Rutland’s Santa Day celebration was held on Saturday, December 14^th at the Rutland Hall. The Rutland Community Club hosted the event with crafts for the kids, bingo for all ages and a free-will taco bar. Santa Claus made his appearance to the delight of young and old and nearly all the children has a chance to visit with Santa to remind him of their Christmas wish and to get a box of treats from the jolly old soul. Rutland area businesses sponsored the Christmas hams that were given out.  Forty hams were awarded to Celia Olson, Delores Breker, Brayden Siemieniewski, Bryce Carlson, Avery Woytassek, Jerry Woytassek, Carter Breker, Debra Liermark, Bill Anderson, Landrie Jensen, Diane Anderson, Ruth McLaen, Brady Anderson, Ann Erickson, Dennis McLaen, Shaw Jackson, Ted Lee, Megan Poitra, Reece Halmrast, Tanya Hamilton, Gavin Gallons, Mark Breker, Roger Pearson, Willprecht Family, Briella Wyum, Joanne Harris, Janice Christensen, Cory Pavek, Penny Lock, Kaylee Stiegelmeier, Jameson Corry, Gavin Christianson, Larry Christensen, Lincoln Mahrer, Kylee Mahrer, Brian Pherson, Norbert Kulzer, Launa Peterson, Diane Smith, Karla Breker (apologies to those whose names are spelled incorrectly or wrong; the news correspondent of the day provided the names and spellings – that correspondent shall remain anonymous!). The free-will meal at Santa Day, and at other RCC events, helps the Club sponsor events like the Kids in the Kitchen, Winter Fun Night Carnival, the Pinochle Tournament, Community Play, Easter Egg Hunt, Memorial Day Meal, the Summer Block Party, Art in the Park, Uffda Day, Freezer Meal Frenzy, Santa Day, Zumba, as well as improvements to City Hall – most recently the new kitchen flooring and tables.

The women at the Rutland Senior Citizens Center finished up their annual holiday lefse rolling and sales on Wednesday, December 20. While the women were rolling the lefse, the men’s coffee clutch gathered nearby and got some fresh lefse to enjoy with their coffee. Those women sure know how to spoil those men!

The Coteau des Prairies Lodge is holding a Christmas Open House on Friday, December 20th from 5 pm to 8 pm. The lodge is decked to the halls, so to speak, but the holiday feature they are particularly proud of is the 22+ foot tall Christmas tree. Harvested from the Breker farm, as always, the Christmas tree made its way into the Lodge great room. Ole’s Office will be open so alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase. The Lodge will also be providing complimentary treats, coffee and hot cocoa. Everyone is welcome to bring your family and friends for a fun evening out at the lodge!

On Monday, December 23, the Rutland Community Carolers will be sharing their voices around town. Anyone is welcome to join in the event. The group will meet at The Lariat Bar at 6:30 p.m. before walking around town to entertain residents.

In January, the Rutland Community Club will host the Kids in the Kitchen cooking events. They are booked with 30 participants so watch for information and pictures on those activities after the first of the year.

Upcoming events: January 6^th and 20^th Zumba; January 7^th, 2020, Rutland City Council meeting; January 14^th Rutland Community Club meeting. Remember to check for updates on events – and pictures – on the Rutland Facebook page and the Rutland Ramblings blog.

Merry Christmas Everyone!