This cherished community celebration brings a week of festive events across the Cuyuna Lakes Area during the first week of December. Show your support for local businesses and Smiles for Jake while enjoying the best of the season.
Saturday’s family-friendly event, “Snow Many Smiles,” at Crosby Memorial Park offers live music, fireworks, games and activities, creative crafts, seasonal treats, and an appearance by Santa & Mrs. Claus!
Thanks to the generous support of local businesses, organizations, and individuals, all events are free for the community.
Decorate Downtown Contest
Organized by the Cuyuna Lakes Chamber of Commerce
Get into the holiday spirit by decorating your storefront by Sunday, Dec. 1, to enter. A panel of local judges will tour the town on Friday, Dec. 6, at 4:30 p.m. to select winners. The winners will be announced at 5:30 p.m. in the Main Street Plaza.
Girls Night Out
Thursday | December 5th
Shop on the Cuyuna Range from Dec. 3-5 and get your entry form stamped at participating businesses in Deerwood, Crosby, and Ironton. Entry forms are available in the Nov. 27 C-I Courier or at these businesses. Submit stamped forms at the Ironton American Legion by 8:25 p.m. on Dec. 5 for a chance to win $500 in Cuyuna Cash and door prizes. Enjoy designer handbags, Legion meat raffles, and delicious dinner specials!
Community Tree Lighting
Friday | December 6th | 5:00 p.m.
Celebrate the holiday season with the City of Crosby and the Cuyuna Lakes Chamber of Commerce at the Community Tree Lighting. Enjoy hot chocolate and treats.
Jingle Ball Jam
Friday | December 6th | 5:30 p.m.
Join us at the Ironton American Legion for an unforgettable night featuring festive drink specials, a holiday attire contest, and the Legion’s legendary Reindeer Rump Meat Raffle.
Global Fat Tire
Saturday | December 7th | 10:00 a.m.
Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just looking for outdoor fun, this is your chance to embrace the thrill of fat tire biking and connect with fellow cycling enthusiasts. The group ride will leave at the beginning of the Sagamore Unit Trailhead within the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. There is an additional ride at 4:00 p.m. from The Hudson in Ironton to Crosby Memorial Park to enjoy the “Snow Many Smiles” festivities.
Crosby Memorial Park
Saturday | December 7 | 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Join us for a free family-friendly event with “Santa’s Stable” petting zoo, live entertainment, crafts and games, letters to Santa, cookie decorating, face painting, and free snacks (soup, hot cocoa, and popcorn)! Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there for photos and holiday cheer.
Build-A-Bear
3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Heated Tent
Celebrate snuggle season with Thrivent by creating a bear. Thrivent is a financial services company that puts generosity at the heart of saving and investing and is partnering with CRMC to bring joy this holiday season. When you create a bear, another is donated to a child at CRMC or Smiles for Jake.
Candy Cane Lane Games
3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Heated Tent
Join us for a good time with activities like Reindeer Races, Grinch Bowling, Antler Ring Toss, Penguin Sledding, Rooftop Drop, Jingle Bell Toss Relay Race, and more.
The District
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Heated Tent
Get ready to rock and roll into the holidays with a crowd favorite, The District (a Brainerd-area-based band)! The group has entertained local crowds for over 15 years and is known for its strong vocals, incredible harmonies, and excellent instrumentals. Check them out on facebook.
Fireworks Finale
6:00 p.m. | Over Serpent Lake
Cap the night off with an incredible fireworks display by North Star Fireworks. It’s a breathtaking finale to an enchanting evening.
Mrs. Claus’ Cookie Decorating
Sunday | December 8th | 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Get into the holiday spirit at Mrs. Claus’ Cookie Decorating at Mixed Company. Enjoy a festive afternoon filled with creativity and fun while decorating delicious holiday cookies. This free event is open to all, but advance registration is requested at enjoymixedcompany.com.
Thank You to our Sponsors
Smiles for Jake is more than a movement; it’s a dedicated effort to challenge and change the stigma around suicide by building a culture of compassion, connection, and hope. We believe that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a profound impact.
We educate and provide resources & response efforts through various community events, partnerships & smiles boxes. These efforts aim to spread joy and create a positive ripple effect. Every smile we share has the potential to uplift and support those who need it most.
Everything we do is in loving memory of Jake Haapajoki and all those lost to suicide. Together, let’s lift each other up and spread hope.
Cuyuna Regional Medical Center, with over 60 years of delivering exceptional healthcare, understands that true health and wellness extend beyond our walls. We believe real connections are built in schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods. By partnering with local organizations, we create meaningful relationships and a supportive network throughout our community. Through a variety of programs and activities that promote health, healing, and wellness, we strive to uplift those we serve where they work and live. To learn more about Cuyuna Regional Medical Center, visit cuyunamed.org.