Chamber members throughoutthe community invite you andyour family to join them for anold fashioned celebration of the

holiday season, Christmas in the City.Now entering its 23rd year, Christ-

mas in the City has grown from a singleevent in downtown Austin to threemajor events and dozens of othersthroughout the holiday season.More than 70 Chambermember busi-

nesses and organizations will partici-pate in the major events — downtownKickoff, Christmas in the NW andChristmas in the SW — whiledozens more are featured indi-vidually in the 2011 Christmasin the City calendar of events.The calendar, published and

promoted by the Chamber, cov-ers a series of holiday eventsand activities from the dayafter Thanksgiving throughDecember.Events begin in the area

that started it all, downtownAustin, with the Christmas inthe City Kickoff, 6 to 8 p.m. Fri-day, Nov. 25. Children are in-vited to join Santa Claus, theAustinaires and a host of holi-day characters for a Christmasparade followed by the holidaylighting ceremony. Sleighrides, train rides, musical en-tertainment and, of course,free photos with Santa Clauswill be provided throughoutthe evening. Holiday treats,prizes and in-store specialswill be offered at 25 participating busi-nesses. The Austin Jaycees will host a“Chili Challenge” during the Kickoffand the Paramount Theatre will featurethe Jane Taylor Academy of DanceChristmas Show, following events down-town.Retailers in the 18th AvenueNWarea

will celebrate Christmas in the NW, 4:30to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29. Twenty-three stores will participate, this year.Activities include sleigh and train rides,

visits with Santa, fishing with theAustin Bruins, holiday crafts and deco-rating, animal displays (includingSanta’s reindeer in training), and more.Register for prizes throughout the area,and stop by Oak Park Mall at 7:45 p.m.

for the holiday drawing.Christmas in the SW fea-

tures 25 businesses locatedalong Oakland and First Av-enue, near the SterlingShopping Center, 4 to 7 p.m.Thursday, Dec. 1. Storesfrom Walgreens to Berg’sNursery feature holidaydecorating, sleigh rides, apetting zoo, visits withSanta, wine and cheese tast-ing, and more. Stop by Ster-ling State Bank for liveperformances by Austin’sBig Band and the Just forKix Dancers, as well as Cor-nerstone Church for livemusic by Denny Charnecki,Amanda Corey and otherlocal musicians.Twenty-nine other holi-

day events are featured onthe Christmas in the Citycalendar, including Christ-mas in the County, organ-

ized by the Mower County HistoricalSociety, and the 13th annual HolidayOpen House and Indoor Used Care Saleat Holiday Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep. A com-plete list of all events is posted on theChamber’s website atwww.austincoc.com.Happy holidays to all, and thanks for

supporting those who support our com-munity, Chamber member businesses.Buy Mower, GrowMower!

By thenumbers

PARADE & HOLIDAYLIGHTING CEREMONY 6PM

KIDS GET YOUR LIGHT STICKSAT THE ELKS FROM 5-6 P.M.

PRIZE DRAWINGS

PHOTOS WITH SANTA CLAUSTOWN CENTER

SLEIGH & TRAIN RIDES

LIVE MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENTINSIDE & OUTSIDE THE TOWN CENTER

KICKOFF IN DOWNTOWNAUSTIN FRIDAY, NOV. 25

FROM 6-8 PM

CChhrriissttmmaass iinn tthhee NNoorrtthhwweessttTUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29TH • 4:30-7:30PM

Celebrate the holidays at 25 stores along and near 18th Ave. NW. Photos with Santa, Santa's live reindeer,face painting, holiday decorating, sleigh rides and more.

Drawing for prizes at 7:45 in Oak Park Mall.

CChhrriissttmmaass iinn tthhee SSoouutthhwweessttTHURSDAY, DECEMBER 1ST • 4:00-7PMSterling Shopping Center area stores host open houses, horse-drawn

sleigh rides, free photos, gifts from Santa, Just for Kix dancers,refreshments and more.

austincoc.com for complete listings

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE Austin Daily Herald TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2011

Brothers Andrew Keenan, left, and Lance Keenan enjoy a meeting and photo opportunity withSanta Claus at Sterling Drug On Main during Christmas in the Southwest last year.Herald file photo

Starting offthe season

SandyForstnerExecutive Director,

Chamber of Commerce

23 Year’s of Christmas in

the City

70 Chamber memberbusinesses ororganizationsparticipating.

25 Organizations will offertreats and in-store

specials.

Holiday Events throughout the season• Now - Dec. 31: A Ho-Ho-Ho Holiday Show, the Austin Area Art Center will behaving its annual art and craft sale. Open noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday throughSunday.• Nov. 19-20: The Hardy Geranium, Holiday Open House. Free cider and cookies. • Nov. 19-20: Berg’s Nursery, Annual open house. Free cookies and cider; comeand take a holiday family photo in the holiday vignette. Santa will be there from 1 to3 p.m. on Saturday. (Don’t forget a camera.)• Nov. 25: Community Bank, Enjoy holiday treats and warm cider at the main streetoffice from noon to 5 p.m.• Nov. 25-27: Berg’s Nursery.• Dec. 3: Holiday Dodge Chrysler Jeep Open House & Indoor Used Car Sale, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., Interstate 90 and West Oakland Ave. Be entertained by the holidaysounds of the Austin Big Band and enjoy hot dogs and chili.• Dec. 3, 10, 17: The Brickhouse Christmas Tea’s.• Dec. 4: Austin’s “Merry TubaChristmas” 2011, Merry TubaChristmas celebrates its 38thanniversary. Players of the tuba,sousaphone, baritone andeuphoniums will performChristmas carols to kickoff theholiday season starting at 1 p.m.,Center Court at Oak Park Mall. • Dec. 4: Fourth Annual HolidayTour of Homes, hosted by theMower County Chapter of theAmerican Red Cross, 1 to 6 p.m.• Dec. 3-4: Berg’s Nursery, 1 to 4p.m., Kids can decorate their ownornament. • Dec. 6: First Farmers &Merchants State Bank AustinHoliday Open House, 8 a.m. – 4p.m. Coffee, hot apple cider andother holiday goodies.• Dec. 6 and 13: SimplifiedTechnology’s, Tech Tuesdays, 4 - 8p.m. Holiday treats andrefreshments for all.• Dec. 9: Accentra CU Open House,1 - 5 p.m. Stop in and enjoy ourdisplay of nativity scenes andholiday flavored ice cream.• Dec. 10: Village Co-op OpenHouse, 1 - 4 p.m., Enjoy music andrefreshments and visit some ofhomes.• Dec. 10: YMCA, Parents Night Out, 5-9 p.m. Parents treat themselves to anevening out while their children enjoy games and crafts. Bring a sack lunch,snacks provided. • Dec. 13: First Farmers & Merchants State Bank Brownsdale Holiday OpenHouse, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Coffee, hot apple cider and other holiday goodies.• Dec. 15: US Bank Open House, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Coffee, hot apple cider and otherholiday goodies.• Dec. 15: Home Federal Savings Bank Open House, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Annualholiday open house with hot apple cider, coffee and holiday cookies.• Dec. 17: YMCA, Christmas family Fun night. Enjoy the YMCA from 6 to 8:45 p.m. • Dec. 21: The Cedars of Austin Holiday Open House, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Servinga variety of bars, hot apple cider and a holiday punch. Register to win one of threehams to be given away.

2 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2011 A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE AUSTIN DAILY HERALD

• Nov. 26: Historic ParamountTheatre, 7:30 p.m., Katie McMahonreturns with her beloved Christmasprogram. The original soloist of“Riverdance” sings and plays theharp backed by a Celtic band andIrish style dancers.• Dec. 1: Historic ParamountTheatre, 7:30 p.m., Whitesidewalls.The band plays rock ’n‘ roll from1954 through 1964.• Dec. 10: Historic ParamountTheatre, 7 p.m.., A Deer CampChristmas Holy Bells.• Dec. 11: Historic ParamountTheatre, 7 p.m., “Lucia Fest.” Amemorial performance honoringDarren M. Lewis. Jane TaylorAcademy of Dance Christmas Show. • Dec. 16: Hormel Historic Homeand Historic Paramount Theatre,“Radio Holly Days” dinner and show.

Austin Chamber ofCommerce’s 23rd annual

Christmas in the CityKICKOFF ACTIVITIES

6-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25

• Holiday Parade with Santa: Meet at 5:45 p.m. at theElk’s Lodge (First Ave. NW and Main St.) • Free Photos with Santa located in the Town CenterBuilding and candy cane treats for kids. • Fresh baked cookies while kids wait in line to see Santaprovided by the elves from the Cedars of Austin. • Live entertainment on stage, including the Austinaires,Taylor Bliese and emcee Paul Pruitt. • Horse-drawn sleigh rides. • Captain Kirby Train Rides. • Musical entertainment in Town Center including theEcumenical Bell Ensemble, The North Star Brass Quartet,The Cedar River Strings and the magic of Jim Jayes. • Free hot chocolate and cheese samples served byMower County Dairy Princesses in the Martial Artsbuilding. • Free face painting by Matchbox Theatre located in theMartial Arts building. • Relay for Life will sell $5 luminaries along with treats forthe kids and other activities in the Martial Arts building. • Christmas at the Paramount Theatre will take place at7:30 p.m. with Jane Taylor Academy of Dance “ChristmasShow” with scenes from the Nutcracker Suite. • Merry Elf, a magical, colorful personality will light up thedowntown area from 6 to 8 p.m. handing out treats tochildren. • Jaycees Christmas for kids, cash and prizes for the topwinning chili recipes. Event at Hill, Larson, Walth & Bendaoffice.

Participating businesses • Donut Connection: Stop in for a free scoop of cinnamonice cream. Register for an in-store drawing of giftcertificates.• B&J Bar & Grill: Free Smores served outside. • Twice is Nice• Evenson’s Hallmark: Stop in for treats.• Bendixen Jewelry: Warm up with apple cider andChristmas treats. • Coffee House on Main: Stop in and warm up with a cupof coffee or hot chocolate. • Piggy Blues BBQ: Free sample of gelato (Italian ice

cream) and register for prizes, $100 in chamber bucks,$100 Piggy Blues gift card or $100 certificate fromHealing Palms spa.• Novades Crystal: Come in and enjoy a cup of “ponche.” • Lou’s Forever Framing: Decorate a free photo mat for apicture with Santa.• Healing Palms Spa: Offering homemade fudge and hotapple cider. There will be free activities for all. • Belles & Beaus: Watch live models, enjoy free hot ciderand donut holes from Donut Connection. • Ooh La La Handbags & Accessories: Open until 8:30p.m. with door prizes each hour. Santa’s helper will be outfront with candy canes for all.• Innovision Eyecare: Stop in for cookies, cider and coffee.• Philomathian Religious Books & Gifts. Open House withsweet treats. • Austin Fire Department: (across from Rydjor Bike)Ladder unit 308 will be there along with “Sparky.” Alsowatch fire safety demonstrations. • ViDeyo Arts: Web-Video Postcards; visitors can comeinto the studio for a quick, fun, video postcard to use onFacebook or YouTube.• El Mariachi’s: Christmas treats for kids.

• Rydjor Bike: Serving hot apple cider and kids can comein and decorate their own sugar cookie. $100 gift carddrawing to take place at 7:30 p.m. Must be present towin.• Hastings Shoe Store: Open house with refreshments.• Flaherty Paint: Holiday open house and holiday treatsand prize drawings.• Refurnish - 2nd Hand Furniture: Open House andholiday treats.• Bell Liquor: Sign up to win gift certificates. • The Salvation Army: A taste of Christmas from days ofold time costumes and popcorn garland stringing alongwith snacks.

Christmas in the CityA SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE AUSTIN DAILY HERALD TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2011 3

Huseby Insurance507-582-3253 • Adams

First American Insurance507-567-2279 • Brownsdale

Heartman Insurance507-437-4503 • Austin

Sterling State Insurance507-437-3282 • Austin

R&R Insurance507-583-7971 • Blooming Prairie

Heartman Insurance507-288-3834 • Rochester

First American Insurance507-553-4486 • Stewartville

A Family First Ins. Agcy.507-451-0539 • Owatonna

CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY

Come see the Live Models In The Store Window!Hot Cider, Donut Holes from Donut Connection.

Friday, November 256:00-8:00pmOPEN HOUSE

Santa Claus leads the parade down Main Street to eventually light the downtown decorations during Christmas in the City last year.Herald file photo

LexiGuineywaves tofamily dur-ing a rideon KaptainKirby'strain ridelast yearduringChristmasin the CityNorthwest.Herald file

photo

Christmas in the Southwest

4-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1Sterling Shopping Center and

surrounding area

• Dairy Queen: Stop in for some cake, hotchocolate and a holiday treat.• Sterling Drug Main Street: Free picturewith Santa from 4 to 7 p.m. All children willreceive a gift from Santa.• Cellular Connections: Check out newlocation while enjoying coffee, hot chocolateand candy canes.• Cornerstone Church: Candy Cane Walk,crafts, face painting, Christmas snacks anddrinks, and live music by Denny Charnecki,

Amanda Corey and other local musicians.• Bursch Travel, Inc: Stop in for some freshpopcorn.• Moline Awards & Engraving: Comethrough the alley to decorate an ediblegingerbread cookie.• T.G.I. Freitags Rent to Own: Warm upwith some hot chocolate and cookies whilethe children enjoy jumping around in theJumping Balloon.• D&G Ace Hardware: Enjoy cookies andapple cider.• Sterling State Bank: Enjoy sleigh rides inthe parking. Face painting and Christmascrafts inside. Also, enjoy performancesfrom the Austin Big Band, playing a varietyof holiday music from 5 to 6 p.m. Just ForKix Dancers at 6 p.m. Also, enjoy hot orcold cider and holiday treats.

• Sterling Café • Elrod, Green & Hyland, DDS: Starting at5 p.m. children can come by to enter acoloring contest for prizes. Hot chocolateand cookies are also available and freetoothbrushes. • Berg’s Nursery: Come at 5 p.m. andcheck out barnyard friends at the pettingzoo. Enjoy hot apple cider and cookies.• Apollo Liquor: Come in for wine and

cheese tasting.• Apollo Superette: Stop by for someHawaiian shaved ice tropical Snowsamples.• Walgreen’s: Kids can enjoy getting theirpicture taken with Santa.• McDonalds Restaurant: (0n Oakland),Come enjoy treats and sing carols withRonald McDonald.

Christmas in the City4 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2011 A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE AUSTIN DAILY HERALD

Christmas in theNorthwest

4:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 2918th Avenue (mall area)

• Usem Chevrolet: Decorate a holiday card.• AmericInn: Kids come fishing with the Bruins players.Live Christmas carols. Cookies and juice for everyone. • Hy-Vee: Christmas cookie decorating.• Culver’s Restaurant: “Live” Reindeer that came all theway from the North Pole.• Games People Play: Holiday face painting andhomemade doughnuts. • Dolan’s Landscape Center, Inc.: Making pinecone birdfeeders. Bring the whole family for holiday photos by ourfireplace display and enjoy cider and cookies.• Community Bank: Captain Kirby train rides for allchildren, hot chocolate and treats for everyone.• Walmart: Kids make their own Christmas ornament.

• Stadheim Jewelers: Christmas jewelry crafting.• Applebee’s: Get a picture taken with Santa.• Edward Jones: Refreshments. Register for door prizes.• Austin Tobacco: Open house. Christmas treats andrefreshments available to all.• Quizno’s Sub: Free kids cookies, children younger than12.• Great Clips: Tattoo bar and treats.• Quick Care: Austin’s convenient care clinic will offerChristmas mice making. Kids can make their own mouseand enjoy punch and doughnuts.• Staples: Christmas ornament decorating.• Arby’s: Visit Bubbles the Clown. • Wendy’s: Fix and mix a frosty, fake tattoo’s, hot chocolate,candy canes. Register to win a boys and girls bike and alaptop for an adult.• KFC/Long John Silvers: Kids can make reindeer food,coloring sheets and more. Free candy canes to all.• Shopko: Apple cider, Christmas candy, cookies and craftsfor children.• Maurices: Kids make a Christmas ornament.

Kevin Klouse takes Brianna Klouse, standing, Alysaa Klouse andKory Klouse, behind Kevin, to see the reindeer last year at Cul-ver’s as part of Christmas in the Northwest. Herald file photo

Visitors toChristmas in

the Southwesttake part in ahorse-drawncarriage ridein front of

Sterling StateBank.

Herald file photo