The Delano City Council voted to approve a special event permit and lease agreement with conditions for the Ice Palace, which has yet to nail down a location for the winter attraction this year.
The Ice Palace debuted last year at the Fountain Hill Winery outside Delano, but it is unclear if it will return to the same location.
The winter attraction would like to reopen at the winery, but it is unsure if the permitting will work out with Wright County, Regional Executive Director Anna Smith said. They hope to know by the end of this week.
No matter what happens, the Ice Palace plans will remain in town.
“We will be in Delano, one way or the other,” Smith told the Delano Herald Journal.
If it cannot use the winery, the Ice Palace will lease land from the city to build the ice structure. The land it is considering leasing is located across the street from Central Park in the flood zone behind the levee.

See the full story in this week’s newspaper.

The Delano City Council voted during its regularly scheduled meeting last week to promote William Staunton to fire chief.
Staunton, the city’s assistant fire chief, will replace longtime Fire Chief Bob Van Lith, who will retire Thursday, Dec. 14. Staunton is expected to assume the role Friday, Dec. 15.

See the full story in this week’s newspaper.

A few questions remain unanswered in nearly every version of “A Christmas Carol.”
What happened to Jacob Marley after he died, and why did he agree to save Ebenezer Scrooge’s soul?
Marley’s fate is explored in Tom Mula’s play “Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol,” a Christmas story based on Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella.
Dickens’ story was a masterpiece of English literature and is one of Western culture’s most beloved Christmas stories. It has been adapted and retold countless times through theater, film, literature, television, radio, opera, ballet, graphic novels, comic strips, and video games.
Elvin Clark, the director of the Delano Dramatic Company’s 2023 production of “Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol,” said everybody knows “A Christmas Carol.”
“Marley visited Scrooge that night, and then the series of ghosts appeared to Scrooge later that night,” Clark said. “But the purpose of [Mula's play] is, what is the instigation behind all that? That’s basically Marley, who’s been dead seven years.”
In Mula’s play, Marley has been condemned to a hellish eternity where a hell-sprite torments him. He agrees to help save Scrooge’s soul for a chance to redeem himself and escape his chains.

See the full story in this week’s newspaper

Diane Johnson
Correspondent
Get in the holiday spirit at Old-Fashioned Christmas in historic downtown Delano Saturday, Dec. 2. Fun activities for people of all ages will take place throughout the day in various locations.
Start your day by visiting OFC Central in the lobby of city hall to pick up a schedule and map for the day. Before the event, you can visit our website, DelanoMNarts.org, for detailed information. Also follow “Delano Old-Fashioned Christmas” on Facebook.
Stop by the Big Woods Garden Club table in the lobby of city hall to get a free paper-white bulb while supplies last.
Bring your cameras for some great photos. You will find Santa throughout the day, our beautiful Christmas tree in front of city hall, “The Narren of New Ulm,” Carlson’s Llovable Llamas, storybook characters, the Christmas train, and much more.
There are special events for all ages, including:
The Narren
We are excited to welcome “The Narren of New Ulm” to Old-Fashioned Christmas. The Narren are often described as “the relatives everyone has but nobody wants to claim.” They are a composite of people who give life and color to communities throughout the world.
Wearing their hand-carved wooden masks and colorful costumes, they tell stories, dance, and share their German heritage with audience members of all ages. The Narren will have you up and dancing during their fun program at 2:15 p.m. in city hall. Then, mix and mingle with The Narren outside, get some fun photos, and watch them in the Deladazzle Parade at 4:30 p.m.
Carlson’s
Llovable Llamas
Carlson’s Llovable Llamas join the Old-Fashioned Christmas festivities for the first time. Festival-goers can “lead” a llama by its halter and enjoy the company of these gentle creatures. The llamas, dressed in festive attire, will also be a part of the Deladazzle Parade. You will find the llamas on Second Street, outside city hall from 2 to 4:30 p.m.
Music
Get in the spirit of the season with music throughout the day. Featured performers at city hall include:
• 10:30 a.m. – Charles Asch, cellist.
• 11:30 a.m. – Delano High School Sound Revolution.
• 12:15 p.m. – Karen Otto, pianist.
• 1 p.m. – St. Max Choir of Angels
• 2:15 p.m. – “The Narren of New Ulm”
• 3:30 p.m. – Christmas Carol Sing-Along and drawing the winners of the Storybook Character Hunt.
Small ensembles from the Delano High School band will be performing in the Community Ed Center.
Join us for an audience sing-along of holiday favorites at 3:30 p.m. in city hall. We will draw the winners of the Storybook Character Hunt starting at 4 p.m. Children must be present to win.
The grand prize winner gets to ride in the fire truck in the parade. Several others will be drawn to ride in the Christmas train during the parade. Then, head outside to enjoy the Deladazzle Parade.
Delano
Community Band
The band has grown and no longer fits in city hall. Don’t miss one of your favorite holiday traditions. After the parade, head over to enjoy the Delano Community Band’s holiday concert at 5:30 p.m. at the Delano High School’s old auditorium.
Enter the high school either through Door 11 (closest to the auditorium – in the back of the building – parking lot 4) or Door 1 (the main entrance by the high school office).
S’mores
Are you missing those favorite summertime treats – s’mores? The Delano Area Chamber of Commerce wants to thank people for shopping local.
The first 500 people who stop by the corner of Bridge and Second Street between 2:30 to 4 p.m. can get a free s’more treat. You can either make your s’more on the spot over the warming fires or take it home to enjoy later.
The Deladazzle Parade
Come join the fun for our great little Deladazzle Parade at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. We might not be as big as our famous Fourth of July parade, but there will be plenty of fun and smiles to go around.
Special guests in the parade this year are The Narren of New Ulm and Carlson’s Llovable Llamas. You will also see the American Legion Color Guard, Spike’s dog-drawn cart, horses, the Delano Royalty, the Fall Harvest Christmas Train, the storybook characters, the Cub Scouts, and the historical society. Of course, the parade ends with Santa and the fire truck.
Do you want to be in the parade? You are invited to come to the fire station at 4:15 p.m. if you would like to walk in the parade in a lighted costume or carrying a lantern. The parade route this year is around the block. If you have any questions, call Nick at the senior center: 763-972-0575.
Events
• People of all ages can enjoy a card and wrapping paper stamping craft at the Delano Library between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. You will also find cookies and drinks, music, and more.
• Stop by the fire station (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and view the Christmas trees beautifully decorated by our local Girl Scout troops. Vote for your favorite tree. The Girl Scouts work with Love, INC, to donate the trees to area families in need, helping them create happy Christmas memories.
While you are at the fire station, join the Boy Scouts to relax and enjoy a hot beverage. Check out the Girl Scouts bake sale as well.
• What was Christmas like long ago? Stop by the Heritage Center between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to find out. Come and see our vintage toys and a Christmas tree decorated with Victorian-era ornaments. Children will have fun making paper chains, popcorn and cranberry garlands, and button spinner toys. You can even earn a small reward for completing a scavenger hunt inside the Heritage Center.
Children’s activities
The day is filled with activities for kids of all ages. You will also find Santa present throughout the day. Stay alert – you never know where he will be.
• New this year: we are excited that Blueprint Occupational Therapy (158 River St. N.) will provide a sensory-friendly Santaland from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Step into a world of sensory-friendly enchantment for the whole family.
Embrace the magic of soft holiday lights casting a gentle glow, visit our inflatable Santa – perfect for those who prefer an alternative to the traditional visit – enjoy soothing sounds that embrace tranquility, and bask in the warmth of inviting rooms within our winter wonderland experience.
Come and make cherished memories in a space designed for comfort and joy in a calm and safe environment.
• Delano ECFE invites tots of all ages to “Holiday Storytime, Snacks, and Santa” at the Community Ed Center between 10 to 11 a.m.
• Did you have fun meeting the llamas? Children are invited to visit The Book Nook (113 Bridge Ave E) and enter a drawing to win a llama storybook.
• The Fall Harvest Orchard Christmas Train will be back, providing free rides around downtown between 1 and 4 p.m. Get on board outside city hall. Kids (and adults) can have fun playing with the marble mazes in the activity room in city hall from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• The popular Storybook Character Hunt is back for the kids from 1 to 4 p.m. Pick up your card at OFC Central in city hall, find the characters and have them stamp your card. Return the card at OFC Central by 4 p.m. and you will be entered in a drawing for the grand prize – to ride in the fire truck with Santa in the Deladazzle Parade. Additional names will be drawn to ride in the Christmas train during the parade. Children must be present to win.
• Kids – come and shop for gifts for your family, pets, teachers, and friends at the Girl Scout Santa Shoppe at the fire station from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each child will work with their parent to fill out a shopping list and name tags for each person on their list. Then, a local Girl Scout helps the child shop behind a curtain. This allows the child to surprise their family and friends with a gift that no one, except the child, has seen before it is opened.
All the gifts are wrapped with name tags on, ready to be put under the tree. The parent will pay the cashier for the gifts. Gifts prices are $5 or less. While volunteers help the kids select their gifts, parents can shop at the Girl Scout bake sale or relax and enjoy a hot beverage with the Boy Scouts.
Shopping
Get a head start on your holiday shopping as you find that unique gift for someone special.
The Senior Center Holiday Boutique, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the senior center, will feature a variety of crafts, goodies, and handmade items from local senior crafters. Also shop the Senior Center Holiday Sale, featuring a wide selection of Christmas decorations, ornaments, and related items.
The Old-Fashioned Christmas Market will feature local vendors in outdoor booths from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The Delano Early Childhood Family Education ECFE Holiday Boutique will be open from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the Community Ed Building. The Girl Scouts are offering a bake sale at the fire station from 10 to 3, along with their Santa Shoppe for the kids.
Visit the Love INC Christmas Open House between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. to enjoy hot cider and cookies, check out their sales, and enter to win a gift card in the drawings that take place throughout the day. Remember to check out the many specialty retail shops in the downtown area as well.
Hungry?
There are a lot of options for food. In the senior center, you can purchase pierogies, Jamaican rum cakes, fried tacos, and chips and salsa. Enjoy lefse fresh off the grill or buy a package to take home.
The Sweet Winks food truck will be located on Bridge Avenue outside city hall from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Watch for announcements about other food trucks.
The GIrl Scouts will have yummy treats at their bake sale. And, of course, check out our downtown restaurants – Brickside, Dave’s Town Club, Wilbur’s, and Lupine.

A Delano couple who recently competed in a natural bodybuilding competition in South Dakota finished first in their age groups.
Josh and Beth Janzen competed in the 2023 OCB Midwest Natural Showdown on Oct. 21 in Sioux Falls, SD.
They both won their divisions in their age groups. Josh, 44, took first place in the Masters Men’s Physique, and Beth, 40, took first place in the Masters Women’s Figure.
They also competed in the open division, where Josh took second in physique, and Beth placed fourth for figure.

See the full story in this week’s newspaper.

Delano’s Landscape Structures Inc. remains busy building the high-profile playgrounds for which it has become known.
A few weeks ago, for example, the St. Paul City Council approved a redevelopment project near Allianz Field, including an inclusive playground designed by the manufacturer.
Construction on the one-of-its-kind playground in Minnesota’s capital was expected to begin sometime this month.
The company, which has been building playgrounds since 1971, is capping off a busy year thanks to a renewed interest in outdoor spaces, including playgrounds and parks, Scott Roschi, Landscape Structures creative director, said.
The St. Paul playground is an example of the latest playground trends, including personalization and customization.

See the full story in this week’s newspaper.