Holidays in Lake Mills

Thanksgiving and the two-days that follow, are traditionally the kick-off to the holiday season—and the holiday shopping season, as well.
This year is no exception, as things gradually pick up steam here in Lake Mills until they culminate on Christmas Day.
First out of the gate is Black Friday, a day when retailers typically have one of their biggest sale days of the year. Lake Mills is no exception, as you will see throughout the paper, a number of retailers and service providers are offering Black Friday deals for those customers patronizing their businesses on that day.
That day is followed up by Small Business Saturday, the small town, independent retailers, answer to the traditional dominance of big box stores the day prior.
Again, there are even more Lake Mills businesses hopping on board this idea, as evidenced by the listing of businesses on Page 3.
New this year for Small Business Saturday is a scavenger hunt, to be sponsored by the participating businesses and LMCDC. Patrons will be able to pick up forms at all participating retailers, and then fill in the answers, while they shop locally. Find the answer to six clues and be eligible to win Lake Mills Bucks and leave the completed forms at any participating retailer, with the drawings to be held Monday, Nov. 27.
After shopping, it will be time once again to Deck the Halls for the Annual Lighting Contest, which will be judged by the general public for five days, starting the evening of the Holiday Festival, Dec. 9.
Judged according to the following themes: Faith-Based; Nostalgic; Clark Griswold; Inside-Out and, Charlie Browniest. Winners in each category will be awarded gift baskets from participating local businesses. Look for an entry form on Page 3.
The granddaddy of them all, of course, is the annual Holiday Festival, which will feature many of the same favorites, including the ethnic kitchen, and home-based business displays, a visit from Santa, along with the tour of homes, which this year will be done Friday night, to allow for a warm and cozy feeling, while also incorporating exterior lighting. In addition, there will be more new activities and returning favorites.
For more details and updates, check future issues of the Lake Mills Graphic and Facebook page, which will have weekly previews of the local events, as well as follow-up pictures and stories, and the LMCDC Facebook page and website at www.lakemillsia.org.