Community Christmas tree stands on Main

The Christmas spirit is emerging downtown.

This year’s Christmas tree was donated by Northwoods Bank of Minnesota.

Kimball Logging Company harvested it on Sunday, placing it in the honored spot in the center of Main Avenue.

On Monday, linemen from the Itasca-Mantrap Cooperative Electrical Association and Minnesota Power teamed up to string lights and add festive decorations.

“The tree was perfect – watered, maintained. It just blocked the view of the front of the bank,” explained Ginnie Petersen, Northwoods Bank’s retail banking manager, adding that the roots were also digging into the building.

“We donated the tree just to give back to the community. We wanted to be a part of that downtown Christmas tree lighting,” Petersen said.

Krissy Selseth, CHI St. Joseph’s Health communication/marketing coordinator, said they purchased all-new Christmas lights and ornaments. Many were damaged when the tree toppled over in high winds last November.

While the tree is shorter than in year’s past, Selseth commented that it is very full and beautiful.

The community Christmas tree has been a decades-long partnership between the Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, the Park Rapids Downtown Business Association and CHI St. Joseph’s Health Hospice Care.

The tree-lighting ceremony on Friday, Nov. 26 will follow the Yuletide Sampler, which is 5 to 6 p.m., in downtown Park Rapids.

Participating businesses host this annual event as a way to thank the community for their support all year and to kickoff holiday shopping. Freewill offerings from the Yuletide Sampler will be donated to CHI St. Joseph’s Health Hospice Care.

Fire pits will be lit for roasting marshmallows and sipping hot cocoa.

1/2: On Monday, Minnesota Power and Itasca-Mantrap Electric crew members partnered to string lights and decorate the downtown Christmas tree.

2/2: Kimball's Logging Company harvested the tree from Northwoods Bank on Sunday, then installed it on Main Avenue.