Area briefs

AITKIN -- A Thanksgiving weekend tradition will occur at 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24, when Aitkin hosts its annual World Famous Fish House Parade.

The parade will start at 1 p.m. at the fairgrounds and end at Aitkin City Hall with refreshments.

Fish House Parade Day events will include a Pancake Breakfast at Westside Church, 7-11 a.m.; Holiday Craft Sale at Westside Church, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Santa Claus at Butler's 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Sloppy Joe Lunch at Westside Church, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; and Kinship Chili Cook-Off at the American Legion, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Walleye Fingers in a Basket will be a new offering this year by the Aitkin Chamber Food Booth by Butler's, from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Immediately following the parade, awards and reception will be held at city hall, as well as musical entertainment at Butler's.

Santa Claus will visit at Pamida from 2-4 p.m. Ending the festivities, from 5-7 p.m., Bremer Bank's Fish House Stew will be served at the American Legion.

Christmas Festival set in Wadena

WADENA -- The 25th annual Christmas Festival in Wadena will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26, at the Wadena Memorial Auditorium and the elementary school.

The theme is "Silver Bells." Ninety artists will offer their crafts to holiday shoppers.

Area musicians will rove throughout the crowds both days. There will be children's activities and Santa's helpers will serve Christmas cookies and the traditional wassail.

A $1 admission fee for ages 10 and over will allow people to come and go throughout the weekend. Door prizes donated by the participating artists will be given each day.