Despite single-digit wind chill temperatures, hundreds of people came out for Oh Ole Night
Dec 03, 2024 09:19AM ● By Content Editor
All photos by Laura Durenberger-Grunow
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - December 3, 2024
In true Cook County fashion, fierce winds and cold temperatures couldn't keep visitors and locals away from celebrating the season at Oh Ole Night. Visit Cook County (VCC) shared with Boreal Community Media that around 400 people participated in the Friday-after-Thanksgiving tradition, which included a nighttime parade, tree lighting ceremony, and fireworks over Grand Marais Harbor. Although wind chill temperatures were in the single digits, attendees were able to warm up with free hot chocolate from Java Moose, coffee from Joynes Ben Franklin, and Christmas cookies from Crosby Bakery. World's Best Donuts even opened its doors to those looking for warm, fresh skizzles.
According to Visit Cook County, 15 floats participated in the parade, which begins at The Hub/Grand Marais Senior Center on Broadway and loops twice around South Broadway, Wisconsin Street, and 1st Street. Awards are given for a variety of categories, with the overall winner receiving the traveling gnome.
The 2024 Winners:
The tree lighting ceremony immediately commenced following the parade (see a short video of the countdown here or below). The tree was donated by Lori Austin and installed by Grand Marais Public Utilities. Twice. According to the City of Grand Marais, the tree was only up for two days before one of the November wind storms blew it down.
Grand Marais Public Utility crews set up the tree in Harbor Park in earlier in November.
Those who were not able to attend could still partake in the festivities by listening to the Oh Ole Night Radio Show on WTIP Community Radio. The broadcast originated during COVID, but, according to VCC, it has become a much-loved tradition. Highlights for many include hearing students from local schools share what they're grateful for. Additionally, this year, students shared what activities they're looking forward to doing in the freshly fallen snow.
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - December 3, 2024
In true Cook County fashion, fierce winds and cold temperatures couldn't keep visitors and locals away from celebrating the season at Oh Ole Night. Visit Cook County (VCC) shared with Boreal Community Media that around 400 people participated in the Friday-after-Thanksgiving tradition, which included a nighttime parade, tree lighting ceremony, and fireworks over Grand Marais Harbor. Although wind chill temperatures were in the single digits, attendees were able to warm up with free hot chocolate from Java Moose, coffee from Joynes Ben Franklin, and Christmas cookies from Crosby Bakery. World's Best Donuts even opened its doors to those looking for warm, fresh skizzles.
World's Best Donuts opened for a few hours to sell warm, fresh skizzles.
Fresh Crosby Bakery cookies delighted attendees.
Java Moose provided some extra warmth for those before the parade with hot chocolate.
According to Visit Cook County, 15 floats participated in the parade, which begins at The Hub/Grand Marais Senior Center on Broadway and loops twice around South Broadway, Wisconsin Street, and 1st Street. Awards are given for a variety of categories, with the overall winner receiving the traveling gnome.
The Color Guard kicked off the Oh Ole Night parade.
The 2024 Winners:
- Overall Winner: Arrowhead Cooperative
- Most Scandinavian: Northwoods Fiber Guild
- Most Creative: Ho Ho Hos (a group of families that visit Grand Marais each year on this weekend for Friendsgiving. This year, they decided they'd participate in the parade)
- Cutest Animal: Bucks Hardware
Arrowhead Cooperative was the overall parade category winner, and awarded the traveling gnome.
The tree lighting ceremony immediately commenced following the parade (see a short video of the countdown here or below). The tree was donated by Lori Austin and installed by Grand Marais Public Utilities. Twice. According to the City of Grand Marais, the tree was only up for two days before one of the November wind storms blew it down.
The lit tree glows in Harbor Park.
Those who were not able to attend could still partake in the festivities by listening to the Oh Ole Night Radio Show on WTIP Community Radio. The broadcast originated during COVID, but, according to VCC, it has become a much-loved tradition. Highlights for many include hearing students from local schools share what they're grateful for. Additionally, this year, students shared what activities they're looking forward to doing in the freshly fallen snow.
