Holiday activities abound in Humboldt County


The annual lighted parade in Humboldt will be this Saturday, Nov. 26, at 7 p.m. in downtown Humboldt. It is part of a weekend of activities in the community. Humboldt Independent file photo.

Kiwanis Christmasland prepares to open in Humboldt
Christmasland in Humboldt will open for the holiday season Friday, Nov. 25. This marks the 40th year of this popular holiday attraction sponsored by the Humboldt/Dakota City Kiwanis Club. It has been visited by more than 150,000 people since its opening in 1981.
For 2022, there will be some new items and updates but lots of the traditional favorite scenes that people have come to know and enjoy year after year.
There is a $500 power upgrade to the train set this year to ensure that the trains run on time!
Christmasland is located directly south of Humboldt City Hall at 407 1st Avenue South. It is one block south of the Humboldt County Law Enforcement Center then one-half block east.

Kiwanis Christmasland will be open the following hours for the 2022 season:
Friday and Saturday, Nov. 25 and 26: 2:30-4:30 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 27: 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 2: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 3: 2:30-4:30 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 4: 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 9: 6:30-8:30 p.m.,
Saturday, Dec. 10: 2:30-4:30 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 11: 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 16: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 17: 2:30-4:30 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 18: 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Monday-Friday, Dec. 19-23: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 22, Friday, Dec. 23 and Saturday, Dec. 24, Christmasland will also be open from 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Christmasland will be closed for inclement weather. Notification will be posted outside and via the Humboldt-Dakota City Kiwanis Facebook page. The Kiwanis Club has never charged admission to Christmasland, however donations are appreciated as they help the exhibit grow.
There is a limit as to how many people can be in the building at one time. The Humboldt-Dakota City Kiwanis Club reserves the right to limit the number of entries. The club does not like to have people waiting in line outside during cold temperatures, so stay in your car until the line subsides.
The Kiwanis club wants Christmasland to be a safe and fun experience for all. People who are immunocompromised should consider wearing a face covering or plan on coming at a time when there are less people.
The displays are fragile and there will be no touching or grabbing of ornaments or animations allowed.
The highlight of the tour is a visit with Santa Claus at the end. Good little girls and boys and some adults will get a candy cane after their visit with Santa.
Christmasland will be open by arrangement for group tours. Call Dave Lee at (515) 890-0116 to schedule a day and time. All school groups, nursing homes, group homes, church groups, businesses and civic organizations are welcome, but special arrangements are limited, so call ahead.
Enjoy the spirit of the season and the family tradition of the holidays at Kiwanis Christmasland in Humboldt.

Lighted Holiday Parade
The annual Holiday Lighted Parade is planned for this Saturday, Nov. 26, in Humboldt.
The streets will be closed at 6:30 p.m. with parade entries lining up on 2nd Avenue North by Taft Park. The parade will begin at 7 p.m. The route will begin on 2nd Avenue North and will travel one block west to 8th Street North and then south two blocks to Sumner Avenue. The lighted parade will proceed east on Sumner to 4th Street North, where it will turn north for one block and then back west for two blocks on 1st Avenue North, ending at the Humboldt Public Library.
“Anyone can participate. Last year we had 25 entries and received a lot of good comments about reviving the lighted parade. People enjoy it,” organizer Cory Larson said.
A special visitor from the North Pole is expected to make an appearance.
Anyone with questions may contact Cory Larson at (319) 830-7557.

Christmas Cottage at Lizard Creek Ranch and Event Center
Larson is also organizing a special family-friendly event on Friday and Saturday evenings during the holiday season.
Lizard Creek Ranch & Event Center at 1762 Johnson Ave., northwest of Fort Dodge, will be having a Christmas Cottage lighted display.
“All of the lights are in a building and all kinds of things will be going on,” Larson said.
Doors will be open from 6-10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 2-3, Dec. 9-10, Dec. 16-17 and Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 23-25. Admission is a freewill donation.
Larson reported on Nov. 17 that nine displays are secured and more may be coming.
“Santa will be there and we’ll have cookies and warm drinks. It’s something different that I think people will enjoy,” Larson said.

Small Business Saturday
Small Business Saturday is this Saturday, Nov. 26, at Humboldt and Dakota City retailers. There will be many specials at the local stores. Function First Spine & Sport will be offering coffee and cocoa.
Angela Bello, store manager at Sister’s Home Style Entrees & Gifts says the first 10 customers who spend $25 or more will receive a free wrapped gift from the store’s inventory.

Christmas Market is Saturday
A Christmas Market will be held Saturday, Nov. 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Humboldt County Fairgrounds Events Center. The event is free and open to everyone.
The goal of the market is to bring awareness to home-based businesses and to bring people to Humboldt to shop at local stores.
There will be more than 40 vendors, direct sales and home crafters.
There will be food offered for sale and a special Christmas-themed competition for people to be a part of.

Humboldt County Ministerial Adopt a Family program
Upper Des Moines Opportunity (UDMO) is in the process of taking applications for the annual “Humboldt County Ministerial Christmas Adopt a Family” program to provide some gifts and food for families in need in Humboldt County.
This year the event will be held on one day only on Tuesday, December 6, at the Humboldt County Fairgrounds.
Drive-through drop off hours to bring the gifts for the families you have adopted will be held from 7 a.m. until noon on Dec. 6. Make sure that the family number is written on all boxes. UDMO is asking that you provide gift wrapping so the gifts for the children can be wrapped by the parents.
Drive-through pick up hours for the families will be held from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Dec. 6. Families that have been adopted will receive a letter in the mail with their family number from Upper Des Moines Opportunity that they will have to provide to UDMO in order to pick up their gifts. If you are picking up gifts for a family that is homebound you will be required to have the letter with you and a note from that person stating you may pick up for them.
Applications are available at the UDMO office located at 419 Sumner Avenue in Humboldt. The Christmas Adopt a Family program is limited to the first 200 families that apply. They will be accepting applications until Nov. 23, or until the 200 families are filled.
Those who have not applied for any services in the UDMO office will need to bring a piece of mail with their address and 30-day income verification for all members of the household.
UDMO is asking the churches, businesses, organizations and individuals who would like to adopt the families to please call the UDMO office at (515) 604-6550 Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to get your name on a list and how many families you would like to adopt.
“If we are closed, please leave a message with how many families you would like to adopt along with your name and phone number. We will call you when we have your families ready to adopt,” Holly Applegate, UDMO Outreach Specialist, said.
For those who would like to help sponsor a family they will also be taking monetary donations. Donations can be sent to Upper Des Moines Opportunity, 419 Sumner Ave., Humboldt, IA 50548. Make the checks out to UDMO with Christmas Adopt a Family in the memo. Donations may also be dropped off at the UDMO office at 419 Sumner Ave. when they are open.
“We are hoping to make this Christmas season a little brighter for our families in Humboldt County the safest way possible,” Applegate said.
If you have questions, call the office at (515) 604-6550.

Recreation Department sponsors holiday lighting contest
Whether your home exterior is holiday festive elegant or more of the Clark and Ellen Griswold variety, there is a place for you and a chance to win prizes from a vote of your peers in the Humboldt Recreation Department’s Holiday Light Contest.
Eligible homes and businesses must be within the Humboldt or Dakota City city limits. Registration is free. People can register online or at the Humboldt Recreation Center. All registrations are due by Monday, Dec. 5
All registered addresses will be placed on a voting form and map, which will be active on Dec. 9 through Dec. 18.
There are two residential award categories, Griswold and Elegant. There will also be a best business lighted display category.
Winners will be announced on the Humboldt Recreation Center Facebook page on Tuesday, Dec. 20, by 5 p.m.
Prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place in each of the residential categories and to first place in the business category.
Adding to the fun is that all residents in Humboldt and Dakota City can act as judges, voting for their favorite decorated homes and businesses. The voting form and map will be available beginning Dec. 9 on the Humboldt Rec Center Facebook page or at the Rec Center itself.
People with contest questions may call the Recreation Department at (515) 332-5447, or email: paxtonv@cityofhumboldt.org, or just stop by the Rec Center.
Let there be lights!

Zion Lutheran Nativity scenes
Zion Lutheran Church in Humboldt will be providing two different opportunities to see nativity scenes celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
On Wednesday, Nov. 30, members of the Zion Lutheran congregation will be having a processional from the Northwest Iowa Power Cooperative (NIPCO) offices to the front of the church lawn on the east side.
According to the Rev. Aaron Flatau, a near life-size camel and donkey are moved into place and members of the congregation, everyone from elders to confirmands participate in the telling of the Christmas story and the singing of Christmas carols and hymns, led by the church choir.
Following the nativity presentation, people are invited into the fellowship hall for hot chocolate and snacks.
The event will start shortly after 6:30 p.m. and will last 20-30 minutes.
“We have had people donate memorial money to the church for the nativity scene,” Rev. Flatau said.
The Nov. 30 date will not be the only opportunity to see a nativity sponsored by the church.
On Sunday, Dec. 4, from 3:30-5:30 p.m., there will be a Live Nativity program at the Dan and Dawn Parle residence at 2518 Lone Tree Road, south of Humboldt.
The barn will be full of God’s creatures. People are encouraged to dress warmly and celebrate the birthday of Jesus.
Hot chocolate and cookies will be offered at the Live Nativity event.

Salvation Army seeks bell ringers and donations
The time for the ringing of the Salvation Army Bells is fast approaching. The bell ringing will start Nov. 26 and go through Dec. 23. There will be two locations for the red kettles to be located, Fareway and Hy-Vee in Humboldt. Please think about giving a few hours of your time for this worthy cause. Ninety percent of the money collected in Humboldt County stays in Humboldt County.
Last year over $3,100 was used in the county for help with heating bills, electric and water bills, rental assistance, gas vouchers for doctor appointments, and other items of need. Many families have started a tradition of doing bell ringing during the holiday season. The times are in one-hour blocks starting at nine o’clock in the morning. To sign up please text Pat Hill at (515) 890-0656. Monetary donations can also be sent to Salvation Army c/o of Bank Iowa, PO Box 37, Humboldt, IA 50548.

Hospice Light Up A Life event is Monday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m.
The 2022 Hospice Light Up A Life event will be a live, in-person event on Monday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m. at Humboldt County Memorial Hospital.
Donate a minimum of $10, or more, and submit a name to have a bulb lighted on the evergreen tree in the Path of Life Garden at HCMH. The donations go toward the Humboldt County Hospice Foundation and may be in honor of a living person or in memory of someone deceased. Gifts are tax-deductible.
Light Up A Life forms may be found in the Nov. 16 and Nov. 23 Humboldt Reminders. Fill out the form with a donation and mail cash or check to: Humboldt County Hospice Foundation, 1000 15th St. N., Humboldt, IA 50548. Or pay online at www.humboldthospital.org/donate-now
Questions may be directed to brienneb@humboldthospital.org

Kiwanis spaghetti dinner is Monday, Dec. 5 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, drive-through only
The Humboldt-Dakota City Kiwanis Club will be hosting its traditional Spaghetti Supper on Monday, Dec. 5 from 5-7 p.m. at the Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. The meal will be drive-up only. People may stay in their cars and food will be delivered to them. Please enter the church from the north and exit at the southwest entrance.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. The meal will consist of spaghetti and meat sauce, garlic bread and a dessert brownie.
Tickets may be purchased from any Kiwanis member, at Hair Studio 706, Bank Iowa, Northwest Federal and First State Bank.
Proceeds from this event go to help children in the community and toward projects benefitting families and community youth.

School holiday programs and events
Thursday, Dec. 1
St. Mary’s School Christmas program at the Humboldt High School R. Wesley Carlson Auditorium at 6:30 p.m. The program will start with the Rising and Shining Stars classes followed by kindergarten through sixth grades with a Christmas musical called “Starry Night, Noisy Night,” a Christmas musical for children by Ruth Elaine Schram and Scott Schram.

Tuesday, Dec. 6
Humboldt 7th and 8th grade band and choir concert at 7 p.m. in the R. Wesley Carlson Auditorium.

Thursday, Dec. 8
Humboldt 5th and 6th grade band and choir concert at 7 p.m. in the R. Wesley Carlson Auditorium at the high school.

Thursday, Dec. 8
Gilmore City-Bradgate Elementary Concert in the school gym, time to be announced. Preschool through sixth grade students will be providing vocal selections. Some students will be providing piano solos.

Monday, Dec. 12
Taft first and second graders at the R. Wesley Carlson Auditorium. First graders will be at 6:30 p.m. and second graders at 7:15 p.m. At 1 p.m. on Dec. 12, there will be an open dress rehearsal for family and friends who may not be able to attend the evening performance.

Tuesday, Dec. 13
The Twin Rivers Elementary School musical program will be Tuesday, Dec. 13, in the school gymnasium in Bode. At 6:30 p.m., the preschool will have a short program of their own, followed by the K-5 program. For those unable to attend the evening program, there will be a 2 p.m. performance on Dec. 13 at the school.

Thursday, Dec. 15
Gilmore City-Bradgate School grandparents and grand friends dinner at 11 a.m.

Thursday, Dec. 15
Lu Verne Elementary School holiday concert at 6 p.m. in the school gymnasium. First through fifth grade students will perform.

Monday, Dec. 19
Humboldt High School band and choir concert at 7 p.m. in the R. Wesley Carlson Auditorium at the high school, featuring the concert band, jazz band, concert chorale, vocal jazz group, bass choir and treble choir.

Editor’s note: Mease Elementary School music program will not be until April.

Arts Center to host tour of homes on Saturday, Dec. 10
The Humboldt Area Arts Council (HAAC) is hosting a tour of homes in Humboldt on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 2-5 p.m.. Five houses in the community will be featured.
People will be able to go to the Arts Center at 906 Sumner Ave., and pick up a map and read information on the homes. They will also pick up their foot coverings there. Then it’s on to the featured homes to look at the architecture and Christmas decorations.
After the tour, it’s back to the Arts Center for activities and raffles for prizes. Soups and cornbread will be served at the Arts Center until 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased the day of the event.

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ Dec. 17 at Historical Museum
The Humboldt County Historical Museum will be hosting a Christmas Open House under the theme ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.’ The event will take place on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 1-4 p.m. and from 5-8 p.m.
“We are hoping to have sleigh rides between the Millhouse and Historic Hardy Church, There will be Christmas goodies and refreshments in the church basement and fun activities for all ages to enjoy,” Museum Executive Director Erica Knudson said.
Santa Claus will be the Museum’s special guest that day. There will be a reading of “The Night Before Christmas,” at 2 p.m. in the Millhouse Ballroom. Admission is a freewill donation.
All are welcome to enjoy a day of Christmas traditions at the Humboldt County Historical Museum, 905 1st Ave. N., in Dakota City.

Christmas Day dinner
Faith United Methodist Church, Humboldt Center, will not be sponsoring a tree walk this year but will be having its Christmas Day dinner
The dinner will be Sunday, Dec. 25, with serving at Morehouse Hall from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Both dine-in and carryout options will be available for a freewill donation.
Because volunteers need to know how much to prepare, people planning to partake of the meal are asked to sign-up at the church, 107 4th Street North, between Dec. 1 and Dec. 21. People may call the church office at (515) 332-1899.
Church member Sandi Collins in heading up the team preparing the dinner. She said another 4-5 volunteers are needed. Anyone wanted to help Christmas day is asked to call Collins at (515) 368-3784.

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