Bemidji Jaycees Announce Night We Light Schedule Of Events

One week from today the Bemidji Jaycees will light  more than 115,ooo lights across Bemidji. The Bemidji Jaycees have just announced their Schedule of Events for the 20^th Annual First City of Lights Celebration. This year, the Bemidji Jaycees have gone all out to officially declare Bemidji as Christmas City! They will debut their brand new LED streetlight decorations along Paul Bunyan Drive and throughout downtown Bemidji. They have also reinstituted old favorites to include the illuminated archway and lighted trees in portions of Library Park.

On Friday, November 25, Santa’s Workshop will kick-off the day’s events. This will be an opportunity to meet Santa. For a donation, you can get your picture taken with jolly old Saint Nicholas, courtesy of Photography By Trish. Live entertainment, a children’s craft project and festive Christmas treats will also be available. Santa’s Workshop will be open from 3pm until 5pm, reopen after the Night We Light Parade through 8pm and will be located at the Rotary Pavilion in Paul Bunyan Park.

At 6pm, downtown Bemidji will come alive with the festive sights and sounds of the Night We Light Parade. The parade will travel south along Beltrami Ave from 8^th St, turn west on 3^rd St and end at 3^rd St and Irvine Ave. Awards for Best Business, Best Non-Profit, Best Youth, Best Use of Lights, and the Media Award will be announced at the First City of Lights Ceremony following the parade.

While downtown,the Bemidji Jaycees ask that everyone take some time and stroll around on Bemidji’s festive sidewalks and check out all the window displays. This year, the Bemidji Jaycees have added a Christmas Window Display Contest for downtown businesses. The public will be the judge and can cast their ballot at the First City of Lights Ceremony for the best display. Awards will be presented (at a later date) to the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place winners.

Immediately following the parade, the Jaycees ask that everyone join them in Paul Bunyan Park the Night We Light Ceremony which will feature many activities such as;

• Over 115 thousand lights in both the Paul Bunyan and Library Parks will be illuminated with the annual flipping of the giant light switch
• Awards will be presented for the parade float winners
• The First City of Lights Tour of Homes map will be available for pick up
• Performances by the Bemidji High School Madrigal Singers
• Wagon ride tours will be available courtesy of the Go & Whoa Harness Club
• Beltrami County Historical Society, 103 Minnesota Ave SW, will be hosting the Night We Light Bonfire from 7pm until 8:30pm. Attendees are invited to warm up outside with hot chocolate, hot cider, and cookies all thanks to Raphael’s Bakery & Cafe. Then head inside to explore the museum, check out model trains from the Northern Iron Horse Railroad Society, and shop for unique holiday gifts in their gift shop. Plus, there will be music and carolers! It is all FREE to attend!