I’m a member of a cult-like group that can’t get enough Hallmark Christmas movies.
I watch them whenever I can from October through the new year, and I never get sick of them. It doesn’t seem to matter that they’re all the same plot just in a different Christmas town, and they’re all super predictable.
The characters often have names such as Holly and Nick. They sometimes drive red cars, like sleighs. And if they’re singing around a Christmas tree lightening, it most certainly will start snowing.
My husband doesn’t get the attraction. But that’s OK. I’m happy to watch them by myself, absorbed in the world of make-believe, perfect Christmases. It assures me that dreams really can come true.
The movies have gotten me thinking that Flandreau could be one of those Christmas towns. It has a holiday event with crafts, food and Santa. The Moody County Courthouse has a festival of trees each year in the rotunda -- this is its 28th year. And, there’s the holiday parade of lights again this year.
First, if you haven’t been to the courthouse to see the trees, what’s stopping you? The county has one huge tree in the center that extends two stories, and the railing on the third floor is decorated with lights. That alone is worth the time to stop in after Thanksgiving, even if you’ve seen it before.
Several departments also decorate trees for display and some community members bring in a few, too. But wouldn’t it be cool if there were lots more? Businesses, families and organizations can put together a tree to honor a non-profit in the county and it would fill the courthouse with holiday cheer.
The trees must be artificial so they’re easy to decorate and maintain. The themes are endless, whatever works. There’s been one with cornhusk decorations put on by the corn husking promoters. Others have had traditional decorations or specific themes.
More participants would really make the courthouse a place to tour during the holidays, a small version of our state capitol’s tree festival. It’s indoors so it’s warm and ice free.
Flandreau has a great opportunity to showcase the community with its parade of lights Nov. 30, too.
I’ve seen some pretty awesome entries in the past couple years of covering the event. The lighted train is a holiday favorite and don’t forget Santa on a firetruck and Santa and Mrs. Claus in the sleigh. Last year, there were a group of singers on a float, and traditionally some families all ride through the parade.
Businesses, including Loiseau Construction and Ramsdells, have gone all out. I hope that continues and others join them. There’s so much creativity that can go into a float that ties in with the parade theme of an old-fashioned Flandreau Christmas.
This town is really good at parades and events in general. The Sesquicentennial parade this summer was a favorite of anyone you talked to. The homecoming and achievement days parades are popular, too. Most recently, the Chrystal Theatre put on four performances of “Beauty and the Beast” that were magical and so well done. There’s talent here.
If everyone came together from all of those parades and groups and joined in the parade of lights, think what that could be like. Downtown would be filled with folks and the holiday spirit.
This year, the Flandreau Development Corporation wants to do a tree lighting after the parade at the courthouse. The idea sure fits into my image of Flandreau being a Hallmark movie town.
I’ve already designed it in my mind.
Hot chocolate. Peppermint sticks. Lights shining in the darkness. Could we get a little music, like some carolers or roving musicians? The entire town will show up. Of course, it will start snowing with fluffy flakes and no South Dakota wind.
Perfect!
