Spirit 2 November/December 2021

vol. 5 no. 3

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

complimentary copy

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The

Spirit IS A PUBLICATION OF

N GENERAL MANAGER

Sue Z. Lange EDITOR IN CHIEF

Ed Nadolski EDITOR

Tracy Ouellette

Holiday happenings in Antioch The Antioch Chamber of Commerce goes all out for the holiday season with special events, displays and the annual Dickens’ Holiday Village. This year, the Chamber and local business sponsors, are presenting:

Santa’s Frozen Breakfast Santa and his Frozen Friends will stop in Antioch on Saturday, Nov. 27, to enjoy a Frozen Breakfast with his guests at the Rivalry Alehouse in downtown Antioch.

Santa is very busy this year, but he is making time to visit with children while they enjoy a delicious breakfast. The event, sponsored by Raymond Chevrolet-Kia and HeartLand Bank & Trust, features breakfast, Santa visits, photo ops, Frozen Friends and even a Frozen Sing-a-Long.

Christmas Musical Light Show Enjoy Antioch’s first ever Christmas Musical Light Show at the Antioch Bandshell on select nights in 2021. Drive up Skidmore (head north) and watch the lights inside the bandshell sparkle in time to the holiday music on your car radio.

Visit www.antiochchamber.org for days/times to enjoy the complimentary

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Vicki Vanderwerff CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Heidi Schulz

performance. Sponsored by Raymond Chevrolet-Kia.

SECTION DESIGNER

Jennifer DeGroot

Kringle’s Christmas Village

SALES

Pete Hansen Tamera Hamilton

Kringle’s Christmas Village Indoor Showroom is at 510 Orchard St. (the Piggly Wiggly Plaza opposite end, past the restaurants). In 2021, Kringle will be on display Thanksgiving Day through New Year’s Day. Free admission, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., daily thanks to the sponsorship of Raymond Chevrolet-Kia of Antioch.

DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR

Lindy Sweet

The Spirit of The Lakes is a complimentary publication, distributed throughout the Chain O’ Lakes and Kenosha County area. Keeping up with the same great tradition as the Spirit of Geneva Lakes.

Dickens’ Holiday Village Enjoy re-imagined, handcrafted Dickens characters, made by volunteer artists, on display in the public art program that is free for everyone to enjoy.

In 2021 Dickens Holiday Village will be indoors for easy viewing incase of inclement weather. A few Dickens scenes will be set up outdoors on the sidewalks to remind people to visit the village indoors at the Kringle’s Christmas Village Showroom.

Free admission thanks to the sponsorship of Raymond Chevrolet-Kia of Antioch.

See Page 13 for more information on the Chamber’s holiday offerings.

Send all correspondence to:

The

Spirit

SOUTHERN LAKES NEWSPAPERS 1102 Ann Street Delavan, WI 53115

N

SpiritofGenevaLakes.com

262.728.3411

The Frozen Friends will breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Nov. 27, at the Rivalry Alehouse in downtown Antioch. The event features visits with Santa, breakfast, photo opportunities and a sing-a-long.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Spirit of the Lakes

SPIRIT of THE LAKES

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Ansel Adams exhibition at Dunn Museum A nationally acclaimed exhibition, “Ansel Adams: Early Works,” is running at the Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County, 1899 W. Winchester Road in Libertyville, Illinois, until March 27, 2022.

Ansel Adams (1902-1984) was a giant in the field of landscape photography. One of the most influential photographers of his generation, Adams is famous for his dramatic photographs of the American West. His images were informed by his belief in the transcendental concept of the “sublime”—a complex combination of overwhelming awe and fear.

Many viewers are familiar with Adams’ heroic, high-contrast prints from the 1970s.

“The upcoming exhibit focuses on the artist’s masterful, less well-known smallscale prints from the 1920s through 1950s,” said Andrew Osborne, superintendent of educational facilities for the Lake County Forest Preserves, which operates the Dunn Museum. “By capturing the power of nature, Adams changed our understanding of landscape photography, solidifying it as a legitimate form of modern art.”

The exhibition features more than 40 original photographs. “I am so proud that an exhibition of this caliber is opening soon at the Dunn Museum,” said Angelo Kyle, president of the Lake County Forest Preserves. The Dunn Museum is nationally accredited, a distinction held by only 3% of American museums. Other accredited museums include the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Science and Industry.

Adams was also a musician, naturalist, explorer, critic and teacher. For much of his early adulthood, he was torn between a career as a concert pianist versus one in photography. He famously likened the photographic negative to a musical score, and the print to the performance.

He has said that family and friends tried to convince him to continue with piano. “Do not give up your music; the camera cannot express the human soul,” friends told him. “I found that while the camera does not express the soul, perhaps a photograph can!” Adams said.

The exhibition is organized by art2art Circulating Exhibitions LLC. All photographs are from the private collection of Michael Mattis and Judith Hochberg.

Support for this exhibition was provided

by Dan and Shirley Mayworm and a grant from the Preservation Foundation, the charitable partner of the Lake County Forest Preserves.

Adams’ frequent pilgrimages to 4

Ansel Adams (1902-1984) was a giant in the field of landscape photography. A nationally acclaimed exhibition, “Ansel Adams: Early Works,” is running at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville through March 27, 2022.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Spirit of the Lakes

photograph Yosemite began in 1916, when he was a 14 year old armed with a Kodak Box Brownie camera. In 1937, Adams and his wife, Virginia, moved to Yosemite and took over her father’s photographic studio. Like Monet with his serial paintings of haystacks or Edward Weston with his variegated photographs of the sand dunes in Oceano, Adams would return again and again to his favorite spots from which he would capture the spectacular changes of the seasons and endless variations in light and in clouds at Yosemite.

While other notable photographers November • December 2021

felt compelled to document the Great Depression, and later World War II, Adams recognized his strengths and remained true to his purist vision. “I still believe there is a real social significance in a rock – a more important significance therein than in a line of unemployed,” he asserted in a letter to a Weston.

Museum admission for residents is $6 for adults, $3 for seniors, $3 for youth ages 4–17, free for children ages 3 and under.

Nonresident admission is $10 for adults, $6 for seniors and youth. Plan your visit at DunnMuseum.org.

FAREWELL TO

Ginger Blossom

Iconic Richmond store to close at end of year

by Sandra Landen Machaj CORRESPONDENT

any of the regular shoppers at Ginger Blossom – the specialty import store on a former farm along Highway 173 east of Richmond, Illinois – consider the décor, clothing and gift shop a

treasured destination.

“Many of our customers stop in regularly and have become friends over the years,” namesake owner Ginger Blossom said.

Recently, however, they have been surprised to learn that Ginger Blossom is closing by the end of the year.

“We have just received our last shipment from India which should have arrived mid-summer,” Blossom said. “Just as here, COVID has shut down many businesses and slowed shipping.”

If you have driven past Ginger Blossom recently, you may have noticed the signs stating there is a major sale going on.

According to Blossom, starting Oct.

1 most items were marked 20% off with some discounted up to 50%. The sales will continue until Dec. 31 when the business will close permanently. During this time, the markdowns will continue until they run out of merchandise.

“Things are selling very quickly especially at their sale prices, so if there is something special that you are looking to purchase, come out soon,” added Blossom.

A time to move on

For customers, the closing of Ginger Blossom has come as a shock.

On a recent website post, Ginger Blossom wrote to her customers:

Ginger Blossom stands in front of the Pampas grass near the barn on her property in Richmond, Illinois. The grasses were planted here more than 30 years ago by Ginger’s mother and continue to grow and spread each year.

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of the Lakes

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from top: The barn has been the principal showroom at Ginger Blossom, holding the large furniture and the many rugs available for sale; Scarves in beautiful colors and fabrics, hand-knit sweaters and other distinctive clothing, including skirts, blouses are available and all at sale prices SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of the Lakes

“Change is the only constant in life, and there is a big change coming here at Ginger Blossom. I’m retiring and the shop will be closing at the end of the year. I want to sincerely thank all of you who helped make my dream a reality. It wouldn’t have happened without you.

Thank you again for all the wonderful times and memories.”

But while some customers lament the loss of their favorite shopping destination, Blossom said it was just the right time to close the store.

“There are so many other things I would like to do and now is the time. I love to travel and even though I do a lot of it in shopping for Ginger Blossom it is not the kind of restful travel I anticipate doing.

“Each day I am up at 5 a.m. while traveling to meet with contacts, attending trade shows in the Asian countries, and checking out new items to purchase,” Blossom continued.

“Traveling for three months under the stress of shopping for new items is not like taking a vacation.”

Even in retirement, Blossom says inactivity is not an option for her. She has many frequent flyer miles and intends to use some to enjoy countries she has not yet visited. One of the countries she has expressed an interest in is Poland among other destinations.

She also has an interest in training dogs, specifically Belgian Shepherd Dogs, although she laughingly says she mostly enjoys playing with them.

The dogs are known for their herding abilities. During World War II, according to Blossom, they were used to carry munitions as they could not been seen in the dark due to their black color. They were also used as customs agents to root out smugglers as they are known for their “sharp noses.”

“I hope to teach my two dogs to do skijoring – skiing with the dogs pulling SPIRIT of THE LAKES

you. We have a good start as they already understand “ge” left and “ha” right. The dogs can go up to 30 miles an hour so it is an exciting ride,” Blossom said. “Or I may just play with my dogs,” she added with a smile.

30 years of imports

Ginger Blossom has been a destination for shoppers for more than 30 years. The retail business, located on the Gauger family farm has been the place to go for quality and unique items for homes, clothing and gifts that were created all over the world. All of the items were selected by owner Blossom on her buying trips.

Complete with life-sized metal sculptures of farm animals that appear to be grazing, the farm has a relaxing pastoral look that begs visitors to stop and see what the farm has to offer.

“The first year the moose was the animal of choice. We sold 67 of them,” Blossom said. “Other animals sold well too but the moose was the favorite.

Today it is difficult to get more as, just as here, there are not the workers willing to create them and shipping has become very difficult and expensive.”

A stop at the farm is never a quick stop as there is always so much to browse. Large woven rugs in beautiful patterns and colors are located in the main barn. Many of these carpets come from Turkey or India. Also in the barn are unique painted furniture pieces, cabinets, chairs, or tables, much of it from Mexico. Beautiful hand-carved furniture is also on display.

A smaller building has been the home of hand-knit sweaters, scarves, and mittens from around the world. Shoppers are greeted by a plethora of color, sizes, and styles. Many of these items made from wool.

Another building contains a variety of

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jewelry, from hand-strung beads to elegant silver rings, bracelets and earrings. There are other unique gift items from small Buddhas to special note pads, and key chains.

The wares also include Spirit Houses from Thailand. These are wooden houses that appear much the size of a birdhouse. They are intricately carved and placed outside a home to protect it from any wayward spirits. In Thailand they are seen outside most homes and businesses.

“My favorite items are textiles, especially older vintage and ethnic items. I have a collection of wild stuff,” Blossom said. “My favorite is an indigenous Mardi Gras costume from Bolivia. It is sequined and beaded and made of red velvet.”

The majority of items are chosen by Blossom when she makes her buying trip each year from January to March, visiting the various vendors that she works with and choosing the items for her business and her customers. She checks to be certain that items are not made with child labor.

Business grew on a whim

The business began shortly after Blossom finished college.

Speaking three languages she knew she wanted to travel the world.

She taught skiing in South America and enjoyed traveling when not teaching.

“Because Argentine money was useless anywhere other than Argentina, I began by buying sheepskin bed coverings to resell back

from above: Among the favorites of customers are the full-size animal

sculptures, such as this moose. This one is made in Mexico from metal and presents a realistic profile when viewed from a distance; Ginger Blossom features a collection of imported furniture and other home décor.

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of the Lakes

in the U.S. when I was teaching skiing there. It was not long before I was purchasing other textiles also,” Blossom said. “My mother would sell them from a small shop she had on the family farm near Richmond when I wasn’t home to do so myself.”

When Blossom returned home, she needed a job for income and so increased Ginger Blossom’s wares.

She was joined by her brother, Gary Gauger, who continued to grow organic vegetables including heirloom tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, garlic, onions, summer and winter squash and watermelon.

The vegetables are sold at a stand on the farm grounds.

Over the years both businesses flourished and each has a clientele that stops in regularly. Ginger Blossom’s long-time customers stop by frequently during the summer as they know that new merchandise arrives often. The containers from Asia, South America, and Mexico that Ginger Blossom orders in our cold months of January to March arrive at generally from late spring through summer.

While Ginger Blossom will be missed for it’s treasured imports and the owner’s friendly personality, longtime customers can take heart that Blossom will be doing what she’s always done – following her heart.

Ginger Blossom is at 3016 Highway 173, Richmond, Illinois. Visit gingerblossom.com, or visit on Facebook. Call 815-678-4015 for information about the clearance sale. Ginger Blossom is open seven days weekly from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Dec. 31 or until all product is sold.

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November • December 2021

Antioch Lions Club donates to first responders Club gifts $10,000 to help fund ballistic shields for police officers The Antioch Lions Club has made two significant donations to aid first responders in the Antioch community. The donations will be used to help fund protective equipment for Antioch Police officers and provide training equipment for the Antioch Fire Protection District.

Lions Club president Kevin Fielder presented Antioch Police Chief Geoff Guttschow and Antioch Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Ryan Keefe each with $10,000 checks at a ceremony earlier this week.

Police Chief Guttschow says the police department will use the funds to help his goal of equipping each Antioch Police squad car with a ballistic shield for the officers. The shields will help significantly in officer response to dangerous situations, making it possible for them to arrive faster, and more safely.

“I am thankful to the Lions Club for the generous donation,” said Chief Guttschow.

“Our department currently has one shield that is several years old. With this donation, we will purchase seven more, in addition to two that we’ve already ordered, which will give us a total of ten. This provides critical protection for our officers.

Antioch Lions Club president Kevin Fielder says several successful fundraising events for the club made it possible to fund the local donations.

“In addition to national initiatives for sight, hearing, and diabetes, we contribute locally,” said Fielder. “Our organization

wanted to find the best place to give money back to the community. The obvious first choices were the Antioch Police Department and Antioch Fire Protection District. Without their help, our club would not be able to put on the events that we do in our community. Our goal was to provide funding for non-budgeted “wish list” items.”

Antioch Mayor Scott Gartner, who is also a member of the Antioch Lions Club, says the impact of the donations to the community is what drives Lions Club members to volunteer their time.

“This is what it is all about,” said Mayor Gartner. “The fundraising efforts of the Lions Club and the generosity of our neighbors are making a substantial impact in making our community better.”

Fielder says the Antioch Lions Club is moving forward with more fundraising projects, “with a finger on the pulse of the needs of our community.”

Antioch Police Chief Geoff Guttschow (from left), Lions Club President Kevin Fielder and then Antioch Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Ryan Keefe at the check presentation for the Lions Club donation.

SCOTT GARTNER PHOTO Spirit of the Lakes

SPIRIT of THE LAKES

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Keeping Community in Banking

Volunteers presented award Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge Board Chair Steven Byers and Treasurer Nancy Williamson accepted a 2021 Invader Crusader Award which the Friends group received from the Wisconsin Invasive Species Council in the category of volunteer group. These awards are presented annually for outstanding efforts in the battle against invasive species. The Friends group was nominated by Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge manager Tood Boonstra for the many hours volunteers spent pulling invasive garlic mustard from the woods at the refuge property located on Highway H north of Genoa City, Wisconsin.

We recognize, now more then ever, the need to support local organizations in our communities.

TODD BOONSTRA PHOTO Spirit of the Lakes

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With 700 feet of animated lighted tunnels, the beauty of the lights and music is something to behold on the county fairgrounds.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROCK N LIGHTS Spirit of the Lakes

Holiday displays bring good will and cheer

by Sandra Landen Machaj CORRESPONDENT

As we move into the holiday season, life becomes alive with the beauty of winter.

As the temperature drops, snowflakes begin to fall and cover the ground with a layer of white, turning the area into a winter wonderland.

Along with the change in weather, there is a change in the community as everyone scrambles to prepare for the holiday season.

Shopping areas show increased traffic as residents make their way to find the perfect holiday gifts for their family and friends.

Decorated in their holiday best, the local stores add to the ambience of the season and encourage shoppers to not only buy gifts for friends and family but to also add new holiday decorations to their homes.

If there is anything that is an important part of holiday décor it is lights in a cascade of color.

Visiting area communities to enjoy the lights that decorate either the downtown

Season OF lights area or individual homes has become a tradition for many families as they pile into the car and make their way through brightly lit neighborhoods, many with synchronized music for their enjoyment.

Last year, many Christmas celebrations were cancelled because of COVID-19. This season some of the communities still cannot confirm what displays will be offered. But here are ones to enjoy this holiday season.

Continue to check with your communities for the latest holiday celebrations.

Grayslake

For the past four years Santa’s Rock N Lights has been a favorite place to enjoy the beauty of the lights of Christmas in Lake County. Located at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake, the show consists of several hundred thousand lights arranged in unique scenes to share the joy of Christmas.

The scenes are all different. From lights in the shape of animals such as the new dinosaur world, which are sure to delight the younger children and perhaps even some of the older ones, to the magnificence of the peacock with its feathers spread there is something to enchant everyone.

A ride through the tunnels, where the beauty and color of the lights will surround SPIRIT of THE LAKES

your auto while one slowly meanders through the colorfully animated tunnel to the sound of music, will bring the spirit of the holidays to you. The new techno rainbow tunnel will be a special treat with its vast array of color.

“We have 700 feet of drive-through, animated tunnels, which are timed to music,” said Sean Swearingen, site event manager of Santa’s Rock N Lights in Grayslake. “The music is heard through the FM radio in your automobile. You will be instructed to turn your automobile radio to the correct station. Everyone must stay in their vehicle throughout the Santa’s rock n lights experience.”

The ride through the light extravaganza is more than a mile long, and takes about 20 minutes to complete. Vehicles taller than 8 feet or longer than 20 feet are not allowed, nor are extended limos.

This display is perfect for this time when we are still trying to remain socially distanced as we combat COVID-19. Enjoy the touch free experience from the safety of your automobile.

The light show begins on Nov. 19 and will continue through Jan. 2. The show is open seven days a week and begins at 5 p.m.

Tickets must be purchased online prior to attending the show. The Lake County

13

Fairgrounds is at 1060 Peterson Road, Grayslake. Visit santasrocknlights.com for more information and ticket prices, or call 224-757-5425.

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Antioch

The Village of Antioch is well known for its popular Christmas displays, which seem to grow each year. This year they have added the Christmas Musical Light Show, a special display of colorful holiday lights illuminating the Community Band Shell and synchronized with music.

“We continue to strive to bring fun events to the community and to surrounding communities,” said Barbara Porch, executive director of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce.

The Christmas Musical Light Show will be at the Community Band Shell located on Skidmore Street, one block east of Main Street and running parallel to Main. Located in downtown Antioch, behind the downtown shops, it is easy to find.

“Signage will be placed around the area to direct visitors to the light show and also let them know what radio station to tune to for the synchronized music,” Porch said.

Once directed into your parking

space by volunteers, remain within your automobile while you enjoy the light show. The show lasts about 20 minutes.

On different days there will be different shows.

At this time, they have not made a decision on the total number of shows but visitors are welcome to return to try to catch a different light show on another evening.

The light show was designed with the help of Mark Tarkowski one of the founders of Visionary Light Shows, who designed Antioch’s Patriotic Light show this past summer.

In addition to the new light show, the Dickens characters will again be on display as will the Kringle miniature scenes display boxes. There is a change in the Dickens’ characters in that they will no longer be seen along Main Street outside of various downtown stores. They will be displayed in doors, in the Piggly Wiggly Plaza, 510 Orchard St. This display is open from Thanksgiving to New Years from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The Christmas Musical Light Show will begin on Dec. 1 and continue through Christmas Eve, Dec 24, from 6 to 9 p.m. daily. There is no charge to attend

An overview of the Lake County Fairgrounds with the holiday light display. Enjoy a drive through the grounds taking in a variety of lighted scenes accompanied by music.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROCK N LIGHTS Spirit of the Lakes

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the Christmas Musical Light Show, the Dickens Characters or the Kringle display boxes, thanks to sponsorship by Raymond Chevrolet-Kia and the Antioch Chamber of Commerce.

Visits with Santa are a favorite during the holiday season and what could be more fun than sharing a special breakfast with Santa and favorite Frozen characters. The children will enjoy a delicious breakfast, visits with their favorite Frozen characters, and of course a stop by Santa Clause.

Enjoy photo opportunities with the Frozen characters, a sing along, and a delicious breakfast. The event will be on Saturday, Nov. 27, with seating, at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. The event will be held at Rivalry Alehouse, 945 Main St, Antioch.

Reservations must be made in advance at antiochchamber.org. Cost is $18 per person.

Tickets are non-refundable.

Pingree Grove

Goebbert’s Christmas Lights Show is another favorite place for visitors to enjoy a special light and music show for the holidays from the comfort of your automobile. They have partnered with Epic Light Shows to provide the visitor with an amazing display of 1-1/2 million lights set

to music.

The music includes a variety of modern and traditional Christmas carols “There is a new light show this year to entertain the entire family. Enjoy the 1 mile route as one drives through the display,” said Emily Zoellick, of Goebberts.

The display will open around Thanksgiving (exact date to be determined) and continues through early January (end of school vacation). Plenty of time to make at least one trip to enjoy the beauty of the lights and the sound of the music.

Visit the Goebbert’s Pumpkin Patch website at Goebbertspumpkinpatch.com for times and dates. Tickets can be ordered online. Cost has not been determined at this time but may vary depending on day of the week, more expensive on weekends than weekdays.

Goebbert’s Pumpkin Patch is at 42W813 Reinking Road, Pingree Grove. They have another location in South Barrington but the holiday light show is only available in Pingree Grove. Reach them at 847-4645952 or check them out on Facebook.

Family holiday displays

In addition to large community displays, individual families or in some cases a

SUBMITTED PHOTO Spirit of the Lakes

neighborhood will work together to put on a colorful Christmas display.

To find a list of local family light displays check Littlelakecounty.com holiday lights or Littlemchenrycounty.com holiday lights. They keep a list, which they update all season for current light shows. Check frequently to find any new additions.

Two favorite long time Light shows are the Tarkowski Light Show in Antioch and the Kolmar family display in Hainesville.

The Tarkowski Family Light Show is at 1256 Bradford Lane in Antioch and has been a favorite for many years. Mark Tarkowski has created a variety of light shows through the years many to match the season. This year his holiday light show will begin on Thanksgiving and run through Christmas Day. Lights are on from 6 to 9 p.m. daily.

Visit his Facebook page for current information.

The Kolmar Family at 2 North Brittany Lane, Hainesville, is also well known for producing a great light show. Their colorful music and light show has been enjoyed by many. Although not confirmed as of press time, it is expected they will again be producing a show this season. Check Facebook for dates and times when posted.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ANTIOCH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Spirit of the Lakes

clockwise from top left: The beauty of the peacock with its feathers displayed is represented here by the intricate design and beautiful

colors using a display of lights; A beautiful display of light in the shape of Christmas trees, will twinkle in time to Christmas carols as visitors drive through the display at Goebbert’s Pumpkin Farm; The Antioch Christmas Light Show will be held at the Bandshell on Skidmore. The large display of lights will be animated with music to be broadcast through your auto’s FM radio; The Tarkowski home with its many lights and synchronized music is a favorite in the community. The home brings visitors to the area to enjoy the beautiful light show. While the Christmas show is a favorite, Mark Tarkowski also celebrates other holidays with shows created specifically for the holiday.

SPIRIT of THE LAKES

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