Borderland has a lot to be thankful for this holiday season.
Being thankful may be more difficult for people who have lost their jobs or had their hours reduced as a result of the elimination of positions at our local paper mill. We understand that.
But look around our community; we have been blessed.
Our mill has made changes in an attempt to become more competitive and retain the nearly 600 jobs filled by our friends, family and neighbors who help to sustain the local economy. Packaging Corporation of America officials have said they want to make this mill and this community successful and are making plans toward that result.
We have received special status to provide additional benefits for those displaced by the mill job loss and we have local leaders that have come together in an attempt to fill the needs of workers and diversify the economy in an effort to be less reliant on the mill jobs.
We have not lost family, friends or property in natural disasters. We’ve experienced a deer season without human tragedy, and the lakes are firming to allow for ice fishing by locals and visitors.
And we have a community that comes together to generously give to those in need.
Again this year, the community is offered a way to feel thankful and give thanks in a community Thanksgiving feast Thursday at the Elks Lodge 1599. Hosted by The Salvation Army, the dinner is 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and welcomes anyone who would like to share a meal. People who cannot travel to the event can call The Salvation Army at 283-3394 or the Elk’s Lodge at 283-3440 for delivery.
Following Thanksgiving is the kickoff of The Hometown Holiday Weekend with mini bonfires and hot chocolate at Centennial Park, Third Street and Third Avenue in downtown International Falls, prior to the ‘Twas the Lights Before Christmas parade at 7 p.m. Friday. The day also features a pet contest at 4 p.m., caroling and wagon rides from 3:30-6:30 p.m., and an Elks Lodge 1599 sloppy joe dinner at 5:30 p.m. with Santa visits for the kids there from 5-6:30 p.m.
Saturday brings the Backus Holiday Shopping and Craft Festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., during which is the Servants of Shelter luncheon, with proceeds to be used by the organization to help homeless people in the community. At 10 a.m. there are free holiday movies for kids at Cine 5.
It’s easy to take for granted the good things in life living in a community like ours. But it’s the simple, hometown things for which we can be grateful.
Happy Thanksgiving, Borderland.
