As the holiday season approaches, the tight-knit community of Brimson is gearing up for a festive celebration at Hugo’s Bar, located at 1898 Hwy 44, Brimson. On Saturday, December 9, at 6 PM, locals and visitors alike will gather for the 6th annual “Community Appreciation Christmas Party.”
One of the highlights of the evening will be the live performance by Split Rox, a band led by Jesse Willemark’s uncle. Jesse owns Hugo’s bar along with his wife Jessica Larson. What makes this musical treat even more special is that Split Rox are volunteers, generously sharing their talent without accepting any payment. Instead, all donations collected during the event will be dedicated to the Toys for Tots Fundraiser, in collaboration with Co-operative Light & Power (CLP) and the Salvation Army.
The festive spirit continues with the revival of last year’s popular gingerbread house contest. With six to seven entrants last year, there is hope that this year will see an even greater turnout. Jesse will be participating this year and is looking forward to having a lot of competition. The creativity on display last year was outstanding, with the winning entry featuring a gingerbread man in an outhouse – a delightful and humorous touch that captured the community’s playful spirit.
The “Community Appreciation Christmas Party” is not just about music and gingerbread houses; it’s also an opportunity to give back. Attendees can look forward to holiday-themed prizes, adding an extra layer of excitement to the evening. However, the true heart of the event lies in its connection to the annual toy drive.
The Brimson community has a proud tradition of going above and beyond for the toy drive. CPL, in collaboration with Hugo’s Bar, provides “slips” that represent the wish lists of children in need. Each slip corresponds to 30 presents that the community aims to fulfill. As of my conversation with Jesse, two slips had already been filled, and another batch was in the works. “They always are blown away when we show up with three truckloads of toys,” Jesse said, proudly.
Last year, the community demonstrated its generosity by also raising an impressive $1200 in cash for the toy drive. This year, the goal is not just to meet but to surpass that milestone, ensuring that more children experience the joy of unwrapping a gift during the holiday season.
In a world that sometimes feels increasingly disconnected, events like the “Community Appreciation Christmas Party” at Hugo’s Bar in Brimson serve as reminders of the power of community, generosity, and the holiday spirit. As the date approaches, the anticipation is building, and it’s clear that this year’s celebration will be filled with music, laughter, creativity, and, most importantly, the warmth of a community coming together for a good cause.
