Area families flocked to the Hometown Christmas event sponsored by the Milbank Area Chamber (MAC) at the Grant County Courthouse on Saturday, December 2. Craig Wellnitz, a native of Milbank and head of the Milbank High School Educational Foundation and Grant County Combined Appeal, lit the lights on the Christmas tree in front of the courthouse to signal the start of the 2023 holiday season. Wellnitz was selected in appreciation for his many years of service to the Milbank community.
In the Chili Cook-Off, Bernie Motschenbacher took home first place and $100 in Ol’ Mill Bucks for his entry of Bernie’s Chili. The People’s Choice Award and $100 was scooped up by the crew of the Grant County 4-H Shooting Sports for their Bull’s Eye Spicy Chili.
Kids lined up to talk to Santa and get candy canes from the Snow Queen and Miss Milbank 2024, Olivia Wendland. Kimber Downes was the lucky winner of the youth bike giveaway. Earlier in the day, 231 children attended a free showing of The Grinch at the Mill Theatre, complete with free pop and popcorn.
The Standstill Lighted Parade was a new addition to the Hometown Christmas event this year. The Grant County 4-H ‘s float was chosen as the winning entry. They received $200 in Ol’ Mill Bucks.
“We had a great weekend for all of our Hometown Christmas activities! We filled every seat in the movie theater and had a wonderful turnout for our first ever chili cook-off,” commented Jamie Henderson, executive director of MAC. “We are so thankful for our sponsors, businesses, volunteers, and the community for their support.”
Photo: Top- Olivia Wendland, Brroklyn Gertsema, Mrs. Claus and Santa. Middle-People’s Choice Bullseye Spicy Chili Crew, Grant County 4-H Shooting Sports (Wayne & Nancy Meyer)
Staff
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