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- A Heartfelt Thanksgiving Message to Our Subscribers & Friday Night Magic: Light Up The Night Kicks Off the Holidays
A Heartfelt Thanksgiving Message to Our Subscribers & Friday Night Magic: Light Up The Night Kicks Off the Holidays
Issue #143
In this Marshall Area Insider issue…
🌨️ Marshall, MN Weather - Light snow with a high of 21
🗞️ A Heartfelt Thanksgiving Message to Our Subscribers
🗞️ Friday Night Magic: Light Up The Night Kicks Off the Holidays
📣 Want to get your business in the Marshall Area Insider? Let’s talk!
📌 Know of other local events not listed? Send us the details!

🍂 A Heartfelt Thanksgiving Message to Our Subscribers 🍂

As we gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude for you—our readers.
Your support and engagement inspire us to share stories and events that connect our community.
Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the blessings in our lives and to come together with those around us. Whether you're celebrating with a family feast or sharing a meal with your neighbors, the holiday offers a wonderful opportunity to create meaningful connections.
If you're looking for a way to share in the spirit of Thanksgiving, several local community meals are happening across our area:
Marshall: Grace Life Church is hosting its Annual Thanksgiving Community Meal from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Enjoy delicious food prepared by over 100 volunteers who embody the spirit of giving.
Canby: First Presbyterian Church invites everyone to a meal from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Free-will donations are welcome and will support local community initiatives.
Minneota: Join the family-style meal at Bethel Fellowship Church at noon. While reservations are preferred, they're not required—just bring your appetite and gratitude!
Tracy: The Tracy Alliance Church is offering a Thanksgiving meal from noon to 1:00 PM. Donations are not needed, so come and enjoy a warm, welcoming meal.
Tyler: The Tyler Alliance Church will serve its meal at noon, with seating starting at 11:30 AM. To reserve your spot, call 507-247-3824.
Granite Falls: If you're craving a buffet-style meal, the Thanksgiving Buffet at Prairie’s Edge Casino Resort will be open from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
These gatherings are a beautiful reminder of what makes our community so special—our willingness to come together, support one another, and celebrate the things we’re thankful for.
From all of us at the Marshall Area Insider, we wish you a Thanksgiving filled with love, joy, and wonderful memories.
Thank you for being part of our community!
Friday Night Magic: Light Up The Night Kicks Off the Holidays
The holiday season is set to shine brightly in Marshall this Friday, November 29th, with the highly anticipated 8th Annual Light Up The Night.
This festive evening is packed with activities guaranteed to bring joy to the community and officially kick off the holidays.
The celebration begins at 6:00 PM with the dazzling Holiday Light Parade, which winds its way through downtown Marshall before concluding at Independence Park.
The parade is a favorite for families, showcasing twinkling lights, creative floats, and plenty of holiday spirit.
As the parade comes to a close, the night will sparkle even brighter with a spectacular fireworks display.
The festivities don’t end there…
After the fireworks, settle in at Independence Park for a musical treat from local singer-songwriter Kayla Daniels. Her soulful renditions of holiday classics will keep the festive mood alive as the evening unfolds.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Light Up The Night or experiencing it for the first time, this event is the perfect way to embrace the holiday spirit.
Gather your friends and family, bundle up, and join Light Up The Night for a magical evening that marks the start of the season.

Upcoming Area Events
🗓️ Have an event to add? Send us the details!
Thursday, November 28th
Annual Thanksgiving Community Meal at Grace Life Church in Marshall from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Thanksgiving Buffet at Prairie’s Edge Casino Resort in Granite Falls from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Minneota annual community Thanksgiving meal at Bethel Fellowship Church starting at noon
Friday, November 29th
Light Up The Night Kick Off at Independence Park in Marshall at 6:00 PM
Light Up The Night takes place at Independence Park in Marshall from 5:00 - 9:00 PM every night. Starting November 29 through January 1st. Enjoy this beautiful Winter Wonderland!
Saturday, November 30th
Downtown Marshall Holiday Season Kickoff in Marshall starting at 8:00 AM
Cookies with Santa in Montevideo from 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Decorate Cookies, StoryTime with Santa, and a Kid-Friendly Craft.
Free Admission
SJ Miller Arts Paint Party at Pelican Cover at Lake Shetek
Create a winter themed canvas with step-by-step instructions
For adults and young artists (ages 12+)
All materials provided, registration required
Cost: $25 - register here
Pictures with Santa and the Parade of Lights at Greenwood Nursery in Tracy at 11: 00 AM
Santa, Mrs. Clause & Horse Drawn Wagon Rides at Iverson Tree Farm in Belview from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
MAFAC Holiday Open House in Downtown Marshall from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Prize drawings, goodies, cider, live piano, books, art, crafts and more
Sunday, December 1st
Santa Day / Christmas in the Park in Wood Lake starting at 3:00 PM
Free meal at 4:00 PM
Christmas Carols Sing Along
Hay Rides
Tree Lighting
Campfire at Freedom Park
Monday, December 2nd
Kilts: History & Construction with Sheila Tabaka, fashion historian & SMSU Professor of Theatre at the Marshall-Lyon County Library Community Room starting at 6:30 PM
Tuesday, December 3rd
Southwest Minnesota Orchestra presents Holiday Cheer at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Marshall starting at 7:00 PM
Wednesday, December 4th (first Wednesday of every month)
Dementia Caregiver Support Group from 10:00 - 11:30 AM at Adult Community Center in Marshall
Open to everyone, come when you can, no cost or obligation to attend, refreshments available
For questions contact Jamie Lanners (507) 828-8891
Thursday, December 5th
SMSU Glee Club and Alta Voce present Ethereal Echoes at First Lutheran Church in Marshall at 7:30 PM
The concert is free and open to the public.
Saturday, December 7th
Christmas in the Village in Montevideo from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Vendors, Crafters, Bake Sale, Candy Sale, Gift Shop, Horse Drawn Wagon Rides, Santa and so much more…
Admission: adults - $8, Kids 5+ $5, kids 4 and under are free
SMSU Holiday Revels at the Schwans Community Center For The Performing Arts in Marshall starting at 3:00 PM
Bazaar and Danish-inspired bake sale at the historic Danebod campus in Tyler, MN starting at 2:00 PM
Address: 140 Danebod Court, Tyler, MN.
Afternoon coffee and three-meat supper at 4:00 PM followed by local entertainment and singing Christmas carols
For questions, take out meal reservations, or overnight accommodations please email [email protected] by December 5.
Sunday, December 8th
Get your tickets now at the Marshall Lyon County Museum for $20
Saturday, December 7th and Sunday, December 8th
Saturday, December 7th
Christmas Cookie / Candy Sale at St. Peter’s Catholic Church 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Holiday Movie: The Santa Clause 2 FREE Admission at Canby Theatre starting at 2:00 PM
Free Bowling For Kids at Lancaster Lanes & Event Center from 12:00 - 4:00 PM
1 free game per person
Roller Skating at Canby High School (Old Gym) from 4:00 - 6:00 PM ($5 per kid)
Sunday, December 8th
Craft & Vendor Fair and Scotty Biggs BBQ Food Truck at former Schott’s building from 12:00 - 4:00 PM
Santa Clause Appearance at the Canby Theatre from 2:00 - 5:30 PM
Believe in Magic at the Wellness Center Building Conference Room from 3:00 - 5:00 PM
Kids Shopping Mall at Canby Community Center from 3:00 - 5:00 PM
Free Hot Chocolate, Coffee & Candy in downtown Canby starting at 5:00 PM
Living Nativity on the corner of Saint Olaf Ave and 2nd Street at 5:30 PM
Parade of Lights in downtown Canby starting at 6:00 PM
Tree Lighting following the parade at Lake Sylvan
Fireworks Display following the parade at Lake Sylvan
Saturday, December 14th
Winter Wonderland at Rustic Iron Orchard from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Pictures with Santa
Shopping in the country store, hot chocolate, apple cider and free samples
Holiday Fun Day at the Museum at the Lyon County Museum in Marshall from 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Santa & Mrs. Claus will be at the museum that day from 1:00 to 2:00 PM
Skate with Santa at the Red Baron Arena in Marshall starting at 12:00 PM
Santa’s Workshop (Craft & Vendor Show) at the Minneota Legion from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Planetarium Christmas & Light Show at the SMSU Planetarium
at 7:00 PMTickets are $5 and are sold at the door
Friday, December 13th - Sunday, December 15th
Prairie Dance Alliance presents: The Nutcracker
At the Schwan Community Center for the Performing Arts, Marshall Senior High School
Friday, December 13 at 7:00 PM
Saturday, December 14 at 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM
Sunday, December 15 at 1:00 PM
Sunday, December 15th
Santa Day and Bingo in Echo Community Center
Meal begins at 11:30 AM
Santa arrives at 1:30 PM
Planetarium Christmas & Light Show at the SMSU Planetarium
at 2:00 PMTickets are $5 and are sold at the door
Liquid Nitrogen ice cream following
Monday, December 16th and Tuesday, December 17th
Visit with Santa at the Marshall-Lyon Country Library from 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Friday, December 20th
Planetarium Christmas & Light Show at the SMSU Planetarium
at 7:00 PMTickets are $5 and are sold at the door
Saturday, December 21st
Jingle Bingo at the Cottonwood Community Center, open at 6:00 PM, first call at 7:00 PM
Planetarium Christmas & Light Show at the SMSU Planetarium
at 7:00 PMTickets are $5 and are sold at the door
Sunday, December 22nd
Planetarium Christmas & Light Show at the SMSU Planetarium
at 2:00 PMTickets are $5 and are sold at the door

Holiday Cheer Baskets by Marshall Area Dementia Awareness Network
Do you know a caregiver that could use some Holiday cheer? If you know someone caring for someone else with dementia send them a holiday cheer basket this year.
For questions, email [email protected]
The Colors of Winter: Holiday House Decorating Contest
Join Marshall Festivals for their Colors of Winter ❄️ Holiday House Light Competition in Marshall to raise funds for Light Up the Night & Heart to Heart this holiday Season.
If you have a child between the ages of 10-16 and would like them put into consideration for this event, please fill in this form by December 4th.

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