In this season of giving, the Lake County Chamber of Commerce was giving back to the community in a token of appreciation for all the support the community shows local businesses throughout the year.
Sunday, December 18th saw the visit of two live reindeer in Two Harbors as part of the annual Christmas Cookie Cabin. 2022 was a big year for the Christmas Cookie Cabin with hundreds of people stopping by to see the reindeer, visit with Santa, and enjoy some cookies. Cookies were purchased from local bakers, and there was even a place for children to mail their letters to Santa.
Chamber of Commerce members, costumed as favorite contemporary Christmas-related characters, posed for photos with children. At the Christmas Cookie Cabin, the Abominable Snowman (Warren Miller) and Yukon Cornelius (Jason Schneider) added some nostalgia, their characters being from the classic 1964 movie Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Billy Wilson came as Dr. Seuss’ memorably mean character, the Grinch. A cheerful Elf (Kiera Wilson) helped Santa Claus (Jerry Carlson). Frosty the Snowman was portrayed on December 18th by Jesse Miller. On other occasions this part was played by Elsa Peterson and Jackie Rennwald.
Janelle Jones, president and CEO of the Lake County Chamber of Commerce, says about the Christmas Cookie Cabin, “The Lake County Chamber of Commerce is very grateful for all the residents and locals that support our local business community. We wanted an opportunity [for the community] to come out and enjoy some holiday cheer. We wanted to show some appreciation to the community for all the support they give our local businesses all year. We loved seeing all the kids and adults come out and enjoy the day.”
December 22nd saw the Chamber of Commerce members, costumed as contemporary-Christmas characters, visit the Minnehaha Elementary School to wish students a Merry Christmas.
December 23rd, Shop Local concluded with the announcement of winner Tanya Reppe. Shop Local involved visiting Chamber businesses in Lake County to be entered in a drawing for a monetary prize. Some of these businesses included Neighbor to Neighbor Thrift Store, Rustic Inn, MooseCellaneous, Superior Finds, Anderson’s Greenhouse, The Bee’s Knees, and Burlington Station.
Also on December 23rd, the winners were announced for the Lighting Up Lake County Lighting Contest. The contest was sponsored by Silver Creek Electric LLC, Callie’s Sweets, Lou’s Fish House, 4-Play Custom Boards, and Waldo Signworks. The first place winners were Duane and Sandy Olson. Second place went to Kyle Costley, and Superior Finds won third place.
Congratulations to all the winners and thank you community members and businesses alike for making it possible to appreciate all the great opportunities we have right here in Lake County during this Christmas season!
