Winter weather warnings forced the postponement of last weekend’s Christmas By The Lake festivities, but the celebration is set to go this weekend, largely unchanged.
Last weekend’s impending bad weather meant an estimated 90 percent of the entertainment providers for the festival could not-- and should not attend, said event Chairman Gene Madson. In addition, the public would have been put at risk traveling to, and even walking downtown.
“We postponed the event because safety is of the utmost importance. The vast majority of our entertainment, including those giving carriage rides, musicians, fireworks and strolling characters come from 50 or more miles away.”
Madson said the vast majority of people contacting the Chamber of Commerce were understanding of the difficult decision to postpone.
“We know there were a lot of disappointed people, but Gene Madson and the Christmas By The Lake Committee were on the top of the list. The good news is that 99 percent of those putting on the show are available this weekend,” said Madson.
Opportunity Village was able to hold its Festival of Trees, which began with a gala opening night on Friday. The United Methodist Church also held its Cookie Walk and Craft Fair as scheduled.
Elda Stone, from Opportunity Village, said the Festival of Trees was well attended.
“Friday night is always a popular event and this year was no different. Saturday’s start was a little slow, but things picked up and many people came out to have Breakfast with Santa, do some shopping and see the trees.”
Christmas By The Lake Committee officials plan to check the lake’s ice depth Thursday to confirm its safety for the scheduled kite flying demonstration. It is also anticipated the fireworks following Saturday’s 5 p.m. Lighted Parade will be shot from about 300 to 400 yards out on the ice. In the event that is not possible, the fireworks will be shot from the shoreline.