December 1st & 2nd, 2023

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. 

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!

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!

‘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.

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!

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.

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!

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! 

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.

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)!

• Ongoing activities from 3-6 p.m. include:
• • • 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

• 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. 

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!

PHOTO CREDITS: KELLIE STRONG & ANITA HOLLENHORST

PHOTO CREDITS: MIKE AULIE, SOTHERS STUDIO