Don’t quite have that Christmas list filled. Need some ideas for last minute gift giving? It seems that over the years I have found most of those last minute gifts in downtown Minot.

I can’t even pretend to know what you are looking for, but with Christmas only 8 days away (on December 16th), I can presume that you have pretty much exhausted all of the options on your list(s), and now it’s crunch time.

When you enter a shop in downtown Minot, the clerks are very aware of that “I have no idea where to find it” look on your face. They also have dealt with those “I really don’t know what I am looking for” responses to simple questions like “Can I help you find something?”

Events You Won’t Want To Miss
Merry Tuba Christmas is returning to the Magic City after at least a 4-year hiatus. Minot High’s Central Campus Auditorium will be the location for this year’s event. I am a tuba player and have enjoyed playing in a number of these over the years. Let’s face it, the tuba is not normally an instrument of choice for soloists. Neither is the euphonium, or the baritone. But gathered together the create quite a unique musical sound. Merry Tuba Christmas will start at 3 pm and is free to the public.

The Pat Schwann Brass Quintet will be downstairs at The Spot on Saturday (December 16th) from 5 PM to 6 PM, just ahead of the CP Rail Holiday Train as it rolls into town around 6:30 PM. You’ll enjoy warm Christmas Brass music, along with S’mores and Hot Chocolate served by Scout Troop 416. We brought back the hayrides, too.

Candy Canes On Center Stage. It’s like an Easter Egg hunt, except you’ll be looking for Candy Canes in downtown Minot on Saturday. Find a candy cane and you’ll have the chance to win one of hundreds of prizes supplied by area merchants. Watch for details on social media or go to downtownminot.com.

Unique Unto Its’ Own
Even if you don’t have last minute shopping, the CPKC Holiday Train is worth the trip downtown. Dress warm and bring the entire family. There will also be a food drive for the Homeless Coalition. There will be a trailer located near The Depot where you can drop off canned goods.
A warm, unique holiday experience certainly waits for you and your family this weekend in downtown Minot.

Today’s Chuckle:
“Halloween is the beginning of the holiday shopping season. That’s for women. The beginning of the holiday shopping season for men is Christmas Eve.”

Best Kept Secrets
The Downtown Parking Ramps are absolutely FREE for your first 2 hours of parking! That’s right. No matter what time you check in, anything less than 2 hours of parking will not cost you a dime. There are 2 lots, and both are very convenient to downtown restaurants and retail shops.