
Together, let's celebrate the spirit, sights, and sounds of the holiday season...
Join businesses and organizations throughout the Cuyuna Lakes area as we celebrate the spirit, sights, and sounds of the holiday season. You can look forward to SNOW many festivities and activities including:
- Business decorating contest
- Lunch with Santa
- Medallion hunt
- Mrs. Claus’ Bake-Off Contest
- Frosty’s Magic Show (New for 2023!)
- Fat bike group ride
- Coloring contest
- Free crafts, games, and food
- Live music and LOTS of entertainment
Saturday’s family-friendly “Snow Many Smiles” at Crosby Memorial park will include live outdoor performances, spectacular fireworks, a petting zoo, games and activities, creative crafts, festive food, and of course Santa and Mrs. Claus!! All activities on Saturday are free and open to the public.
Everything is sure to bring joy and merriment to the entire family.
Event details will be shared in an insert in the Brainerd Dispatch & Crosby-Ironton Courier newspapers (published in late November) and on this site as the schedule is finalized.
BUSINESS DECORATING CONTEST
Decorate your business front by Friday, December 1st to be automatically entered in the “Decorate Downtown Contest”!
A panel of local judges will take a stroll through town on Friday, Dec. 1 at 4:30 p.m. to select the winners, with winners announced at 5:30 p.m. at the Main Street Marketplace Plaza.
1st Prize Wins:
- $250 in ad space from the Crosby-Ironton Courier
- 1 month business spotlight on the Chamber’s digital board
- $100 in “Courier Cash”
Organized by the Cuyuna Lakes Chamber of Commerce!
MEDALLION HUNT
Try to find the official Cuyuna Christmas Medallion!
Starting on Dec. 1, clues will be posted twice a day (8 a.m. and 4 p.m.) on the Crosby-Ironton Courier’s website: www.c-icourier.com and in its front office window located at 12 East Main Street in Crosby until the official medallion is located. No age limit and no fee to participate.
Notify the C-I Courier you have located the medallion by taking a photo holding the medallion and texting it to 218-839-5211 or stop by the C-I Courier office Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Photo of the winner(s) will be posted at www.c-icourier.com, on the C-I Courier’s Facebook page and published in the C-I Courier. No immediate C-I Courier staff or those living in their homes will be eligible to participate. The winner will receive $50 and a one-year subscription to the C-I Courier hard copy and e-edition (valued at $100). Have fun and good luck!
HOLIDAY SPIRIT ART CONTEST
‘Tis the season to get creative with the Cuyuna Christmas Holiday Spirit Art Contest
Youth in grades kindergarten through sixth can build their confidence by coloring, painting, or decorating the art below by using everyday objects—like macaroni, twigs, or fabric. Artwork will be displayed at Lunch with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 2, at the Deerwood Auditorium for a people’s choice award. Prizes will be awarded to students in three categories: grades K-2, grades 3-6, and people’s choice. Winners will be announced at the event and in local media. Artwork will not be returned and may be used in future marketing for A Cuyuna Christmas.
All entries must be received at the Crosby-Ironton Courier by noon on Friday, Dec. 1.
>> download/print the contest art/entry form <<
Organized by the Crosby-Ironton Courier.
MRS. CLAUS COOKIE BAKE-OFF
It’s time to show off your best cookie-baking skills!
Unleash your inner pastry artist and sweeten the season by participating in Mrs. Claus’ Cookie Bake-Off, hosted by Mixed Company. Bake and decorate your favorite Christmas cookie for a chance to win fun prizes!
Categories include youth, young adults, families/multi-generational, and professionals. Entries are due Thursday, Nov. 30, at Mixed Company in Crosby. Submissions will be judged, and results announced in the Crosby-Ironton Courier on Wednesday, Dec. 6.
Organized by Mixed Company – A Kava House!
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1
Community Tree Lighting
Friday, Dec. 1, 5 p.m. | Main Street Marketplace Plaza
This free event will mark the start of the ‘Cuyuna Christmas’ weekend.
Immerse yourself in the heartwarming tunes of carol singing by Immanuel Lutheran Church, savor hot chocolate from Iron Range Eatery, indulge in cookies from North Country Café, enjoy candy canes from Spalding House, and munch on popcorn from Cuyuna Brewing Company.
Illuminate the night by sponsoring a String of Lights for $25.
For details visit CuyunaLakes.com.
Jingle Bell Jam & Meat Raffle
Friday, Dec. 1, 7-10 p.m. | Ironton American Legion
Get ready to jingle and mingle at the ultimate holiday bash!
Join us for an unforgettable night, featuring the Mark Peterson Band, festive drink specials, holiday attire contest (with cash prizes!), and, of course, the Legion’s legendary Reindeer Rump Meat Raffle. Raffle starts at 5:30 p.m., other activities begin at 7 p.m.
Free admission!
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2
Global Fat Bike Day Rides
Saturday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m. & 4 p.m. | CCSRA & The Hudson
Don’t miss out on the pedal-powered joy!
Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just looking for some outdoor fun, this is your chance to embrace the thrill of fat tire biking, breathe in the crisp winter air, and
connect with fellow cycling enthusiasts.
A group ride will start at 10 a.m., beginning at the Sagamore Unit Trailhead within the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. And/or join the group at 4 p.m. and ride from The Hudson in Ironton to Crosby Memorial Park, to enjoy the “Snow Many Smiles” festivities.
(There is no planned group return ride to the Hudson.)
Hosted by the Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Crew!
Lunch with Santa
Saturday, Dec. 2, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Deerwood Auditorium
Area children and their families are invited to enjoy lunch, a visit, and photo with Santa!
Each child will receive lunch, a treat bag, and gift appropriate to their age. Each family will also leave with a bag full of ingredients for a holiday dinner.
>> REGISTER HERE! <<
Hosted by Garrison Bay Lake Area Lions & The Deerstand, with support from other area businesses.
If you have any questions, contact Cathe at cathe.picek@gmail.com.
Frosty's Magic Show
Saturday, Dec. 2, 2 & 2:30 p.m. | “Get Pickled” Ball Courts
Step into a world of wonder and enchantment with Frosty’s Magic Show, featuring the mesmerizing talents of “Magic by Chaz”.
Prepare to be spellbound by slight-of-hand tricks, mind-reading feats, and captivating small-scale illusions. Magic has captivated hearts throughout the ages, and now it’s your turn to experience the magic up close.
Join us for two amazing indoor shows at “Get Pickled” Ball Courts (210 West Main Street)!
Snow Many Smiles
Saturday, Dec. 2, 3-6 p.m. | Crosby Memorial Park
- Ongoing activities from 3-6 p.m. include:
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- Face painting
- Hay rides
- Candy Cane Lane crafts & games
- Hot cocoa, soup, and popcorn
- “Santa’s Stable” Petting Zoo
- Cookie decorating
- Bonfires
- 3 p.m. – Crosby Just for Kix performance
- 3-5 p.m. – Various entertainers including carolers, a human snow globe, and fire dancers!
- 3:30 p.m. – Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive via firetruck
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- 4 p.m. & 5:15 p.m. – The 70’s Magic Sunshine Band performances (in a hea
- ted tent!)
- 4:30 p.m. – Sunset fat bike ride from The Hudson to Crosby Memorial Park
- 6 p.m. – Fireworks over Serpent Lake by North Star Fireworks
Hosted by Cuyuna Regional Medical Center & Smiles for Jake.

- The 70's Magic Sunshine Band to Perform! -
Join us as we dance and enjoy the high-energy, immersive experience of The 70’s Magic Sunshine Band! They will be performing in the heated tent at Crosby Memorial Park from 4 – 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 2.
The 70’s Magic Sunshine Band is a high-energy live concert experience that plays the biggest top 40 AM radio hits from the 1970s, tailor-made to fill the dance floor! The 70’s Magic Sunshine Band brings you back to the era of 8-track stereos, polyester and belle bottoms!
Hit making artists from the 1970’s include: The Bay City Rollers, Tom Jones, Hall & Oates, Pilot, The Sweet, Three Dog Night, The O’Jays, Andrew Gold, The Partridge Family, Shocking Blue, Little River Band and more.

Our Generous Sponsors:
This event would not be possible without the support of local businesses and organizations.
- American Legion, Ironton
- AutoSmith Service Group
- BLAEDC/CREDI
- Crosby Fire Relief Association
- CTC
- Cuyuna Fire Relief Association
- Cuyuna Lakes Chamber of Commerce
- Deerwood Bank
- Deerwood Fire Relief Association
- Garrison Bay Lake Area Lions
- Graphic Packaging International
- Great River Eye Clinic
- Jamie Koop Insurance
- Koop Funeral Home
- Love, Tito’s
- Magnum Machining
- Mixed Company – A Kava House
- Nor-Son Construction
- Oberg Fence
- Range Disposal
- Renewal by Anderson
- Rice Lake Construction
- River Oaks Dental
In-Kind Sponsors:
- Anderson Brothers Construction
- C-I Courier
- Hubbard Radio
- Ironton American Legion, Post 443
- Lamar Outdoor Advertising
- Peace Trees
- Super One Foods of Crosby
- Vision Electric
If you’re interested in being a 2023 event partner, please contact Jennifer Podsiadly at Jennifer.Podsiadly@cuyunamed.org.

Volunteer Committee
Thank you to our event committee for their work to organize, fundraise, and otherwise support all of the Cuyuna Christmas activities!
- Eryk Haapajoki, CTC/Smiles for Jake
- Ryan Hart, Smiles for Jake
- Darlene Hendrickson, Cuyuna Regional Medical Center
- Matthew Hill, City of Crosby
- Anita Hollenhorst, CTC
- Johnna Johnson, Mixed Company—A Kava House
- Aubrey Koop, Cuyuna Lakes Chamber of Commerce
- Lori LaBorde, Crosby-Ironton Courier
- Cathe Picek, Garrison Bay Lake Area Lions
- Jennifer Podsiadly, CRMC/Smiles for Jake
- Liz Sanvig, Ironton American Legion
- Karen & Troy Skarolid, Smiles for Jake
- Sarah Smith, Smiles for Jake
- Kellie Strong, CTC/Smiles for Jake
- Erin Thiesse, Graphic Packaging
- Kristi Westbrock, CTC/Smiles for Jake
Cuyuna Christmas wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of many amazing volunteers. If you can lend a helping hand before, during, or after the event, please contact Jennifer Podsiadly at Jennifer.Podsiadly@cuyunamed.org.

PARKING & DIRECTIONS
Crosby Memorial Park is located on Serpent Lake, off of Hwy 210 and one block from Main Street, Crosby.
On-street parking is available, adjacent to the park and on the surrounding city streets. The parking lots at Crosby-Ironton High School are only a few blocks away from the park.
Be sure to dress warm!
SCENES FROM THE 2022 EVENT:
PHOTO CREDITS: KELLIE STRONG & ANITA HOLLENHORST
PHOTO CREDITS: MIKE AULIE, SOTHERS STUDIO
