×

Over the River Festival Makes Triumphant Return

By Derek Sidian Nov 26, 2024 | 9:50 AM

Fergus Falls, MN – Residents and visitors will be glad to know the Over the River Holiday Festival will once again be a highlight of their December activities. With fun for the entire family, this December 7th event is being planned and hosted completely by volunteers. The Downtown Riverfront Council which initiated the event, dissolved last year.

The City of Fergus Falls’s Community Development Director, Klara Beck sought interest from others to take the lead. “This has never been a city event, but it is a community favorite and we wanted to help keep it alive,” said Beck. “We cast a wide net in late summer and were thrilled to get an outpouring of support, with Kris Khan willing to take the lead.”

“This has been such a fun event; my kids love it and I wanted to be sure the tradition continues,” said Khan. Khan’s energy, creativity, ability to motivate others and handle many details makes her a great fit for this role.

The list of specific elements of this day-long celebration grows daily as there is a lot of interest and support from the downtown businesses. People are encouraged to follow the group on Facebook for regular updates.

Highlights include Santa’s Fly-in at the Fergus Falls Airport at 10 a.m. The jolly man will stay for photos until 11:30 when his team of elves takes him to the Springboard for the Arts (more pictures from 11:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.). Downtown streets will be closed but parking lots remain open and accessible. Court Street and Lincoln Avenue will be the center of fun with carriage rides, makers market, food trucks, games, live music and warming spots.

The big finale is the lighting of the Christmas tree and fireworks in George B. Wright Park on South Union Ave. That begins at 5:30 p.m. When the last embers dim and you head home, drive through the Otter Cove Festival of Lights at the Kirkbride (until 9 p.m.).

“Everything is coming together beautifully,” said Khan. “Now if we can just have one of our favorite, snowy-but-mild winter days on December 7, it will be a day-long delight for everyone!”

Story Courtesy of the Over the River Festival

FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!