The 2nd Annual Holiday Harbor Village brought many people to Grand Marais this past Friday and Saturday. There were plenty of things to do as a family or to explore as adults. The Holiday Harbor Village is intended to embrace the winter spirit of the Northlands while celebrating local artists and businesses of the small lake town of Grand Marais. 

Despite slippery conditions, thanks to freezing rain on Saturday, attendees were out and about enjoying the festivities. The Hub hosted a Winter Market this year featuring 16 local artists, selling things such as holiday wreaths, jewelry, leather goods, beautiful paintings, and locally sourced bees-waxed candles. The holiday market was perfect for purchasing unique gifts and supporting local artists. 

The Frozen Fish Toss at Fisherman’s Daughter and the Winter Rock Skipping Contest at the Lake Superior Trading Post were fun for all ages. They got competitive as people from all over Minnesota came to win a Fisherman's Daughter and Lake Superior Trading Post gift card, respectively. The winners of the Fish Toss were Brandon & McCann.

Kids and adults alike had the opportunity to write letters to Santa at Lake Superior Trading Post (with help from the Minnesota Children's Press Letteracy Deck),  make gingerbread houses at Crosby Bakery, and get photos with Bumble the Yeti at Joynes Ben Franklin. 

Anne Brataas, Chief Curiosity Officer and President of the Minnesota Children's Press told Boreal Community Media that "Letteracy Deck is building off lucky "7s" in terms of cards and letters mailed." 

At the end of December 7, 72 cards and letters were created, 27 of which were sent to Santa at the North Pole. Seven cards were addressed to an address in Canada; however, due to the Canadian postal strike, the US Post Office was not able to accept them. 

Brataas shared the story of one family who traveled from the Twin Cities to Grand Marais to send their letters to Santa (for the second year in a row), because the kids "think it's closer to the North Pole."

Brataas said that over 7,100 letters have been mailed from Grand Marais since the Letteracy Deck began in June 2023. 

In addition to the Letteracy Deck, various meet-and-greet events abound, including the opportunity to see sled dogs from Erin Altemus's team, as well as goats, who also participated in goat yoga. 

The Holiday Harbor Village Committee told Boreal Community Media, "This year’s Holiday Harbor Village was a fabulous, family-friendly event! We were happy folks could still venture out to join us throughout the weekend despite the difficult weather conditions. Special thanks to our lodging, retail, and food and beverage partners for making it a great event showcasing our holiday spirit here in Grand Marais!"

The Committee added that they hope to be able to continue the tradition in 2025. 

 Up Yonder hosted live music during the Snowshoe Ball. Photo courtesy of the Holiday Harbor Village Event Committee. 

 16 local artisans displayed a variety of goods at the Winter Market.

 Magnets painted by local artist Jayne Richards

 At the 2nd annual Holiday Harbor Village, attendees had the opportunity to meet local goats. Photo courtesy of the Holiday Harbor Village Event Committee. 

 Local goats and handlers take a break on top of a snow mound. 

Children and adults write letters at the Lake Superior Trading Post, which will be sent out to Santa with help from the Minnesota Children's Press Letteracy Deck.

 Eleanor writes a letter to Santa at the Letteracy Deck. Photo courtesy of Anne Brataas. 

 Mailing a letter to Santa. Photo courtesy of Anne Brataas. 

Lake Superior Trading Post Owner Eric Humphrey hosts the Winter Rock Skipping Contest, one of the many Holiday Harbor Village events.

 Contestants were able to pick their own rocks from the shore or choose from the bags of rocks provided.

 Contestants and spectators line up for the Winter Rock Skipping Contest along the Grand Marais harbor.

 The waves rolled in during the contest, which helped some and hindered others.

Meet and Greet with Iditarod sled dogs from Sawtooth Racing, hosted at Joy and Co.

 Side view of a sled at the Sled Dog Meet and Greet.

 Musher Erin Altemus, from Sawtooth Racing, smiles with a sled dog.

 Frozen Fish Toss at the Fisherman's Daughter.

 Contestants sign up for the Frozen Fish Toss at The Fisherman's Daughter as part of the 2nd Annual Holiday Harbor Village. 

 2024 Frozen Fish Toss contestant and member of the winning team hopes to catch the flying fish.

 Contestants pose with their fish.

 The Holiday Harbor Village's Frozen Fish Toss winners for 2024.