Carlton happenings

Christmas Day will be here soon. Many of us have family traditions that we have celebrated for many generations. How many of you remember the tinsel icicles that Grandma put on the tree every year? I remember my Grandma Kemi putting tinsel on every branch of a real Christmas tree. Every year the tinsel would be carefully removed and saved for the next year. The tree decorations were small glass bulbs scattered throughout the tree. It always amazed me that the decorated tree appeared just before Christmas Eve in time for the family get-together.

Events

The 29th annual Carlton area toy drive runs through Dec. 10. Please help those who are less fortunate. Collection boxes will be available at the Carlton VFW, City of Carlton office, Carlton Wellness Center, Thrivent Financial-Carlton, Carlton Meat & Grocery, CreativEdge, South Terrace Elementary School and Inter-Faith during regular business hours.

Please donate a new unwrapped toy or gift card for children ages 17 and under. Monetary donations can also be made to the Carlton VFW Auxiliary. Hats, mittens and scarves will also be collected at the locations listed above.

There are plenty of things to do with the approaching holiday season.

The annual Christmas Bazaar “A Touch of Scandinavia” runs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Bethesda Lutheran Church in Carlton. Find Christmas cookies and candy, crafts, next-to-new, silent auction, Sloppy Joe lunch and much more.

The Carlton High School YES group (Youth Eco Solutions) needs your shoes. Collected shoes will support YES and will be given a second life by micro-entrepreneurs in developing countries. Shoes will be collected until Dec. 15. Contact adviser Tracy Bockbrader at 218-384-4226, ext. 137.

Lunch with Santa is from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17 at the Carlton VFW. Lunch is free.

Skate with Santa is 11 a.m. to

1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18 at Four Seasons Sports Complex in Carlton. Skating, pictures, cookie decorating and goodie bags. Cost: $5 per child.

Carlton Schools will pause for Christmas break Dec. 23 through Jan. 2.

Enjoy the South Terrace winter concert at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 15.

Volunteers are needed to help create an outdoor rink at the Four Seasons Sports Complex in Carlton. If you are interested in helping with this project, contact Tommy Jacobson at 218-390-7808. Your help will be greatly appreciated.

Four Seasons Sports Complex schedule: Saturdays, open hockey at 12:30 p.m. and open skating at 2:45 p.m. Sundays, open skating at 11 a.m. Carlton Mite 2 Jamboree is Dec. 3-4. Carlton Mite 1 Jamboree is Dec. 10-11. Everyone is welcome to support our youth hockey players.

Merry Christmas, everyone. Remember to keep some of the old traditions and make new ones for the coming generations. Everyone have a wonderful Christmas with family and friends. Be healthy, happy and safe, wear a mask if needed, wash your hands and get vaccinated.

If you know of a community event in Carlton or a special person who should be recognized, contact Leola Rodd at 218-310-6065 or [email protected].