Holly, jolly Yuletide: Downtown festivities draw crowd

A warm winter evening brought many families to downtown Park Rapids Friday.

During the Yuletide Sampler, participating merchants offered hot cider, cocoa and other treats to thank the community for their support and commence the holiday shopping season. Freewill offerings from the Yuletide Sampler were donated to CHI St. Joseph's Health Hospice Care.

A community choir lead a Christmas carol sing-along prior to the Heartland Lakes Community Tree lighting. The ceremony, led by hospice care staff, is a celebration of life and memories. This year's event honored the memory of Kathy Barker of Walker. The blue spruce on Main Avenue was donated by Greg Grover.

Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber President Butch De La Hunt served an emcee. He lead the countdown to the tree lighting, with Barker's husband, Brad, flipping the switch.

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived via fire truck. Santa sang and played ukulele before heading to Bella Caffe, where he'll be available for visits from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays through Dec. 22.

1/4: Kim Holder of Rustic Cabin Decor offered peanut butter rice krispies to guests Friday.

2/4: Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived by fire truck rather than sleigh -- this time. They sang a song before heading to Bella Caffe to visit with children. Chamber president Butch De La Hunt served as emcee.

3/4: Children gathered around firepits to roast marshmallows prior to the tree-lighting ceremony.

4/4: Campfire smoke still floated through the balmy air and people lingered on Main to admire the community Christmas tree.