Bemidji’s First City of Lights Foundation & 7 Brew Partner on New Xmas Display

The First City of Lights Foundation in Bemidji, in partnership with 7 Brew Drive-Thru Coffee, just announced their newest Christmas display coming to Paul Bunyan Park once the season arrives.

The Foundation is calling this new display a “Cup of Cheer,” a 20-foot-tall hot cocoa mug that will serve as a sample station for 7 Brew on select dates throughout the holidays. On nights that samplings are not offered, guests will be free to walk through the display to take pictures inside of the oversized mug.

One goal for the Foundation is to light up Paul Bunyan Park with over 1,000,000 lights throughout the overall display, which will first be shown during the annual Night We Light the day after Thanksgiving.

“We’ve been on this mission to really grow Bemidji’s display and hit that one million light mark within a 10-year frame,” said Josh Peterson, executive director of the First City of Lights Foundation. “We’re approaching 10 years this year. Every little display, every light added, goes towards that tally of hitting that goal of one million lights, and we’re nearing that goal.

“[The “Cup of Cheer”] really adds a new element to the overall display,” he continued. “You know, offering sample sizes to guests that come down to check out the light display, skate on the ice skating rink, see the lights. Now they can keep themselves warm with a cup of cheer, all provided by 7 Brew in a sample size.”

While many trees were lost due to the June 21st storm, the First City of Lights Foundation is working closely with Bemidji Parks and Recreation to illuminate other trees in Paul Bunyan and Library parks with LED lights to replace the ones that were lost.