Luverne’s American Reformed Church senior youth will present the theatre production of "The Christmas Shoes" during Winterfest weekend. The musical illustrates the meaning of Christmas by telling a family’s touching holiday story. Taylor Pedersen, kneeling, wants to buy shoes for his sick mother, played by Lindsey Van De Berg so she can have beautiful shoes to wear when she goes to heaven. In trying to make his mother happy, he impacts a stranger who doesn’t have much of the Christmas spirit. Also pictured above, is Chris Thacker, who plays the boy’s father. The play is directed by senior youth members, Gabrielle Van Dyk, Lindsay Hup and Melissa Boeve. Show times are 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, immediately following the parade Saturday, and at 7 p.m. Sunday. All performances are at the church. Performances are free, but dinner will be served at 6 p.m. prior to the shows on Friday and Sunday. Call 283-4549 for dinner reservations. Photo by Sara Strong.
By Lori Ehde
Tuesday night’s dusting of snow came just in time for this weekend’s sixth annual Winterfest activities in Luverne.
According to Luverne Area Chamber of Commerce Director Dave Smith, the weekend is shaping up to be everything has been in previous years, with a mild forecast to go with it.
"I guess they’re saying temperatures in the 20s, so barring rain or snow or sleet or any of that, it should be pretty night for everyone to come out and watch the parade," Smith said.
He reminds parade goers that the route will again loop north on Blue Mound Avenue after its eastward trek down Main Street.
It will come back west on Luverne Street so people in the hospital, Blue Mound Towers and Hospice Cottage can see the lighted floats from their windows.
Parking is allowed on Luverne Street and adjoining side streets, so people who don’t want to brave the cold can view the parade from their vehicles.
New this year is a street race called the "D-Light-Full 5K Run" that will bring runners through participating lighted neighborhoods.
Registration begins at 5 p.m. at the American Legion on Main Street, and the race begins at 6 p.m. Runners can call 283-2098.
Also new this year will be the Blue Mound Area Theatre group’s Winterfest movie at the Palace Theatre, Jack Frost, which will start Saturday night after the parade. Matinee shows will be at 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday as well.
Following is a list of events planned for the weekend. That information also appears on the back page of this week’s Announcer.
The Chamber organizes the weekend’s events, but Smith said the work is done by countless other people to make Winterfest worthwhile.
"This is really a community event," he said. "There are 23 different groups and organizations involved in this (not counting parade entries and other event participants). It speaks highly of the community that they come together for this."
Schedule of events:
Friday, Dec. 6
Story Hour at 10 a.m. at the Library
Cribbage tournament at 6:30 p.m. at the Eagles Club
Dinner Theater, "The Christmas Shoes," at 6 p.m. at the American Reformed Church
Open swim from 6 to 8:45 p.m. at the Rock County Community Pool and Fitness Center
D-Light-Full 5K Run — registration begins at 5 p.m. at the American Legion. Race begins at 6 p.m.
Middle School dance from 7:30 to 10 p.m. in the commons.
Saturday Dec. 7
Craft show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the high school gym.
Free shuttle from school to downtown merchants from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Pictures with Santa from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Luverne Elementary School
Santa’s Workshop from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the elementary commons
Holiday bake sale and soup and dessert luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Senior Center
"Jack Frost" movie at 1 p.m. the Palace Theatre.
Artists’ Christmas at the Coffey Haus from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Open Swim at the Rock County Community Pool and Fitness Center from 1 to 8:45 p.m.
Parade of Lights begins at 7 p.m. downtown Luverne.
"Christmas Shoes" at the American Reformed Church after the parade.
Festival of Trees at the Carnegie Cultural Center. Enjoy hot cider after the parade.
Sunday, Dec. 8
Parade of Homes from 1 to 5 p.m. starting at the Carnegie Cultural Center.
"Jack Frost" movie at 1 p.m. the Palace Theatre.
Open swim at the Rock County Community Pool and Fitness Center from 1 to 8:45 p.m.
Dinner Theatre ,"Christmas Shoes," at 6 p.m. at the American Reformed Church.
Hospice tree lighting at 7 p.m. at The Cottage.