The fourth annual Winterfest celebration in Luverne is shaping up to be as good or better than those in previous years.
For one thing, the parade keeps growing. With 38 float entries in Saturday night’s Parade of Lights, it's the biggest ever. "There’s a lot of support," said Chamber Director Dave Smith. "People are excited about it."
The theme for this year’s parade, which starts at 7 p.m., is "A Musical Christmas." The Green Earth Players will again lead Christmas caroling before and after the parade.
New at the parade this year will be hot chili to warm cold spectators. The Lions Club will sponsor a chili feed from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the former Smith Furniture building on Main Street.
During the parade, Lions Club vendors will serve chili up and down Main Street. After the parade, if there's any left over, chili will also be served at the Carnegie Cultural Center.
Another Winterfest activity that keeps growing is the craft show. This year, more than 85 vendors will set up from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the new Cardinal Gym and elementary commons area.
"The lighting is so much better in the new gym," Smith said. "The crafters and the people attending will appreciate that."
New at the craft show this year will be Santa’s Workshop, sponsored by 4-H in the Community Education wing of the elementary school.
Set up for children in kindergarten through fourth grade, Santa's little helpers will create Christmas presents while their parents take in the craft show.
Aside from the parade and craft show, other Winterfest activities include the "Angel Inn" dinner theatre, performed and served by the American Reformed Church.
Performances are at 6 p.m. Friday and Sunday nights, and after the parade on Saturday night at the church.
Other Friday events include Story Hour at 10 a.m. at the library, featuring puppets and special visitors. A cribbage tournament begins at 5 p .m. at the Eagles Club, and a Middle School Dance will be from 7:30 to 10 p.m. in the Middle School gym.
The Festival of Trees will continue at the Carnegie Cultural Center, which features more than 30 Christmas trees, creatively decorated by local organizations and businesses. The Carnegie will be open from 12:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday.
Other Saturday events include the National Guard winter training starting 9 a.m. at the fairgrounds; Holiday Bake Sale at 10:30 a.m. and soup and dessert luncheon at 11 a.m. at the Senior Center; SnoMasters Swap Meet from noon to 3 p.m. at Sharkee’s; and a Senior High School Dance will be from 8 to 11 p.m. in the middle school gym.
The Hinkly House, Rock County Museum and Holy Trinity Church will be open from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday.
The Parade of Homes, sponsored by the Luverne Optimist Hockey Club and Blue Mound Ice Arena, will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are available from 12:30 to 4:40 p.m. that day at the Luverne Country Club.
Featured homes this year: Tim and Julie Burns at 513 N. Freeman, Mike and Wanda Jarchow at 515 N. Estey, Bruce and Harveen Gluf south of Luverne across from Pamida, and Steve and Mary Jo Graphenteen east of Luverne near the radio station.
Also on Sunday, Blue Mounds State Park will host a dedication ceremony for its all-season shelter at 1 p.m. The park will also offer a snowshoe workshop from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday.
Throughout the weekend, motorists can view local neighborhood Lighted Lanes. Maps are available at the Chamber office at local convenience stores.
"We've got everything lined up," Smith said. "We just hope the weather cooperates and everyone shows up."