Holiday Kick Off

Melrose Holiday Kickoff to Continue with Significant COVID Modifications
News Release – November 13, 2020
Questions: Please connect with Sara Hoffner, Melrose Chamber of Commerce Executive Director

The annual Melrose Holiday Kickoff will continue this year, however due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event will have significant modifications. The Holiday Kickoff is on Friday, November 27 and will continue its 22-year tradition for the Melrose community.

This year, the event includes a drive-by community parade, fireworks, virtual raffle drawing, distant viewing of Santa and live nativity and an outdoor medallion hunt, in addition to individual business events. “We can continue this tradition in our community but we will need to make some changes to keep our community safe,” said Sara Hoffner, Melrose Chamber of Commerce Executive Director.

Parade The annual parade begins at 7:30 p.m. and will be a drive-by parade throughout the community, similar to the teacher parade at the end of the last year school year. Parade floats and decorated vehicles will make up the parade. There will be no walkers or handouts in the parade. The exact parade route is still be established and will be posted at MelroseHolidayKickoff.com in the coming days. Community members are asked to park along the parade route and watch from their vehicle or with a small group of immediate family members. With the extended parade route and ability to watch the parade from a vehicle, the event committee hopes that more elderly individuals and small children are able to see the parade.

Fireworks We anticipate the fireworks to begin at 8:15 p.m. from the Sauk River Park.

Santa and Live Nativity Significant social distancing guidelines have been implemented for both the Santa photos and our popular live nativity. Outdoor photos with Santa can be taken from a distance at JD’s Taphouse back parking lot from 3:30-6:45 p.m. A drive-up live nativity presented by Birch Hills Community Church is from 5:30-7:00 p.m. near the Melrose High School Auditorium.

Shop Local Encouraged Several of our Melrose Businesses have specials and promotions during this event. These individual businesses have COVID restrictions that they follow. Please follow these guidelines and shop local whenever possible this holiday season.

Raffle This event cash raffle, along with business donations, help financially fund this free community event. Community members are encouraged to purchase a raffle ticket by visiting True North Marketplace or Spiritz Liquor. Tickets are $10 each. Results of the raffle will be announced virtually on the Melrose Chamber Facebook page at approximately 8:05 p.m.

Updates on Event Details and updates on the Melrose Holiday Kickoff will be posted on the Melrose Chamber of Commerce website, MelroseHolidayKickoff.com and on the Chamber’s Facebook page.

“COVID-19 has caused so many events to cancel; we are thrilled to be still be presenting this event in a safe manner for our community.” Hoffner said.

The Melrose Holiday Kickoff is presented by your local Melrose Chamber of Commerce.

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Melrose Area Holiday Kickoff

Join the Melrose Area Chamber and area businesses to celebrate small businesses and kick off the holidays!

Featuring family friendly events, holiday raffle, music, live nativity, Ferris wheel, lighted parade, fireworks and more!

Friday, November 27th.
Follow Us on Facebook: HERE
Fireworks Sponsorship Form: CLICK HERE
Parade Form: CLICK HERE

Support Chamber Members to Win

Support local Chamber members in November to be entered to win $100 in Rosy Bucks! Submit a copy of 10 receipts dated between November 1st and November 30th, 2020 to be entered. You may send copies to our office at 223 Main Street E, Melrose, MN 56352 or email to melrosechamber@outlook.com. Drawing will be held on December 1, 2020. CLICK HERE for a printable copy.

Parade

The lighted Mini-Dazzle is a fun, family event during the Melrose Holiday Kickoff! We invite all businesses, organizations, teams or families to participate. Please note- we are extending the route throughout the community. We ask ALL FAMILIES to social distance at least 6 feet from other families to stay in compliance with CDC guidelines. Map to come soon.

Parade Form: CLICK HERE