Last year, it was a snowstorm for the ages. This year, wind chills dipped below zero. Yet, once again, St. Michael-Albertville area residents braved the bone-chilling temperatures, as dozens of families ventured out to enjoy St. Michael’s Third Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration Dec. 1 at the St. Michael City Center.
Cheermeister Joe Dehmer had the honor of lighting the city’s tree, and the St. Michael-Albertville High School’s Chamber Choir and Gold Jazz Band treated guests to festive and heartwarming holiday music and Christmas carols.
The event also featured free photos with Santa courtesy of Zahler Photography, a children’s craft activity sponsored by Family Youth Community Connections (FYCC), balloon art by The Clown Arounds, a special holiday craft sale featuring the handiworks of Crow River Senior Center members, and a special holiday performance by Paul Imholte, courtesy of the Great River Regional Library.
The Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration is sponsored by STMA Rotary and Shop Saint Michael.
Members of Shop Saint Michael and the STMA Rotary look on as Joey Dehmer lights the Holiday Tree at St. Michael City Center Monday, Dec. 1 (Photos by Nancy Lauseng).
Longtime St. Michael business owner and community member Joe Dehmer stands with the tree Monday. Dehmer served as the St. Michael “Cheermeister” for the third annual tree lighting ceremony, flipping the switch to start the holiday season.
St. Michael Cheermesiter Joey Dehmer leads some of the games inside the city center Monday, Dec. 1. Shop Saint Michael president Nick Shultz looks on.
The St. Michael-Albertville High School Chamber Choir performs in the council room at the St. Michael City Center during Monday night’s tree lighting ceremony and holiday kick-off.