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Luverne’s Winterfest celebration over the weekend featured all the classic holiday activities, plus several new ones.
The Friday morning Puppet Show Story Hour at the Rock County Library started the weekend Friday morning.
The Historic Hinkly House was open to the public Friday and Saturday (see page 5), and the congregation of St. John Lutheran Church featured more than 250 nativity sets in the second year of its Festival of the Nativities.
The craft show at school was a draw for holiday shopping, and photos with Santa (Bryce Niessink and Janice Fick) attracted families from far and wide.
Flannel Fest at Big Top Tents and Events was a weekend highlight for Winterfest goers.
A chili cook-off supported youth hockey, and friendly competitions included bean bags, beer pong and “Pizza, Pitchers & Puzzles.”
Vocalist Madi Oye led karaoke, and a flannel fest contest honored the best-dressed attendees.
“It is a great event that offers a different kind of thing to do. It should be such a fun time for everyone,” Lanphere said ahead of the weekend to promote Winterfest.
The History Center’s nutcracker open house boasted 5,000 (the latest count) nutcrackers on display.
The Carnegie Minstrels highlighted the Community Christmas Cantata, “Let There Be Christmas” in the school performing arts center to benefit the Rock County Food Shelf.
“Having great community partners — all putting work, planning and resources into an event weekend – is why Winterfest has continued for 26 years,” Lanphere said. “Luverne truly offers activities and events for every age bracket and every taste.”