Good Morning from The Depot!
Hello members, local residents and friends,

I am struggling to find the right words to greet you today. There is so much I want to say, but I don't want to be too sappy or dramatic. I do, however, want you all to know how much I enjoyed working in Lanesboro and Whalan the last year and a half. I was energized and delighted to collaborate with community members, business owners and city leaders to promote this wonderful town and especially liked helping visitors plan their stays and discover the treasures that exist in the Lanesboro area and southeastern Minnesota.

As I leave my position as the LACC Executive Director to pursue new opportunities, I have a high level of respect and a deep affection for the people who live and work in this welcoming community. I learned a great deal over the last year and I am so grateful for the love and support I received.

As I begin the new year, I will be joining the staff of the Spring Valley Public Library as its director. For many years, I have wanted to work in a library and have the resources and platform to promote the love of reading and life-long learning.

The LACC Board has quickly started its search for a new director and I know they will choose wisely. I have learned so much from each member of the board and have been impressed and grateful for their level of commitment to Lanesboro and Whalan. There are also a few open positions on the board, which will be filled during the annual meeting in January, so please consider submitting a letter of interest if you feel you would like to serve your community in this way.

As I say goodbye, I just want to thank you for reading and supporting this newsletter. I know Jonathan and members of the board are committed to seeing this continue. It serves as a vehicle to share information and highlight what is truly special about Lanesboro. Among all the things we have worked on this past year, resurrecting this forum has been one of the most enjoyable and satisfying accomplishments of the year. Jonathan has been writing a great deal of the content and compiled all of this week's news, so I know I am leaving it in good hands.

I wish you all the most joy-filled holiday and send you much love and appreciation as we begin our new year. I will visit often and continue to support this Lanesboro community that embraced me and helped me grow. If you happen to be in Spring Valley, make sure to pop into the library and I will help you find the perfect book.

As always, I hope you have a wonderful day,
Melissa

New Years Weekend Fun

Lanesboro is the place to be when ringing in the new year with celebrations of all sorts taking place on Saturday, Sunday and Monday of that weekend. Come on down to Lanesboro for a truly good time. Here are just a few of the activities you can indulge in this year:

Junipers Masquerade Soiree: Come on a food journey on Saturday, Dec. 30. Executive Chef Tyler Shipton has been thinking about the menu for this annual tradition for months. This 5-course pre-fixe menu is a food experience. The theme this year is "Masquerade" and costumes and masks are encouraged. Spontaneously launching into the top of Act 2 of "Phantom of the Opera" is maybe less encouraged.

On Saturday, Dec. 30, from 12:30 to 2:30 pm Paddle On and Leafy Legacy are hosting a Christmas Tea. Enjoy high quality herbal tea blends put together by Leafy Legacy and dainty sweet and savory treats from Paddle On. There will also be a collection of hats and scarves available for you to get fancy for high tea! Dress up! There will also be a live violin performance by Isabelle Ekstrom. Reservations are strongly encouraged. Buy your tickets at https://paddleoncoffee.com/. Tickets for the event are also available at the coffee shop. Remember, it closes at 1 pm. Reserve a table with friends or join a large table as an independent. Space is limited, so reserve today!

On Sunday, New Years Eve, go all around the world and all around Lanesboro! Paddle On Coffee and Makers Emporium is hosting the New Years Around the World Celebration! This family friendly event will feature ball drops with Cape Verde (7 pm, Iceland (8 pm) and Brazil (9 pm).

Once you get the kiddos to bed, having celebrated the Brazilian New Year, it’s time to head over to Sylvan Brewing (open from 12-10 pm on New Years Eve). Clouds so Swift will be providing live music in the scale room, delivering American classics. Sylvan will be turning on the Vikings Game at 7:20 in the tap room. So there’s no reason to stay home.

Finish out our New Year's festivities at The High Court Pub and/or the Root River Saloon for your late night libations. Both are open until 1 am on News Years Eve.

Click here to Read More Information About Lanesboro Chamber of Commerce Depot Delivery - December 21, 2023