Celebrate the sights and sounds of the holiday season at Cuyuna Christmas, a myriad of events the first weekend of December throughout the Cuyuna Lakes Area, and support Smiles for Jake, a local suicide prevention movement that spreads positivity through the message that everyone should have hope.

The free and fun events featuring a Nashville duo’s performance, spectacular fireworks, candlelight snowshoeing, games, crafts, food, shopping and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus, is open to all families and individuals in the area.

Most of the events will take place on Saturday, Dec. 4, at Snow Many Smiles in Crosby’s Memorial Park. Tigirlily, an up-and-coming country band from Nashville, will present an outdoor performance at 4 p.m. From 2-6:30 p.m. there will be a variety of activities and entertainment for the entire family. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be on hand to spread Christmas cheer and free yuletide snacks will be served. The grand finale of fireworks will be at 6 p.m. over Serpent Lake at 6 p.m. Also, part of the event is a youth art contest, cookie bake-off, free family photos, cash raffle, find a medallion contest, and the Tree of Love ceremony.

Earlier on Saturday, Lunch with Santa will take place at the Deerwood Auditorium from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Garrison Bay Lake Area Lions and the The Deerstand are sponsoring the event with the support of Deerwood Civic & Commerce and Deerwood Firefighters Relief Association. Children 12 years and younger and special needs youth area asked to register online at cuyunachristmas.com by Friday, Nov. 19. Each child will receive lunch donated by the Deerstand, visit Santa, and receive a treat bag and gift appropriate to their age, enjoy entertainment, and go home with a bag full of all the ingredients for a holiday ham dinner.

The weekend’s other events will begin with Girls Night Out. Participants will have three days to shop at various businesses where they will receive stamps. Stamped entry forms delivered to the Ironton Legion by 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2, will be eligible to win $500 and several door prizes. A designer handbag raffle is also planned that evening as well as burger specials and there will be a Bonanza at the Deerwood Auditorium from 1 to 6 p.m.

Fun will continue in the area’s beautiful outdoors on Friday, Dec. 3, with a candlelight snowshoe and hiking event along the Cuyuna State Recreation Area State Trails. Later Friday, a Jingle Bell Jam with live music and a holiday attire contest will take place at 7 p.m. at the Deerwood American Legion. The Legion will also hold a Reindeer Rump Mega Meat Raffle beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Sponsored by CRMC and Smiles for Jake, event supporters to date include the Cuyuna Fire Relief Association, Crosby-Ironton Courier, CTC, Dairy Queen, Deerwood Bank, Deerwood American Legion, Ironton American Legion, Mid-Minnesota Federal Credit Union, Mixed Co., Nelson, Inc., Range Disposal, Spalding, Super One, and numerous volunteers.

For a full schedule, details, list of sponsors, and current information about all the activities visit cuyunachristmas.com.

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