Santa Makes His First Appearance This Week in St. Michael

It’s a festive week in St. Michael and Albertville, but that doesn’t mean a bit of high school rivalry can’t be thrown in the mix.

Holiday festivities officially kick off Tuesday night, as The STMA Rotary Club and Shop Saint Michael are pleased to announce St. Michael’s 2nd Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration, 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3 at St. Michael City Center, 11800 Town Center Drive NE, St. Michael.

Holiday Cheermeisters Ike and Carol Eichelberg will do the honors, and Santa himself is set to make an appearance.

Also Tuesday night, the North Wright County RiverHawks, the defending Section 8AA and Mississippi 8 champions, travel to Buffalo to take on the Bison at the Buffalo Civic Center. It’s one of the biggest rivalries in girls’ hockey, as these two programs used to be consolidated. Puck drops at 7 p.m. in Buffalo for the varsity game.

This weekend, the St. Michael Fire Department will welcome Santa to the fire hall off County Road 19. The jolly old elf will take pictures beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7.

Looking ahead, a retirement party and holiday celebration at the St. Michael Senior Center for director Joyce Flury is set for Dec. 12. The event will be held at the city center from 3 to 7 p.m., with a special program at 5 p.m.