Good Morning!
When I was a kid, I remember my much younger brother shrieking out in delight every time he saw a house decorated with Christmas lights “Der’s one!!” We’d be driving around and he could barely contain his joy when we passed a house with even a few strings of lights. We all enjoyed Christmas decorations but he brought a new element of appreciation to it.
Light is such a crucial part of this time of year – when the sun never really comes up too far past the mountains, and sets at 4:30 and gloom envelopes much of the bottom of Lead. I so appreciate everyone who goes out and puts some effort into adding to the festive spirit. It’s no small thing to climb up on ladders and attach lights to our houses and landscapes but every time I see the effort I hear my brother shriek out in joy “Der’s One!!” It’s hard to be stressed or unhappy about anything when you glimpse the festivity.
We wrapped up our Light Up Lead residential light decorating contest this week. You can see all the entrants by going to www.LeadMeThere.org along with some other streets we think you should visit around town with great decorations! Congratulations to the winners and we look forward to a bigger, brighter contest next year! Thank you as well to our event sponsors: Ace Hardware of Lead, Black Hills Energy and First Interstate Bank! We couldn’t have done it without you!
We did this contest early in the month so we can also invite people to visit Lead for the holidays! (That million dollar sales tax isn’t going to pay itself!) So if you have friends or family invite them to come enjoy our beautifully plowed streets and take a drive around town just to look for decorations. And, don’t miss the vintage window painting that we sponsored around town! Frank Haws did a bang up job and we love the old-fashioned vibe it brought to Main Street.
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Here’s what’s happening in Lead this week:
Today, Thursday 12/5
5-8pm – Festival of Trees at the Historic Homestake Opera House co-hosted by the Deadwood and Lead Chambers with live and silent auctions. It’s the event of the season so you won’t want to miss!
Friday, 12/6
5pm – First Presbyterian Church is hosting Santa! He will visit three stops, pass out candy and read a Christmas story, and pass out books from Black Hills READS, and sing carols with the Builders & Key Club from Lead-Deadwood Kiwanis. Stops will include: 5-5:30pm – Santa Stop 1: Lynn’s Dakotamart, 5:40-6:10pm – Santa Stop 2: Boys & Girls Club, 6:20-6:50pm – Santa Stop 3: SLH Visitor Center (stops are subject to adjustment)
7pm – Everyone Invited to join Santa at the Tree Lighting Ceremony @ the Big Tree across from USPS. Hot cocoa for sale by L/D Cub Scout Troop 48, more caroling and fun!
5:30pm – Family Skate night at the Handley Recreation Center.
7pm – Trivia @ Lewie’s Eatery and Saloon in the back room. Great times had by all!
Saturday, 12/7
8:30am – St. Patrick’s Annual Cookie Fair. You won’t want to miss the extravagant and amazing creations for sale at this amazing event! Get there early before they run out!
9am – Since we kind of got snowed out last weekend (even though so many of you brave Leadites went out anyway to shop the town!) we’re re-doing much of the festivities for Small Business Saturday! Check out Miner’s & Merchants Trading Post, The Mining Museum Gift Shop (open just on Saturday) and Lotus Up for special deals, offers and activities! And be sure to get your Shop Local cards punched. You can grab the cards and see more details here: www.LeadMeThere.org/ShopLocal
10am – Deadwood History Incs Holiday Open House at the Days of ‘76 Museum
6pm – Santa’s back for more fun with the Lead Volunteer Fire Department at Lynn’s Dakotamart parking lot. This time he’ll be drinking cocoa and roasting marshmallows over the fire! Come say hello!
Tuesday, 12/10
5pm – Hearst Library Book Club. Come out and join this relaxed book discussion, even if you didn’t read this months book! And consider upping your reading game in 2020. This is a great way to try new books and genres you might not otherwise have considered!
6:30pm – Free Poker at Blackstone Lodge and Suites in their Hangar 7 Lounge.
Want to see the entire calendar? https://business.leadmethere.org/events/calendar
Keep Shopping Local!! This event runs through 12/19 so you have a few weeks to fill out those punch cards and drop them off at our offices for great gifts at our wrap party on 12/19!
Hope you have a jolly fun-filled weekend!!
Sierra Ward