Navajo Pearls

By Sarah Grassel

Stay warm and toasty while filling your heart with some extra holiday spirit by driving through the Spearfish Optimist Club’s annual Winter Wonderland at the city campground this year. For the third year in a row, non-profit organizations and businesses in the community are excited to bring their own unique displays to share in their support of the holiday season and to brighten up the community.

Andrew Koistinen is one of the board members of the Optimist Club who helped bring the idea to Spearfish from his hometown east river. He says that the event is great for families both local and those visiting.

“It’s free, operating as a cash donation and a great way to kick off the holiday. Bring some popcorn or a cup of cocoa and enjoy the lights from the comfort of your car,” Andrew adds. Beginning December 3, the campground is open from 5-8 p.m. for the following dates: Dec. 9-10, 16-17 and 23.

All proceeds that are collected from the event go back to the community. On average, the event has seen about 10 thousand people come through and raised 10 thousand dollars. This year is expected to be even bigger and bring in almost 15 thousand dollars. Andrew says the club is hoping to see about 50 or more businesses participate in setting up displays and everyone seems excited about continuing the new tradition.

“It seems like we are seeing fewer and fewer houses deck the halls with the Christmas spirit, so the Winter Wonderland event is becoming the best opportunity for kids in the community to see all of the beautiful lights in one centralized location,” Andrew explains.

In addition to the colorful displays, Santa and Mrs. Claus are planning on making an appearance and spreading smiles while handing out candy canes for everyone.

About the Spearfish Optimist Club

Formed in 1986, the Spearfish Optimist Club has been serving the community for more than 45 years. “We are most noticeable through our events and the big smiles our members share,” board member Rich Loose says.

Internationally, the club has functioned for the sole purpose of benefiting the youth in each operating community. The mission is clear: By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in the youth, our communities, and ourselves.

Primarily, the Spearfish branch supports organizations like the Artemis House, Teen Court, CASA, and Title 1 programming.

Rich adds, “We make sure the children have safe, stimulating environments by supporting the public library, child care, and the Spearfish Fine Arts Boosters. We also invest in the academic success of our youth through a variety of scholarships and view physical health as vital to the development of children providing support in gymnastics, football, and the Special Olympics.”

Learn more about the club at https://spearfishoptimists.org/

Spearfish City Campground

404 S Canyon Street

Spearfish, SD 57783

Phone: 605-642-1340

Do you like to write stories? We are searching for an experienced freelance writer to interview and write cover articles, public interest pieces and community interest stories.

If you have these qualities we want to hear from you!

• Writing articles based on editorial and formatting guidelines.

• Communicating with the client to explicate assignment-related expectations.

• Maintaining originality in your work.

• Proofreading your articles.

• Submitting completed articles on time. We’d love to see:

• Prior writing experience and/or references.

• Portfolio of completed works.

• Own personal or laptop computer.

• Excellent communication and time management skills.

• Capacity to work with minimal supervision.

• Self-motivated, disciplined approach to work. Please send your resume and link to your portfolio to admin@michelscom.com.