled altvariety band performs compelling original songs by Wendy Smith and covers from a diverse catalogue of Americana, country, roots, rock, and blues. It entertains music lovers with their skilled musicianship and wellhoned sense of fun.
Lucia’s Lanterns - Waseca-- 2-5 p.m., Waseca History Center, 315 2nd Ave NE, Waseca. Enjoy a kid’s lantern making craft, wander the story forest with a tree hung with cookie recipes from Germany, a wishing tree (make a wish!) from Ireland’s traditions, and a Scandinavian tree (including several Nisse, the Scandinavian gnomes and their story). Storytelling with Tante Noelle and Nana Lucia, and cookies, Come experience history.
Tuba Christmas - Northfield-- 3 p.m., Skinner Memorial Chapel, 405 1st St. E. This fun event has been presented
Scrooge! The Musical - Faribault-7:30 p.m., Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault. Shows 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6, 7, 12 and 13, plus 2 p.m. Dec. 8, 14 and 15. This enchanting adaptation of Charles Dickens’ beloved novella “A Christmas Carol” will transport audiences on the transformative journey of Ebenezer Scrooge. Set to a delightful musical score written by composer Leslie Bricusse (Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory) this captivating show will capture the essence of redemption, compassion, and the power of human connection. Tickets online.
CONTINUED page 30
December 6th - Post Parade Warm Up Party Join us for the perfect post-parade celebration. Holiday cheer, festive drinks, and live music by the Top Shelf Elves
December 13th - Hammurabi Tasting Event Four Years, Four Beers, One Holiday Tasting Event. Please register at Foremost.coop
December 15th - Sing-Along Sunday All day happy hour and a Christmas Carol sing-along at 3 PM.
December 20th - Cheers and Beers! Show us your holiday spirit! Wear your jingle bells, light up hats, and ugly sweaters!
Holiday Music & Christmas Thieves -
Northfield--
7:30 p.m., Northfield Arts Guild, 304 Division St. S., Northfield.
Shows 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6, 7, 13 and 14, plus Dec. 8 and Dec. 15. First half consists of holiday music by three fabulous groups and the second half is a one-act comedy called “Christmas Thieves.” Tickets online.
Christmas in Christ ChapelSt. Peter--
7:30 p.m., Gustavus Adolphus College, 800 West College Ave, St. Peter. The annual program features the Gustavus Choir, Choir of Christ Chapel, Christ Chapel Ringers, Gustavus Symphony Orchestra, Lucia Singers, and select members of the Gustavus Dance Company. Tickets online.
Strange Daze - Owatonna--
by Van Morrison, Rick Springfield, Jimmy Hendrix and the Georgia Satellites. They also play some of their own original music.
SUNDAY, DEC 08
Christmas FairLe Center-- 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m., St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 165 N Waterville Ave, Le Center. Brunch served by KC’s, a Christmas play, games for kids, a bake sale, raffle baskets and more.
Winter Wonderland and Holiday Craft Show - Waseca-- 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Starfire Event Center, 206 2nd Ave SW, Waseca. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 7, 8, 14 and 15. We will have crafts, holiday movies and snacks in the workshop. Come do some holiday shopping with all of our great vendors.
8 p.m., Reggie’s Brewhouse, 220 N. Cedar Ave., Owatonna. This band plays newer rock covers by Weezer, Tonic, 3 Doors Down, and Nickelback. They play older rock covers
INSPIRATIONAL
Chase Burkhart - St. Peter-- 2-5
p.m., Paddlefish Brewing, 108 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. An experienced singer/guitarist & songwriter based in southern Minnesota. Audiences can expect to hear interpretations of vintage and modern musical genres (Jazz, Folk, Country, R&B, Rock, Pop) with a peppering of original material from a classically trained baritone finger-picking on a nylon string guitar
I Cantanti ChoirFaribault-- 4 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church
musical score written by composer Leslie Bricusse (Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory) this captivating show will capture the essence of redemption, compassion, and the power of human connection. Tickets online.
SATURDAY, DEC 14
Christmas in Kenyon-- 9 a.m.11 p.m., Fun-filled day of activities and socializing.
A Czech Country Christmas - Montgomery-- 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Come spend the afternoon enjoying Czech Christmas traditions, including the Christmas Market and a special visit from Svaty Mikuláš. Children’s treat and gift bags; horse and carriage rides; makeand-take crafts and Czech activities; Czech and Slovak folk dancers; door prizes; authentic Czech baked good, hotdogs vomacka with zelnicky, hot cocoa and mulled wine.
Owatonna
Faribault, 530 4th St. NW, Faribault. Presenting a Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. The concerts will feature music by composers Michael John Trotta, Kim André Arnesen, Jake Runestad and Morten Lauridsen with arrangements by Dan Forrest, Daniel Jackson, Brad Holmes, Robert Sieving and James L. Stevens. There are also opportunities for the audience to sing along on familiar carols. Free-will offering.
Lost Walleye Trio - St. Peter-- 4-7 p.m., Patrick’s on Third, 125 S. Third St., St. Peter. Roots, folk, country, blues music along with a piscatorial flair.
Santa Experience - Waseca-- 4-8 p.m., Farmamerica, 7367 360th Ave, Waseca. Meet Santa, get a special goodie bag, enjoy holiday crafting and cookie decorating, meet Santa’s reindeer, get light concessions.
Join us for two live concerts benefitting Transitional Housing of Steele County and Oak Hill Community Connections.
Featured artists:
Sponsored by
WEDNESDAY, DEC 11
Laura Dave Author Talk - St. Peter-- 1 p.m., Virtual talk. A bestselling author of “The Last Thing He Told Me,” she will chat about her newest book “The Night We Lost Him.” Her novels have been translated into thirty-eight languages, and six of them have been optioned for film and television.
THURSDAY, DEC 12
Winter Walk - Northfield-- 4:30 p.m., Downtown Northfield. Experience downtown Northfield by candlelight. Stroll through unique shops, dine at fine restaurants, enjoy caroling, storytelling, luminarias, decorated storefronts, fireworks and much more.
FRIDAY, DEC 13
Scrooge! The Musical - Faribault-- 7:30 p.m., Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault. Shows 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 and 13, plus 2 p.m. 14 and 15. This enchanting adaptation of Charles Dickens’ beloved novella “A Christmas Carol” will transport audiences on the transformative journey of Ebenezer Scrooge. Set to a delightful
Meet Santa - St. Peter-- 4-7 p.m., St. Peter Fire Station, 602 Sunrise Dr. Meet Santa, enjoy coloring pages and fire trucks, take part in a scavenger hunt and collect candy canes.
Live Nativity Drive-Thru - Waseca-5-7 p.m., St. Paul Lutheran Church, 314 4th Ave. NE, Waseca. Shows 5-7 p.m. Dec. 13 and 14. The original Christmas story presented live in a drive-thru experience.
Barn Boys - Janesville-- 5:30-8:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville. Live guitar and vocals, playing old country.
Holiday Lights - Waseca-- 6-9 p.m., Waseca County Fairgrounds. A variety of holiday light displays throughout the fairgrounds. Meet and greet with Santa Claus. Takes place Dec. 13-14.
Mary Cutrufello Duo - Northfield-- 6-9 p.m., Imminent Brewing, 519 Division Street South Unit
2. Duo show with Randy Engelmayer on bass, featuring Mary’s originals and classic country gold.
Zander - Kasota-6-9 p.m., Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery, 1179 E. Pearl
St., Kasota. A Midwestern folk/bluegrass/Americana artist. Gigging solo as Zander, as a duo with Beyond The Trees, and rockin’ a Tele with Russ Parrish & The Lone Oaks.
Jake Schrodt - Blooming Prairie-- 7-10 p.m., Blooming Prairie Cue Company, 302 Main St E, Blooming Prairie. Specializing in rock, country and Americana music with vocals in the style of Chris Stapleton and Van Morrison.
Party - Kasota-- 8 p.m., The Blue Moon Bar & Grill, 300
All about rock ‘n’ roll featuring The Whiskey Richard Band.
Brewing, 108 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. Hear some acoustic tunes at the brewery.
Chris Bertrand - Owatonna-- 6:308:30 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 111 N Walnut Ave, Owatonna. A seasoned singer/songwriter from Southern Minnesota who dedicates his life to music. Deeply rooted in folk and unafraid to stomp and howl, Bertrand is currently working on his first recording effort, “By The
Steve Gillespie Comedy Show - St. Peter-- 7 p.m., 2nd Story Comedy, 303 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. A standup comedian from Wisconsin, currently hailing from the greater Minneapolis/ St Paul area. His second
Chant Choir - Owatonna and Faribault-7 p.m., Dec. 14 at Association Church of Owatonna and Dec. 15 at Divine Mercy Church in Faribault. A holiday themed choir performance.
Do you want to submit an event to this calendar? Send details to editor@southernminnscene.com
Teezer - Elko New Market-- 8 p.m., The Doublewide, 421 Saint Joseph St., Elko New Market. A 70s party; let’s rock.
Wicked Garden - Owatonna-- 8:30 p.m., Reggie’s Brewhouse, 220 N. Cedar Ave., Owatonna. Playing your favorite alternative rock/ grunge/pop hits from the 90s, from bands like Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Stone Temple Pilots, Alice In Chains, Soundgarden, Tool, Metallica, Smashing Pumpkins, Alanis Morissette, No Doubt, The Cranberries and many more.
Christmas Markets & Music - Le Sueur County-- 1-4 p.m., Next Chapter Winery, 16945 320th St., New Prague. Holiday festivities, live Christmas music, and local shopping. Enjoy some holiday cocktails or hot chocolate/hot cider while listening to some Christmas cheer
Singalong SundayOwatonna-- 3 p.m., Foremost Brewing Cooperative, 131 W. Broadway St, Owatonna. A holiday themed sing-along for the whole family. Bring your friends and family for a live singalong led by Gina Mathison.
SUNDAY, DEC 15
Joe Weckwerth - St. Peter-- 1-4 p.m., Paddlefish
CONTINUED page 32
Victorian Tea - Faribault-- 3 p.m., Congregational Church, 227 NW 3rd St., Faribault. Aromatic teas, delicacies, gentle music, lively conversation.
Northfield. A special tiki bar in the Armory Square basement., featuring music from Ray Coudret.
Kasota. From blues to ballads, rock to waltzes, from bluegrass to soul, Machtemes a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist and frontman of Traveled Ground brings his Americana music to the stage as a solo show.
Country Christmas Line Dancing - Le Sueur County-- 6-9 p.m., Next Chapter Winery, 16945 320th St., New Prague. Christmas-themed line dancing. Christmas apparel is recommended. Register online.
Ugly Sweater Contest - Northfield-- 7-11 p.m., Flaherty’s Northfield Lanes, 1700 Highway 3 S. Do you have what it takes to be labeled the ugliest? Go ahead, dust off the sweater and wear it to the contest. Prizes for winners.
FRIDAY, DEC 20
Tiki Night and Music - Northfield-- 5-8 p.m., Armory Square Event Center, 519 Division St.,
Chris Mims - Owatonna-- 6-8 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 111 N Walnut Ave, Owatonna. From the soulful rhythms of blues to the electrifying melodies of rock and country, Chris Mims is a versatile guitarist and singer with over 30 years of experience.
SATURDAY, DEC 21
Wendt Sisters - Janesville-- 5:30-8:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville. Playing a wide variety of music from the 50s to the 90s, country and gospel.
Fred the BearNorthfield-6 p.m., Imminent Brewing, 519 Division Street South Unit 2. Rich harmonies, emotive dynamics, personally crafted lyrics and driving rhythms played by local talented musicians with hearts of gold.
The Holiday Classic - St. Peter-- 6-10 p.m., The Capitol Room, 419 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. Takes place Dec. 20 and 21. Featuring the musical stylings of Clifford Chestnut (the Christmas crooner alter-ego of Colin Scharf) and The Nutcracker Orchestra, a night of music, merriment, and mischief. We’ll have signature cocktails, light hors d’oeuvres, and plenty of room to rock around the Christmas tree.
Grand Ole Opry Christmas - Faribault-- 7:30 p.m., Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault. Mick Sterling presents the Christmas recordings of the pillars of Country and Rock and Roll in this joyous presentation. All of the classic Christmas songs and some really fun ones you may not be familiar with, joined by traditional gospel and spirituals round out this wonderful presentation that has moved audiences for years.
Tailspin Rock and Country - Elko New Market-- 8 p.m., The Doublewide, 421 Saint Joseph St., Elko New Market. Have a blast at this rock show
Loadie w/ The Thirsty GiantsSt. Peter-- 8-11 p.m., Patrick’s on Third, 125 S. Third St., St. Peter. The Thirsty Giants: Midwest basement punk from North Mankato.Loadie: Heavy, groovy, quirky, stoney three-piece rock band from Mankato. Both are ready to shred.
SUNDAY, DEC 22
Bruce Burniece - Kilkenny-- 1-4 p.m., Vintage Escapes Winery & Vineyard, 8950 Dodd Rd., Kilkenny. With a set list of 900 hit songs spanning more than 70 years, Bruce encourages song requests as well as singing along and dancing. He is best known for his showmanship and it has earned him a reputation as a memorable performer.
MONDAY, DEC 23
Winter Walk or Snowshoe - Henderson-- 2-3 p.m., Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Ln, Henderson. Depending on the amount of snow we have, the group will either hike or snowshoe. Along the way, leaders will chat about the trails, trees, wildlife, and any other observations we make. Register online.
So you looked at the calendar the other day and... eeeek.
You’re not very far away at all to the holidays and you’re way, too, uncomfortably far away from having everything ready. At the top of your list is fulfilling your Gift List, but you’re out of ideas and now what? How about a book? How about one of these great books.
For the reader who loves a good comedy, “The Best Way to Bury Your Husband” by Alexia Casale (Penguin, $18.00) is perfect. It’s the story of four women and one same old story: their husbands have been jerks and it’s time to take matters into their own hands. Pair it with “How to Solve Your Own Murder” by Kristen Perrin (Dutton, $28), another fine mystery that’ll keep your giftee perfectly entertained.
If there’s someone on your list who loves a good novel with a healthy dose of drama, you can’t go wrong with “Very Bad Company” by Emma Rosenblum (Flatiron Books, $28.99), the story of a group of high-level, high-money executives on retreat in Florida. What could go wrong, right? Turns out, plenty...Wrap it up with “The Divorcees” by Rowan Beaird (Flatiron Books, $28.99), a novel set in a midcentury Reno divorce ranch.
That thriller-lover on your gift list will be easy to satisfy when you give “She’s Not Sorry” by Mary Kubica (Park Row Books, $30.00), a story of an ICU nurse, a suicidal-now-comatose patient, and secrets that come to light about an almostdeadly accident that was (maybe) no accident. Wrap it up with “Heads Will Roll” by Josh Winning (Putnam, $30.00), a novel of a dumb mistake at work made by an actor who’s sent away to deal with her demons. Sometimes, though, the demons are real...
Your vampire lover will want to bite into “So Thirsty” by Rachel Harrison (Berkley, $29.00), a mystery of best friends and secrets with unexpected consequences. Wrap it up with “Tiny Threads” by Lilliam Rivera (Del Ray, $28.00), a novel of a fashionista and a dream job that turns out to be, well, from you-know-where... Is there a reader on your list who loves complicated family dramas? Then “April May June July” by Alison B. Hart (Graydon House, $28.99) is the book to wrap. Siblings April, May, June, and brother July Barber are totally separate people with nothing in common, other than that they’re family. When their missing father resurfaces after more than a decade, the family wedding they’re all set to attend suddenly becomes so much more
than a family wedding.
by
it up with “A Fire So
the story of a wildfire in Berkeley, California, and a group of the city’s residents who must immediately reckon with the lives they’ve built there.
You don’t have to know a thing about St. Paul, Minnesota, to want to read “Mysterious Tales of Old St. Paul” by Larry Millett (University of Minnesota Press, $24.95). It’s a collection of whodunits set in the 1890s and features a character you’ll come to love. Wrap it up with “You’d Look Better as a Ghost” by Joanna Wallace (Penguin, $18.00), an LOL novel about a killer with an unusual gift: she sees people as ghosts, just before they become one. Also try “The Mesmerist” by Caroline Woods (Doubleday, $28.00), a book of magic based on a real story from the late 1800s.
For the person on your list who is a selfprofessed lover of Mark Twain’s works, “Big Jim and the White Boy” by David F. Walker and Marcus Kwame Anderson (Ten Speed Graphic, $35.00) will be a welcome gift this season. It’s a re-imagining of the classic Twain tale, told in graphic-novel format. It’s great for collectors, and teens would love it, too.
Here’s an unusual sibling novel: “Pearly Everlasting” by Tammy Armstrong (HarperCollins, $28.99). It’s the story of a bear cub named Bruno, the human sister he was raised with, and the bond of love that overcomes everything when the bear goes missing. Wrap it up with “We’ll Prescribe You a Cat” by Syou Ishida (Berkley, $25.00), a cute novel about the “healing power” of cats.
Lovers of short stories will enjoy unwrapping “Neighbors and Other Stories” by Diane Oliver (Grove Press, $27.00), a collection of tales about racism, Jim Crow, fear, prejudice, scandal, and more. Pair it with “Float Up, Sing Down” by Laird Hunt (Bloomsbury, $26,99), a collection about a single day in the life of folks in a small Indiana community.
No doubt, there’s someone on your gift list who loves to be really, really scared and “Nightwatching” by Tracy Sierra may fit on your gift list. It’s a novel about a woman alone with her children during a blizzard, and an intruder who seems awfully, horrifyingly familiar...
Someone on your gift list will love reading “Cunning Folk: Life in the Era of Practical Magic” by Tabitha Stanmore (Bloomsbury, $29.99). Not only is this a history of magic and the magical arts, but it’s a bit of a mini-biography about people who practice the arts.
If you know your giftee well and this year is going to mean big changes, then carefully give “Divorce Matters” by Kathy Criscuolo Boufford
(Square One Publishers, $18.95). Wrap it up with “I Do (I Think) by Allison Raskin (Hanover Square Press, $28.99), a book about marriage in the modern world. Together, they’re perfect for the person you know needs them, now or in the near future.
On the other hand, “Somehow: Thoughts on Love” by Anne Lamott (Riverhead Books, $22.00) is a book filled with hope and words on love. why it irritates us, and why we need it. Wrap it up for the romantic in your life. Wrap it up with “Vows: The Modern Genius of an Ancient Rite” by Cheryl Mendelson (Simon & Schuster, $28.99), a surprising look at the things we say at a wedding, and why we say them.
Is there a lover of Shakespeare on your gift list? Then you absolutely can’t go wrong when you wrap up “Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent” by Judi Dench and Brendan O’Hea (St. martin’s Press, $32). Here, Dame Judi writes about the Bard and the various roles she’s played through the decades, audiences, critics, and more. Your giftee will want it “to be” under the tree, along with “The World in Books: 52 Works of Great Short Nonfiction” by Kenneth C. Davis (Scribner, $29.99), a whole book full of suggestions to carry your giftee into the new year. The runner in your life will be delighted when “In the Spell of the Barkley” by Michiel Panhuysen (Bloomsbury, $24.00) is unwrapped. This story of the ultimate ultramarathon challenge is a read as wild as the race itself. Wrap it up with another book about a big sport: “Everest, Inc.: The Renegabes and Rogues Who Built an Industry at the Top of the World” by Will Cockrell (Gallery Books, $29.99). Wrap it up with a warm pair of gloves and a long scarf.
Is there a reader on your gift list who loves history but who’s tired of the same old thing? Then wrap up “Plentiful Country: The Great Potato Famine and the Making of Irish New York” by Tyler Anbinder (Little, Brown, $32.50). Why did more than a million of Ireland’s citizens come to America in the mid-1800s? What did they find here, and how did Americans think of the sudden influx of new immigrants? Historians will devour this book; anyone concerned about immigration will, too.
No doubt, the history lover on your list will want “The Handy World War II Answer Book” by Richard Estep (Visible Ink Press, $29.99). In an easy-to-read, easy-to-browse format, your giftee will get a nice extra peek inside and around the world at the Second World War.
The science-minded person on your gift list will want “Turning to Stone” by Marcia Bjornerud (Flatiron Books, $28.99), a book about rocks but also about geology and the wonders of our planet. Wrap it up with “Subpar Planet” by Amber Share (Penguin Random House, $30.00), a hilarious book of reviews and ratings of planetary
wonders from real people who probably didn’t quite get the whole “nature” thing.
Your proud HBCU grad will love reading “A Forgotten Migration” by Crystal R. Sanders (UNC Press, $27.95), a book about racism, segregation, Black colleges & universities, and what American society owes them for decades of education. Is there an activist for justice on your gift list? Then they’ll be happy to open “Morningside: The 1979 Greensboro Massacre and the Struggle for an American City’s Soul” by Aran Shetterly (Amistad, $28.99), It’s a story of the Klan, white supremacy, racial conflict, and how it fits in with what’s going on in America today. Pair it with “Sidney Poitier: The Great Speefhes of an Icon Who Moved Us Forward” complied by Joanna Poitier, edited by John Malahy (Running Press, $29). Bonus: This inspiring book is packed with photos.
If there’s a person on your list who’s concerned with ecologically-minded things, check out “The 15-Minute City” by Carlos Moreno (Wiley, $28). It’s a book about a radical way of planning a new city so it’s walkable, not congested, and greener. Pair it with “Atlas of a Threatened Planet” by Esther Gonstalla (Island Press, $35), a book of infographics that make being greener easier to understand.
Everybody – including your giftee – loves a good treasure hunt, and you don’t have to hunt far for “Lost Loot: Cursed Treasures and Blood Money” by Jim Willis (Visible Ink Press, $22.95). It’s a sometimes-swashbuckling, sometimes just plain fun look at booty, true crime, and possibilities of riches. Wrap it up with “The Heirloomist: 100 Treasures and the Stories They Tell” by Shana Novak (Chronicle Books, $27.99), an absorbing book about random objects, collectors, and the hold that things hold on us. Your football fan will absolutely want “The Football Game That Changed America” by Dennis Deninger (Rowman & Littlefield, $35). It’s a book about how the NFL’s “Big Game” became the biggest day of football for every fan, whether they follow the teams playing or not. If your giftee loves basketball, too, then wrap up “Globetrotter: How Abe Saperstein Shook Up the World of Sports” by Mark Jacob and Matthew Jacob (Rowman & Littlefield, $35), a book about the iconic Harlem Globetrotters basketball team, racism, and the path to become one of the sports’ best-loved teams.
The person on your gift list who’s working on a second chapter will be happy to unwrap “The Art of the Interesting: What We Miss in Our Pursuit of the Good Life and How to Cultivate It” by Lorraine Besser, PhD (Balance, $30). Based on science and psychology, this book helps your giftee create the best life and be happier and healthier in mind and spirit.
Did your giftee spend a childhood immersed in books about growing up? If so, they’ll cherish those memories when they read “The Genius of Judy” by Rachelle Bergstein (One Signal Publishers, $28.99). This biography fills readers in on who Judy Blume was, why she wrote the novels she penned, and how her stories fit in with today’s adolescence, feminism, current events, and literature. Wrap it up with this great biography: “Rulebreaker: The Life and Times of Barbara Walters” by Susan Page (Simon & Schuster $30). It’s the story of Walters, her times, and her impressive works.
If your giftee is riled by this years’ politics and feminism, then they’ll love reading “A WellTrained Wife” by Tia Levings (St. Martin’s Press, $30). It’s the story of Levings’ life as a wife in a Christian patriarchy-based marriage, the submissiveness, the expectations, and her ultimate resistance. The right kind of giftee will love this book completely.
The British history lover on your list will absolutely want “The Eagle and the Hart: The Tragedy of Richard II and Henry IV” by Helen Castor (Avid Reader Press, $35). This book takes a deep dive into history, the lives of two cousins, and a shocking assumption to the throne. Pair it with a bookmark and “Henry V: The Astonishing Triumph of England’s Greatest Warrior King” by Dan Jones (Viking, $35), a book about the life and times of this English king in the fifteenth century. For the person on your gift list who loves music, “How Women Made Music: A Revolutionary History from NPR Music” edited by Alison Fensterstock (HarperOne, $40) is exactly the right gift. It’s a look at female musicians from the 1920s to more recent years, from country music to hip hop to guitar players and beyond. Wrap it up with “I Heard There Was a Secret Chord: Music as Medicine” by Daniel J. Levitin (Norton, $32.50), a book about music and how it contributes to healing and well-being.
“Friendly Fire: A Fractured Memoir” by Paul Rousseau (Harper Horizon, $29.99) may be the exact right gift for anyone who loves a unique memoir. Just before he graduated from college, Rousseau was shot in the head accidentally. How he survived, both physically and in the friendship with the man who shot him is the basis of this very well-done book.
The science-minded person on your gift list will be happy to have “The Elements of Marie Curie: How the Glow of Radium Lit a Path for Women in Science” by Dava Sobel (Atlantic Monthly Press, $30). Chances are, your giftee knows exactly who Madame Curie was, but do they know about the women who came after her in the laboratory. This book tells the tale in an engaging, interesting way.
For your fashionista who loves make-up, “Becoming Elizabeth Arden: The Woman Behind the Global Beauty Empire” by Stacy A. Cordery (Viking, $35) could be the best gift beneath the tree this year. It’s a sweeping story of a businesswoman, glamour maven, revolutionary, visionary, her work, her times, and the controversy she lit.
For the designer or design student on your list, you’ll want to wrap up “Design for a Radically Changing World” by Andy Cohen FAIA and Diane Hoskins FAIA (Oro Editions, $70). It’s a heavy, gorgeously-illustrated book full of ideas and works by designers your giftee may know. This is a book they’ll love for years to come.
Everybody knows that work requires a certain sense of humor, right? And so “The Customer is Always Wrong” by Scott Seiss (Harper Celebrate, $22.99) is a book that’ll help your giftee keep a smile on that overworked face.
Here’s a unique little gift for the businessperson on your list: “Pencil” by Carol Beggy (Bloomsbury, $14.95). It’s a small book, perfect for a stockingstuffer, and it’s all about the writing instrument we know, love, and of which about two billion are used by Americans each year.
For the young entrepreneurial couple on your list, “Tightwads and Spendthrifts: Navigating the Money Minefield in Real Relationships” by Scott Rick (St. Martin’s Press, $28) may be something they’ll both appreciate. It’s a book that offers advice and a guideline for making sure both finances and love triumph in the end.
The gamer on your list – the one who’s also an entrepreneur – will like to unwrap “Playing with Reality” by Kelly Clancy (Riverhead, $30). What do games teach us about science, business, and risk? Looking at games from antiquity to AI, this book
will tell it. If the giftee on your list is trying to achieve a good work-life balance, then wrap up “Over Work: Transforming the Daily Grind in the Quest for a Better Life” by Brigid Schulte (Henry Holt, $31.99). This book will help your giftee understand how some everyday tasks are considered “work” and how such unpaid jobs can contribute to your happiness. Wrap it up with “Directional Living: A Transformational Guide to Fulfillment in Work and Life” by Megan Hellerer (Penguin Life, $29.00). The subtitle says it all.
For the person who loves their job but struggles with the workplace, “Toxic Productivity” by Israa Nasir, MHC-LP (Bridge City Books, $19.99) might help. It’s a book about overcoming stress and pressure at work and how to become a healthier employee, mentally.
Was your giftee dismayed at the political landscape for the past few years? Then “Good Reasonable People” by Keith Payne (Viking, $29.00) should be the book you wrap up to give. There is a way back to unity and away from polarization, Payne says, and with an explanation of the psychology and behind it, it’s do-able.
Be sure you know where your giftee’s politics lie if you wrap up “The MAGA Diaries” by Tina Nguyen (One Signal Publishers, $28.00). Nguyen cut her teeth in the conservative movement, though she never felt entirely comfortable there. Eventually, she needed to get out; how she did it is a story the right giftee will love.
The person on your list who’s mourning the end of the political season, will be happy to get “The Handy Civics Answer Book: How to Be a Good Citizen” by David L. Hudson, Jr. J.D. (Visible Ink Press, $29.99). It’s a large, heavy book about our American documents, the Amendments they should know about, what it means to be a “good citizen,” and more.
Remember the Reagan years? For your giftee that does, too, “Dear Mom and Dad” by Patti Davis (Liveright, $27.99) will be a great gift to unwrap. Davis, of course, was the Reagan’s daughter, and this love letter to family and country is perfectly appropriate this year. Wrap it up with “Woodrow Wilson: The Light Withdrawn” by Christopher Cox (Simon & Schuster, $34.99), a hefty biography about a “superbly unsuited” man who nevertheless became our 28th President. Here’s a political issue your activist will want to know more about: “The Stolen Wealth of Slavery: A Case for Reparations” by David Montero (Legacy Lit, $29). Part history, part business, part eye-opener, this book is one of the better looks at this controversial subject.
If there’s a true-crime lover on your list, you can’t go wrong with “Killer Moms: True Stories” by Amanda R. Woomer (Visible Ink Press, $22.95). These stories will chill you, they’ll fascinate you, and they’ll keep you up at night. And for more up-all-night gifting, “Children of Darkness and Light” by Lori Hellis (Pegasus Crime, $28.95) will fill the bill nicely. It’s the further story of Lori Vallow, Chad Daybell, and the murders of Vallow’s two children.
The reader on your list who loves unusual peeks into the lives of crimesolvers will devour “Clay and Bones: My Life as an FBI Forensic Artist” by Lisa Bailey (Chicago Review Press, $28.99), a memoir by the FBI’s first female forensic sculptor, the job, and the crimes she’s helped to solve.
For the dog lover on your gift list, “Rethinking Rescue” by Carol Mithers (Counterpoint, $28.00) will be a welcome present. It’s the story of Lori Weise, Los Angele’s “Dog Lady,” who helps pets and their owners in the city’s poorer neighborhoods. It’s also a basic history of animal rescue and activism.
Is there someone on your gift list who’s wild about animals? Then “Meet the Neighbors: Animal Minds and Life in a More-Than-Human World” by Brandon Keim (Norton, $29.99) will make a great present under the tree. It’s a look at wild animals and the ways they’re not quite so different from us. Pair it with “Earthly Bodies: Embracing Animal Nature” by Vanessa Chakour (Penguin Life, $20), another, differently nuanced book about animal and human behavior. The grieving pet owner on your list may like “I’m Still Here: A Dog’s Purpose Forever” by Cathryn Michon (Andrews McMeel, $19.99). It’s
a story as told by a dog who crossed the Rainbow Bridge, but never really leaves. Hint: Wrap it up with tissues.
If you have a cat lover on your gift list, “Cats of the World” by Hannah Shaw and Andrew Marttilla (Plume, $32.00) will be exactly the right thing to wrap. It’s filled with stories and photographs of cats, cats, kittens, and owners, taken from around the world.
There are several kinds of people on your gift list who’d like to read “The Long Haul: How Long Covid Survivors are Revolutionizing Healthcare” by Ryan Prior (MIT Press, $24.95). Absolutely, nurses will want it. Former Covid-19 patients will want it. Any current sufferers of Long Covid will absolutely want to see it. Wrap it up with a book that might help them: “Soothe: Restoring Your Nervous System from Stress, Anxiety, Burnout, and Trauma” by Nahid de Belgeonne (Penguin Life, $19), a book that explains where emotions are from, where the body stores them, and how you can self-soothe when things get really bad.
The insomniac on your gift list will be so happy to unwrap “Sleepless: Unleashing the Subversive Power of the Night Self” by Annabel Abbs-Streets (Putnam, $28). It’s a book about neuroscience, creativity, and learning to harness our “Night Selves.” Wrap it up with “This is Why You Dream” by Rahul Jandial, MD, PhD (Penguin Life/Viking, $29) and a gift certificate for a nice warm glass of milk.
If there’s someone on your gift list who loves to read True Medical stories, then “A Fatal Inheritance” by Lawrence Ingrassia (Holt, $29.99) is the one to give. It’s the story of Ingrassia’s family, loss, and a legacy of cancer that seems more than coincidental. It’s also the tale of the doctors whose research helps unlock the key for families prone to cancer.
For the medical-minded person who’s also concerned about justice, wrap up “Madness: Race and Insanity in a Jim Crow Asylum” by Antonia Hylton (Legacy Lit, $30). On a random day in March of 1911, a dozen Black men were forced to build a hospital for “the Negro Insane.” This is the tale of that segregated hospital and the people who were sent there. Wrap it with “Facing the Unseen” by Damon Tweedy, M.D. (St. Martin’s Press, $30), a book on mental health care for anyone who needs it.
Your giftee loves to read True Medicine stories, so “Gray Matters: A Biography of Brain Surgery” by Theodore H. Schwartz (Dutton, $32) is the book you want to give. It’s the story of one man’s career, yes, but your giftee will also learn that reading is not brain surgery.
So books on death might not seem like a great holiday gift, but the right reader will be comforted by “Other People’s Words” by Lissa Soep (Spiegel and Grau, $27.00). After losing two close friends, Soep realized that the things we said once (or didn’t say) are with us inside memories that we keep. This is a good and gentle book for the person who needs it most. Wrap it up with “Grief is for People” by Sloane Crosley (FSG, $27.00), the story of a suicide and a lost friend.
The person who wants to live as authentically as possible in order to understand death will want “Briefly Perfectly Human” by Alua Arthur (Mariner, $28.99), a book on being a better human now, so there are no regrets. So what will you do with life, then, hm?
For the grieving parent, “Fi” by Alexandra Fuller (Grove Atlantic, $28.00) might be a comfort. It’s a memoir of Fuller’s son, and the unimaginable losses she suffered not long ago when he died shortly after Fuller lost her father, her home country, and a relationship she treasured. Pair it with Gail Godwin’s “Getting to Know Death” (Bloomsbury, $26.99), a book about loss and surviving it.
For the person who wonders why we must leave this world, “Why We Die” by Venki Ramakrishnam (Wm. Morrow, $32.50) offers plenty of science to explain. Why do we die, and why can’t we live forever – or, at least a whole lot longer? The scientist on your list will want to read this book to find out. Wrap it up with “This Ordinary Stardust: A Scientist’s Path from Grief to Wonder” by Alan Townsend (Grand Central, $29.00) for another scientific look at healing.
The grieving person on your gift list may not feel so festive, which is why “Conscious Grieving: A Transormative Approach to Healing from Loss”
by
Claire Bidwell
Smith, LCPC (Workman, $19.99) may be a welcome gift. This book helps make sense of a time that has no sense inside it. Wrap it up with “The Wet Wound: An Elegy in Essays” by Maddie Norris (University of Georgia Press, $23.95), a book on the pain of grief. Even at the holidays – especially at the holidays – loss can feel especially keen. Your giftee may appreciate opening “Near-Death Experiences: Afterlife Journeys and Revelations” by Jim Willis (Visible Ink Press, $22.95), a scientific look at what happens when the worst almost happens, and how science and religion tie together with this issue.
If there’s someone on your gift list who’d enjoy a coming-of-age story, “Shae” by Mesha Maren (Algonquin Books, $28.00) is a good choice to give. It’s a boy-meets-girl tale, but when a pregnancy happens, it spurs bigger changes in their lives than just parenthood.
If a fun little rom-com is what your giftee loves to read, then look for “We Could Be Heroes” by Philip Ellis (Putnam, $20.00). It’s a light tale of a chance encounter and a friendship that starts out small and becomes pretty super. You might want to wrap it up with “Love and Hot Chicken” by Mary Liza Hartong (Wm. Morrow, $30), a sweet, funny story of two Tennessee women, a chicken shack, and amour.
If your giftee loves rom-coms, there are a bunch to choose from this fall. Consider “The Ride of Her Life” by Jennifer Dugan (Avon, $17.99), a girl-meets-girl novel of a new ranch-owning horsey-girl and the farrier who disagrees with her ranching ideas.
The person on your gift list who loves memoirs will devour “Cactus Country” by Zoe Bossiere (Abrams Press, $27.00), the story of an elevenyear-old and a new start in which everyone sees him as the boy he is. But life as a trans boy isn’t easy in the beautiful area he’s come to embrace, and neither are the people who surround him. Wrap it up with “The Long Hallway” by Richard Scott Larson (University of Wisconsin Press, $21.95), a memoir of a boy who identifies with a movie monster who helps him see that hiding parts of himself can help him come to terms with who he is.
For the Trans man or woman on your gift list, look for “The Last Time I Wore a Dress” by Dylan Scholinski and Jane Meredith Adams (Penguin Publishing), a story of abuse, bullying, mental anguish, and a happy ending. This book was first published more than 25 years ago but now has a new, satisfying and joyful ending... Wrap it up with “Mama: A Queer Black Woman’s Story of a Family Lost and Found” by Nikkya Hargrove, the tale of a love, responsibility, and more love.
If your giftee is exploring their sexuality, “Fierce Desires: A New History of Sex and Sexuality in America” by Rebecca L. Davis (Norton, $35) might be a welcome gift. Have we come a long way, in understanding people’s sexuality? Yes and no – your giftee may have ideas about that.
Here’s a book that the littlest kid will love, as long as Mom and Dad are on-board: “Digging Into Nature” by Pooja Sarin Tandon, MD, MPH, FAAP, and Danette Swanson Glassy, MD, FAAP (American Academy of Pediatrics, $19.95) With this book in hand, adults can create and cultivate a love of the outdoors for their toddler and preschooler. The activities are easy to do, fun, and kid-friendly.
If there’s someone in your family who’s gay, lesbian, or trans and your littlest giftee has questions, wrap up “Hooray for She, He, Ze, and They!” by Lindz Amer, illustrated by Kip Alizadeh (Simon & Schuster, $18.99). It’s a book that explains pronouns in a way that kids can understand. Also try “Gorgeously ME!” by Jonathan Van Ness, illustrated by Kamala Nair (Penguin Flamingo, $19.99), a book about everybody being their awesome, fabulous selves; and “The Rainbow Parade” by Shane Jordan and Rick Hendrix, illustrated by Jieting Chen.
Join us for holiday shopping featuring a fantastic selection of handmade, one-of-a-kind items created by 20 local artists. Now through December 21.
Music, Book, and Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse
Director: Shelley Fitzgerald
Choreographer: Jessica Bastyr
This enchanting adaptation of Charles Dickens’ beloved novella “A Christmas Carol” will transport audiences to the transformative journey of Ebenezer Scrooge. Guided by three spirits, Scrooge discovers the true meaning of Christmas as he confronts his past, present and potential future. Set to a delightful musical score written by composer Leslie Bricusse, (Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory) this captivating show will capture the essence of redemption, compassion, and the power of human connection. Bring the whole family and experience the warmth of the holiday spirit as one man’s cold heart is thawed.
December 6, 7, 12**, and 13 at 7:30 PM
December 8*, 14, and 15 at 2:00 PM
*ASL Interpreted Performance
**Audio Described Performance
Member: $18, Non-Member: $20, Student: $14
Show sponsor American Family Insurance Agent Bart Jackson. PCT Season Sponsors: Faribault Daily News, The Bahl Foundation, & Quality Appliance.
A Grand Ole Opry Christmas honors the Christmas recordings of the pillars of Country and Rock and Roll in this joyous presentation! All of the classic Christmas songs and some really fun ones you may not be familiar with, joined by traditional gospel and spirituals round out this wonderful presentation that has moved audiences for years. Featuring Mick Sterling, along with four more incredible lead vocalists, Cate Fierro, Shalo Lee, Lisi Wright and Dan Neale.
Saturday, December 21 at 7:30 PM
Member: $25 / Non-Member: $30 / Student: $20
Sponsored by Erick Warner Construction Inc.
Dessert auction Saturday, December 21 during the Mick Sterling Presents: A Grand Ole Opry Christmas performance. All proceeds will benefit the Paradise’s programming.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.