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Wessington Springs may have just scooped out from seven inches of fresh snow and faced temperatures dipping into the teens Monday night, but that didn’t stop the community from turning out for the town-wide holiday kickoff. With Main Street cleared thanks to the combined efforts of city crews, volunteers, and business owners, the heart of town transformed into a festive gathering place filled with lights, fire pits, music and the unmistakable buzz of Christmas spirit.
Despite the cold, families and friends hopped between indoor and outdoor activities, warming up with s’mores by the fire, browsing local shops, enjoying treats and reconnecting with friends and neighbors.
Event organizer Ryan Jensen said the evening embodied exactly what the planning team envisioned.
“The phrase ‘If you build it, they will come’ really explains the thought behind Monday’s town-wide holiday kickoff. We were fortunate that so many businesses and organizations helped bring our vision to life by sharing their ideas and following through,” Jensen said. “Based on the positive feedback so far, we hope this becomes an annual tradition. If anyone has ideas or additional activities that could help this event continue to grow, please share them with us. Thank you to everyone who participated and to all who came out despite the blustery, chilly night.”
Event organizer Blake Willman echoed that sentiment, noting how meaningful it was to see such broad participation.
“Having community events like this is so important. Seeing so many organizations and individuals step up made this feel like a true community effort. The success of this event was driven by strong community collaboration and support,” Willman said. “This success makes me excited not only for expanding this event, but other potential holiday celebrations in the future.”
Attendees shared the same enthusiasm. Jason Weber said the atmosphere created something special downtown.
“It was really cool to see so many businesses and groups come together to give the community a great night. I’m excited to see it grow next year… and to jump in and participate myself,” Weber said. “With Main Street closed, so many places open and lots of activities for the kids, it created the kind of energy and commerce you only get from an event like this. My family and I hadn’t visited the museum before, but Monday gave us that opportunity, and we absolutely loved it.”
For many families, the mix of activities, especially those offering a break from the cold, made the night memorable.
“The multiple fire pits and s’mores were such a great touch on Main Street!” said attendee Cam Fagerhaug. “It gave us all a way to keep warm and still visit while the kids hopped on the train. I’m grateful for such a perfect way for the community to kick off the Christmas season and support local businesses!”
Thanks to Larry Powell, kids forgot all about the cold as they whizzed up and down Main Street on the Christmas train for more than an hour. Adding to the season’s spirit of giving, Powell secured sponsors from area businesses and organizations for the rides, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the Wessington Springs School District lunch program.
The event also gave local organizations a chance to engage with the community. At the Springs Area Council of the Arts (SACOTA) booth, kids worked on a collaborative art project.
“We had fun interacting with the kids and people who participated in our project,” said SACOTA board member Carrie Azure. “It was a great way to get people talking while working on their art. We can’t wait to see it come together.”
Businesses across town reported strong foot traffic as residents ducked indoors to warm up and shop.
“It was a great night of community support,” said Laura Baker of Baker’s Design. “We had people stop by who hadn’t been in the store before, and others who hadn’t been in for quite a while. It was nice to have them see what we’ve changed and added to everything we have to offer.”
From fire pits to storefronts, from train rides to the glow of the community Christmas tree, the night radiated joy and connection. And as organizers and attendees alike reflected on the turnout, one thing was clear: Christmas spirit is alive and well in Wessington Springs, and this year’s event may have been only the beginning of a new hometown holiday tradition.