By Sara QuamThe eighth annual Winterfest in Luverne has the theme "Traditions of Christmas," but it also brings some new changes to the festive weekend.A new addition to this year’s Winterfest is the gingerbread house contest. Entries are displayed in Luverne businesses. Luverne Area Chamber of Commerce Director Dave Smith said Winterfest makes a good kickoff for many businesses’ shopping season."People come into town and see what the stores have to offer," he said."Something new that might be happening for Winterfest this year is Lincoln High School marching in the parade. They’re going to the Rose Bowl and would like the opportunity to practice here, so they gave us a call," Smith said. "Weather permitting, they’ll be here."The Winterfest Parade route will be the same as usual, but city lights will remain on this year. The Winterfest Committee will decide which option is best for the parade after the event this year.The parade route begins at 7 p.m. at the corner of Main and Freeman, proceeding on Main Street to Blue Mound Avenue. Floats will then turn north on Blue Mound to Luverne Street and then turn west on Luverne to Cedar Street. This allows for the parade entries to travel by the Hospice Cottage, the hospital and Blue Mound Tower.Handicapped parking will be available at Connell Car Care on west Main Street. Cars aren’t allowed on Main Street but can park on Luverne Street. Gingerbread house contest winners Adult:
1st Place — Myrna and Russ Van Voorst (displayed at Luverne Style Shop)
2nd Place — NU Alpha Sorority, submitted by Kirsten Eisma (displayed at Brandenburg Gallery)13 and younger:
1st Place — Luverne Elementary 4th Grade, Jennifer Engesser, teacher (displayed at Gabe’s Clothing and Shoes) Members of the class are Jordan Almond, Autumn Altman, Wyatt Aubert, Bo Biever, Nicholas Buss, Allison Dohlman, Lucas Dohlman, Elija Dooyema, Blade Fry, Zachary Gillette, Logan Herman, Nathan Kannas, Cassandra Liebhard, Alex Moran, Cody Raddle, Christian Rise-Schrader, Emily Robinson, Kelly Sandager, Katlynn Staeffler, Casey Van Engelenhoven, Skyler Wenninger, and Kaitlin Wohnoutka.
2nd Place — St. Catherine’s Youth (displayed at Ace Hardware)Those who made the house were Kiley Henrichs, Jordan Huls and Cody Vanderziel with chaperones Amanda Kannas, Lindsey Richters and Sara DohertyOther gingerbread houses:
Bill & Janet Preuss & Diane Arends — adult category (displayed at Pizza Ranch)
Alex Dover — 13 and younger category (displayed at Final Touch)All houses were judged by the Winterfest Committee.Other activitiesWinterfest weekend includes many events:Open swimming for adults and kids (for $1) at the Rock County Community Pool from 6 to 8:45 p.m. Friday; from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday; and from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Carnegie Cultural Center Festival of Trees open Friday 1 to 5 p.m.
Neighborhood Lighted Lanes decorating contest. Maps are available at the Chamber Office and local convenience stores.
"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" dinner theater at the Palace Theatre. Show is at 8 p.m. Friday; after the parade Saturday, and at 8 p.m. Sunday. The dinner is at the American Reformed Church at 6 p.m. Friday and Sunday. Call (507) 483-2296 for reservations.Friday:
Story Hour will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the Rock County Community Library.
Carnegie Cultural Center 100th anniversary open house from 4 to 6 p.m.
De-Light-Full 5K Run at 6 p.m. Registration begins at 5 p.m. in the Rock County Pool and Fitness Center.
Cribbage tournament at the Eagles Club at 6:30 p.m. Saturday:
Craft Show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Luverne Cardinal Gymnasium with more than 90 food and craft vendors.
Santa’s Workshop and Make and Take Projects from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the Elementary School Music Rooms. This activity is for children in grades kindergarten through fourth.
Pictures with Santa from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Elementary School Commons
Parade of Homes from 1 to 5 p.m. Tickets are available at the Carnegie Cultural Center.
Senior Citizens Holiday Bake Sale starts at 10:30 a.m. with a soup/dessert luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Senior Center.
Parade of Lights begins at 7 p.m.
Sno-Masters Stock Snowmobile Drag Race begins at 11 a.m. Registration starts at 10 a.m. at Papik Motors. (Call 283-4606 for more information.)
Snow Bowling: $2 bowling and free shoe rental at Luverne Lanes from 2 to 7 p.m. before the parade starts.
Soup supper from 5 to 7 p.m. at the United Methodist Church.
Festival of Trees with warm cider and Christmas goodies after the parade at the Carnegie Cultural Center.Sunday:
Hospice Tree Lighting Ceremony 7 p.m. at the Hospice Cottage.
You must log in to continue reading. Log in or subscribe today.