It’s time for all the holiday activities – but what is that going to look like this year? Here is what we are doing through the Chamber to try to keep a little bit of normal during this crazy year that we are all working through.
Friday, Nov. 27, is Santa Claus Day. Santa will arrive at his home at State 5 Theatre at 10:30 a.m. There will be no personal contact with Santa or Mrs. Claus, however, kids can still visit with Santa through an intercom window (Santa has many talents and technology is one of those). There will be a place for kids to drop letters to Santa also. Each child will receive a bag of candy as usual. Special thanks to Teresa Blocker for everything she does to make this possible. We are very fortunate to have the theater in Algona and Teresa does a great job. Santa hours are posted on the window of the theatre so check out the other days and times for Santa visits.
Saturday, Nov. 28, is Small Business Saturday. Check out the list of participating businesses on the Chamber Facebook page. You get to register for a chance to win Algona Bucks for each $20 you spend at these businesses. Let’s all remember to Shop Local and Support Local – not just at the holiday season but all year long. Monday, Nov. 30, is Cyber Monday. The popular gift card promotion – Spend $20 Get $30 – will start at noon and last until all 1,000 cards are sold. You can go to our website at www.algona.org to make your purchases by credit card. Each person can purchase up to five cards. There are 35 businesses participating. That list is on the Chamber Facebook page so be sure to check it out.
Live Greeting Card Windows are Monday, Nov. 30, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. While this event looks very different this year, there are still many windows that will have displays. We are spread out over several blocks on both sides of the street so social distancing will be in place. As always – if you are not feeling well, please do not attend any of these events. Let’s all do our part to keep everyone safe.
Our traditional holiday prize drawing promotion is beginning on Friday, Nov. 27. Look for the posters at participating businesses – there are over 70 citywide. Register each time you shop for a chance to win a prize valued for at least $400. Drawings will be Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 14 and Dec. 21.
Santa’s Family Workshop is an Algona tradition. Sara Curtis has led this event for many years and is planning for it again this year. Saturday, Dec. 5 from 1 p.m. to whenever all the bags are gone. This will be a drive-through event. You can pick up a bag that will have a craft that you can do at home. The treats in the bags are sponsored by the Algona Chamber.
Did you know that our Algona Santa has a website where you can request a personal Zoom visit from Santa for your kids? Check it out at AlgonaSanta.com.
Our Algona Ambassador organization will be making a special announcement very soon. The ambassadors are sponsoring a holiday lighting contest. It has been such a nice fall that we thought the outdoor decorations would be even better than normal this year. The nice weather, in addition to the fact that people are staying close to home should contribute to some great displays. Watch and listen for the details – you will be able to enter your own decorations – or you will be able to nominate a neighbor to be considered. Let’s all be on the lookout for someone to nominate.
Take some time to be thankful for living in such a great community filled with caring people. We may not be able to celebrate like we normally do but we still have much to be grateful for.
Stay safe and stay healthy.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Vicki Mallory is Director of Algona Area Chamber of Commerce
