Image by Rebekka D from Pixabay

BY: RACHEL WUMKES

Another week has passed, and we find ourselves on this fantastic Friday with full bellies and thankful hearts.  With Thanksgiving behind us, we can begin the official kick-off for the Christmas season.

While things might look a bit differently this Holiday season for you and your family, the one thing that remains the same is our dedication to shopping small.  Our businesses have taken a hit this year with mandated closures, strict guidelines, and the overall fear of too many people gathering in one place.

While most people know about the many Black Friday deals across the nation, the following day, Small Business Saturday, typically gets much less attention.

This year, I’d love to give our local economy a boost like they’ve never seen before!  Many businesses have deals, specials, and discounts galore happening right now.  To stay up to date, be sure to like and follow our Shop Local Clear Lake Facebook Page.

In other warm and fuzzy news for the week, the One Vision Festival of Trees has officially kicked off for the season.  Again, in a bit different fashion than in past years, but still the barrage of beautiful trees, wreaths, swag and festive décor as always.

This year, patrons can view the 4ft or larger trees in person at the Silver Star Locations listed below.  Most trees are visible from the window as you walk by their storefronts.  The trees can be purchased at www.ovfot.org with all proceeds going to the One Vision organization.

Pickup for tabletop trees, wreaths, baskets, swags is Monday, Dec. 7th 8 am-7 pm or Tuesday Dec. 8th 8 am-5 pm at the Kinney Lindstrom Center at 1200 N 9th St W Clear Lake, IA.  Pickup for 4ft and larger trees will be by appointment only, coordinated after purchase.

The list of locations are as follows:

Basic Birder

Best Western Holiday Lodge

Clear Lake Bank & Trust

Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce

Emerson’s on Main

Farmers State Bank

Lake Dental

Lake Lifestyles

The Lion Shop

Main Street Styles

Matt Berry, CPA Office

MBT Bank

Simply Nourished

Starboard Market

TimberCrest at Glen Oaks

Unique Boutique

Wilcox Furniture

Zion Lutheran Church – The Dock

One Vision has many other ways you can give back all while supporting them.  Make a donation, buy a Blessing Box and give it as a gift, buy a kits craft kit and spend time with your kids making an adorable Gnome ornament they can give as a gift, or dress up and join the Virtual 5k Run/walk to buy Christmas Gifts for the people we support who won’t be spending time with family this year.

This wonderful organization is filling the hearts of so many this Holiday Season, and we are so very thankful for their creative thinking outside the box to continue the long-standing tradition of the fabulous Festival of Trees.