Everyone loves the holiday season, especially in small town USA. There are so many things going on and happening around town it is hard not to. The smell of fresh snow on the ground, the feeling of the frost nipping at your nose, and the sounds of simply nothing across the lake. The Holiday season in the Belgrade’s are upon us and for most of us we weren’t exactly ready to see snow instead of our beautiful sunny days laying out on the boat soaking up the rays. But here we are and somehow every year we all join together and pull off a wonderful holiday season.

For most, the holiday season starts the week of Thanksgiving because you are going to visit family and eat a huge meal and enjoy some nice adult beverages. But here the holiday season seems to start much earlier, about the first week of October to be exact. You see here in small town USA we have certain traditions that we do every year, and that first tradition starts with the kick off of fall with the Octoberfest actives that happen here in town. Businesses open their doors for fun games, food, and entertainment. It is almost like we are celebrating that summer is coming to a close and its time to hunker down for the upcoming cold months. With a horse drawn wagon, a scarecrow contest, and bands playing along the street for you to enjoy goodies made by all the businesses it is truly something that can’t be missed.

After Octoberfest, the town quiets down for a few weeks in preparation for Halloween. And when I say preparation I mean going out and getting at least 500 pieces of candy for all the little gools and goblins that will hit the streets running by 4pm Halloween night. Yes, I said 500 pieces of candy at least! Every business on main street stays open late, and all the houses are decorated in spooky decorations.

And to really start the Holiday season with a bang is the Belgrade Holiday Stroll. It all starts with the Tree lighting in the center of town where Santa joins us and the high school chorus sings beautiful carols. Then jump on the horse drawn wagon that will take you through town to see all of the glimmering lights at all the businesses. Stop and see Santato give him your wish list, have a glass of wine at a wine tasting, or listen to a band and enjoy some hot chocolate. There is cookie decorating, pie tasting, and much more. There is really no place like home for the Holidays.

The Holidays in the Belgrade’s is not something that you want to miss.