Here comes Santa Claus

•North Pole Extravaganza is November 2

Santa Claus doesn't have time to hunt, so he will be arriving in downtown Minneota on Saturday, Nov. 2 to help with the 41st annual North Pole Extravaganza. North Pole Extravaganza, which runs from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., originated when a small group of local hunting widows decided to sell baked goods and homemade crafts while their spouses dressed in bright orange and set out in hopes of bagging a deer.

With his sleigh in the shop getting its yearly tune-up, Santa will arrive via fire truck at 11 a.m. at Bethel Fellowship Church.

Children will have a chance to visit with Santa and get their picture taken.

Also at Bethel Fellowship Church will be a lunch, several vendors selling a variety of goods, a bake sale, and a silent auction. Vendors currently signed up to attend are: Avon, Three Hearts Vintage, Color Street, Thirty One Gifts, Kayla's Creations, Simply Tasteful, Seacret, Mary Kay, Tupperware, Scentsy, Expressly Yours Jewelry, Crafts by Claire, Crafts by Amanda, North Dreams, and Norwex. The silent auction will benefit the Christmas Angels program again this year.

The annual Christmas Angels program assists needy families in purchasing holiday gifts for their children. In order to be eligible for the Christmas Angels program, families must have children attending the Minneota Public or the St. Edward's School Districts, and also be enrolled in the Free/Reduced Lunch Program.

"We are looking for both families in need, as well as families that are willing to help purchase gifts," said Amber Rodas, the director of the Christmas Angels program.

Registration for the Christmas Angels program opens on Oct. 21 and closes on Nov. 20. Several local businesses will again be involved in North Pole Extravaganza, which is co-coordinated by Jan Faris and Barb Rye. Some businesses will offer discounts and treats.

Watch the Mascot for upcoming details on store hours and discounts that have yet to be determined on some businesses. Because inclement weather rained out the One More Time thrift store's silent auction during Boxelder Bug Days, it will hold the auction from 8 a.m. to noon at the VFW during North Pole Extravaganza.

There will be over 100 items on display for its silent auction. At the B Lenore store, which will be open from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Beth Buysse is planning to display a photograph of her late grandfather, George Sarazyn, who played Santa Claus locally for many years before passing away in 1993. "Anyone who has pictures of their kids with my grandpa as Santa Claus are welcome to bring in the picture to be displayed," said Buysse.

North Pole Extravaganza is generally well attended and is a kickoff for those wishing to do some early holiday shopping.

For more information or to sign up for the Christmas Angels program, contact Amber Rodas at 507-872-6122, ext. 1131, or by email at Amber.rodas@minneotaschools.org.

For those interested in being a vendor at Bethel Fellowship Church, can message Jan Faris through the event page on Facebook.

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The Minneota Mascot
Address: 201 N. Jefferson
Minneota, MN 56264

Phone:(507) 872-6492