Outside Looking In
The cooperation and generosity of local businesses in regards to the upcoming Christmas Lighting Contest has been overwhelming. Now we just need the homeowners to get busy.
This is going to be a fun event with a chance to win some big prizes for Minneota, Ghent and Taunton residents during a time when there hasn't been too many things going on due to the coronavirus pandemic.
There is no cost to those wishing to decorate their home or property in any way they see fit. Just register by Dec. 14 by filling out the form that appeared in last week's paper and again this week and mail or drop it off at the Mascot. You can also register by including your name, address and phone number to me at scott@thomabooks.com or call my cell phone at 320-894-6007.
There are posters about the event at businesses in all three towns.
Those interested in "lighting up Minneota, Ghent and Taunton" have a change to win $500 in gifts for first place, $250 for second and $100 for third. If businesses continue to support this fun event and enough homeowners participate, we will add fourth and fifth place prizes.
Prizes include a 193-piece tool set, holiday decor, several gift cards, wood-sided coaster wagon, cooler, frozen turkey, homemade pie, coffee maker with coffee and mugs, framed print, doggie basket, apparel, wood charging station, and much more.
There will be six to eight judges for the event. We will be judging on the weekend of Dec. 19-20 with winners announced on Dec. 23.
This is a great opportunity to cap this difficult 2020 year with something fun and exciting. This is something the entire family can participate in.
You don't have to go "all out" in decorating your home. Sometimes a simple, modest display can also be captivating to the eye. And the more decorated homes, the better.
The Mascot will print a map of the registered places so that other families can enjoy an outing by looking at the decorated homes. My family always got in the car and drove around looking at the holiday lights on the homes.
If any business owners would like to donate toward the prizes, contact me at the above email or phone number.
Pet of the Week
We are looking for a few more pet owners to submit your pet for Pet of the Week which is sponsored by Tri-County Veterinary Clinic in Taunton.
Simply send us a photo of your pet or pets, along with the owner's name, pet's name, age, breed, and favorite activities.
Email your photo and information to: editor@minneotamascot.com or drop it off at the Mascot office (there is a black drop-off box outside the Mascot for non-business hours).
Ad deadline
Our deadline for submitting ads is noon on Tuesday of each week (noon on Monday the week of Christmas and New Year's).
Happy Birthday and Anniversary greetings that appear each week in the Mascot are $2 each and should be pre-paid before they are published.
Our business hours are Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Wednesday 9 a.m. to noon. Ads can also be dropped in our drop-off box beside the front door.
Happy Thanksgiving
The Mascot staff of owners Jeff and Julie Meyer, along with Scott Thoma, Brittany Moorse, LuAnn Fier and Brian Jeremiason would like to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving.