Christmas Time at the Mill seeking community support

For the fifth year in a row, “Christmas Time at The Mill” will take place the first Saturday in December. According to Jen Losen, a member of the event’s planning committee, it will feature all the free events it has in the past–cookie decorating, meeting Santa Claus, crafts, face painting, and the company of beloved characters such as the Grinch, Olaf, Elsa, Anna, and a giant polar bear. Live music will be provided by local high school talent.

 

Just as it has been since 2021, all entertainment and activities will be provided at no cost to children or families.

 

Losen observes, however, that the event has grown exponentially, with the number of children in attendance not only tripling from year one to year two, but also continuing to rise from then on, and overall numbers increasing from about 150 in 2021 to almost 1,000 in 2024.

 

“Christmas at the Mill has become a community wide event,” observed Losen, who spoke on the topic at a recent meeting of the Waseca Exchange Club. “So we’re starting to look for broader support across the community.”

 

She went on to explain the event’s founder, Matt Petsinger, and a group of volunteers have provided most of the materials and labor to make the activities and features of the event possible with space donated by The Mill, some food provided by local vendors, and certain elements–including trees in a “Christmas Tree Walk”--sponsored by local businesses. Individuals leading craft activities have typically brought the materials and supplies at their own expense.

 

Losen went on to say that, with the large numbers of people who have come to enjoy and anticipate attending the event, the amount of planning and organization which must take place in advance has increased. “Christmas at the Mill” now has a nine-member planning committee; status as a non-profit entity has been acquired.

 

“This is a great event that people can just come to and genuinely enjoy,” observed Losen. “We plan to keep it that way, and we need help to do it.”

 

Losen asked those in attendance to think about ways they might be interested in helping, and asked them to spread the word.

 

“We’re looking for financial support and for volunteers,” she clarified. 

 

She went on to say members of the committee  want to keep the event stress-free for parents and exciting for children. “We know there are a lot of local people who appreciate that and would be willing to help in different ways,” she commented. “We want to hear from them.”

 

Anyone wishing to donate to Christmas at the Mill can contact Losen at the Matthew R. Petsinger Agency of American Family Insurance at (507) 835-2770.