Friday, January 19 – Sunday, January 21, the 61st Derbyis on!
In honor of the 70th Polaris Anniversary being held August 16-18, 2024. We would like to highlight some of the World Champions who live or have lived in Roseau County or were driving the Polaris snowmobile to win the prestigious race.
The1977 World Championship start of the race at Eagle River, Wisconsin. The top ten finalists for the world championship event included
Polaris Race Team members (on the right), Jerry Bunke, Brad Hulings, and Steve Thorsen.
The World Championship Derby Complex in Eagle River Wisconsin, considered “The Snowmobile Capital of the World”, hosts oval, snocross, and vintage racing. The World Championship Snowmobile Derby is not only the largest and most prestigious snowmobile competition in the sport, it is one of the highest-ranking winter sports events in the Midwest and is recognized around the world.
“Eagle River” is known as the Indianapolis 500 of snowmobile racing. The Derby attracts more than 40,000 spectators annually. Fans travel from all over the United States, Canada and beyond to watch more than 500 international drivers race their high-tech snowmobiles at speeds of more than 100 miles per hour on a solid ice oval track. For over 50 years, the race has been held on a fully contained, half-mile banked oval track located in the heart of one of Wisconsin’s most popular resort areas., Eagle River.
The Polaris snowmobile and Roseau County residents hold claim to many Eagle River Derby World Champions!
1964 winner of the “World’s First Snowmobile Derby, Stan Hayes
15-year-old Stanley Hayes was driving an experimental Sno-Traveler from Polaris Industries.
The next eight years would be run by a variety of other snowmobile brands, including Evinrude, Ski-Doo, Arctic Cat and Yamaha
Polaris Race Team legend Bob Eastman of Roseau, MN is the 1973 Eagle River World Champion!
A lack of snow failed to ruin the 1973 championship derby on Sunday, January 21.
Eastman drove his sled to victory lane not on ice or snow, but on a sawdust race track!
A fan favorite, Eastman’s trophy presentation in Victory Lane was received with thunderous applauding from the crowd!
The top ten qualifying drivers for the finals in the 1975 World Championship
Back row, left to right, Gordon Rudolph, Sam Sessions, Ed Schubitzke, Stan Hayes, Larry Coltom, Front row: left to right: Jim Adema, Don Omdahl, Giles Vileneuve, Larry Rugland, and Jim Bernat.
1975 World Champion
Jim Bernat
Bernat, living in Roseau, MN since the early 1960s, known as “Smiling Jim”, was a Polaris Race Team member since 1968.
Jim took home the world championship trophy on a Polaris 650 factory race sled.
1977 and 1978 Champion
Steve Thorsen
Polaris Race Team driver, Steve Thorsen from Fergus Falls, MN was the second driver to win back-to-back championships.
Fun fact: 1977 was the first year of the Polaris IFS rather than the leafer suspension.
1990 World Champion
Dave Wahl from Greenbush, Minnesota driving a Ski-Doo , wearing Bib #74,
Dave and his brother Durmont established Wahl Brothers Racing in 1981, after the closing of Arctic Cat and the break-up of Team Arctic. Their shop was located in Thief River Falls, MN. The team switched to racing a Ski-Doo twin track in 1987.
1996 and 1997 World Champion
Dave Wahl
Dave Wahl, Greenbush, Minnesota driving a Ski-Doo to victory
In 1985 Wahl Brothers Racing relocated their business to their hometown of Greenbush, MN.
1998 World Champion
Terry Wahl
A resident of Greenbush, MN, Terry won his championship title on a Skidoo Champ 440 sled.
Terry is the nephew of Dave Wahl and son of Durmont Wahl. Terry joined Wahl Bros. Racing in 1993 as a team member.
Since 1998 Wahl Bros. have been racing for Team Polaris. “It has been an exciting change that has produced a World Championship Title in the Mod 500 Class, among other prestigious victories in oval races on Polaris race sleds.”
2010World Champion
Matt Schulz, Wausau, Wisconsin
Matt was the first Polaris driver to win the Championship since Steve Thorsen in 1978.
2012 World Champion
Nick Van Strydonk, Tomahawk, Wisconsin driving a Polariswith an engine built by former Polaris racer Larry Rugland.
Nickwas just 21 years old.
2017 World Champion
Bib # 13 Nick Van Strydonk, Tomahawk, Wisconsin driving a Polaris, won the 30-lap featureby almost
leading from start-to-finish!
2018 World Champion, 2019 World Champion, 2020 World Champion, 2021 World Champion
Photo taken in 2021
Blaine Stephenson!
Blaine Stephenson from St. Cloud, Minnesota takes homeFOUR championship titles on a Polaris race sled back-to-back-to-back-to-back!
Blaine is a professional ice oval snowmobile race driver for Wahl Bros. Racing, Greenbush, Minnesota and Polaris Racing.
The 2022 World Champion
Jay Mittelstaedt, La Valle, Wisconsin Driving a Polaris
Fun Fact: Jay met his now wife Paige Decker at the Eagle River Race Track, which was previously owned by her extended family, so they decided to have their wedding at the facilities.
Eagle River is set to thrill with the 61st World Championship Snowmobile Derby
See you at the races
Researched by Carmen Przekwas, References: Roseau County Historical Society, Warriors of Winter, The Legend of Polaris, Mike Hetteen, Polaris Post Company newsletters, Starfire Kids, Snow Goer, Wahl Bros. Racing, World Championship Derby Complex, Photos: Randy Larson, Karolyn and Bob Eastman Collection All Rights Reserved
Polaris How it all began-the story of how three men in a shop laid the foundationfor a fortune 500 company in Roseau, MN. From Snowmobiles, ATV, Boats and watercraft Polaris has built it all.
As the snowmobile racing season is about to start, we would like to look back at Polaris and the first official race driver. This year also marks Polaris’s’ 70th Anniversary and we plan to dig deep into the history showing you a collection of photos and memorabilia that has not been seen before. Let’s start by telling a little story about a Polaris legend!
DAVID JOHNSON
CO_FOUNDER of POLARIS
Did you know David Johnson, one of the founders of Polaris Industries, was the first official Polaris race driver?
1956 Polaris Sno-Traveler with David Johnson
1958 photo includes (left to right): David Johnson, Art Lisell, Mitchell Johnson, Steve Rugland
Note the all-aluminum Sno-Traveler Steve is standing by: was one of the first sleds made from aluminum patterned after the trailblazer’s nose (on left) only bigger.
In 1958 David Johnson, with a contingent of drivers from Polaris met up with the Harry C. Paul’s group from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Harry was a promoter and owner of the Autoboggan. The engine is inside the rear track unit, pushing forward as shown with the toboggan in the front with Mr. Paul steering.
Harry Paul’s 1958 Autoboggan.
The group set out to demonstrate the usefulness and design of the Sno-Traveler and Autoboggan. They chose to attend The annual Pas, Manitoba Fur Festival, a wintertime gathering with large crowds celebrating the bountiful harvest of fur pelts while having fun in the snow. There were a variety of contests, including dog sled racing.
The two parties participated in driving around the lake to prove the snowmobiles would work better than the dog sled teams. A tactic to draw more attention to the snow machines was to have the first “snowmobile race” to make them look more exciting. As David was quoted in Bill Vint’s “Warriors of the Winter”, “We tried to rig them a little bit so we had a zig-zag effect,” he confessed. “One guy ahead, and then the other, and so on. At a terrific speed of about 20 miles per hour!”
David Johnson is doing some zigging and zagging on a 1957 Polaris Sno-Traveler!
Much to the dismay of H.C. Paul, the Autoboggan broke down during the race expedition on the lake. David hooked up some straps and pulled Paul’s machine in with his Polaris Sno-Traveler.
Harry Paul
Instead of going a shorter distance to Harry Paul’s truck, David decided to tour The Pas by driving through the town’s main street. Yet another opportunity for Johnson’s to promote Polaris’ brand as being trustworthy and reliable.
Because of that particular weekend, Harry later had a meeting with David Johnson, Allan, and Edgar Hetteen to form an agreement.
Polaris would build the snow machines, Harry Paul would become a distributor with the stipulation the Canadian-sold sleds name remain Autobaggon. The Autoboggans were built for Harry C. Paul, Ltd., Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada to market in Canada by Polaris Industries of Roseau, MN from 1958 through 1966.
In 1959, Johnson led another expedition into northern Manitoba and the Polaris group had plans made for some genuine snowmobile contests. A circular course was marked out with stakes in the snow on Grace Lake. The distance was about 400 yards. Three races were held, it was informal but marked the start of organized snowmobile racing and David Johnson won the race again!
In 1960 the Trapper’s Festival added cross-country snowmobile races to the festivities. Again, David Johnson on the Sno-Traveler was the winner. According to Harry Paul, “No one could beat David. In the cross-country, David would take off right through the small trees!”His sturdy machine blazing his trail. Everyone else was afraid to try it and dodged around the trees. David believed in the power of his machine. “David always won!” reported Harry Paul.
Snowmobile racing had begun thanks to Polaris’ first official snowmobile race driver DAVID JOHNSON!
Autoboggans were similar to Polaris machines but were painted Harvest Gold versus the bright red of early Polaris models. This particular model is a K95C with a 9.5hp Kohler motor.
David was a soft-spoken man, humble and generous. Johnson would remain a regular at the plant his entire life, visiting over coffee. When David walked into the engineering department, “the shop”time was given to talk with him about production and the latest in engineering. The coffee talk was sharing tales and asking for advice. When asked why they designed the sno- traveler, David would laugh and say.
We were pretty much outdoors people, and we did quite a bit of hunting in the Northwest Angle for all kinds of game. We had a lot of snow in some of those winters, so you had to go on snowshoes or walk or whatever. So, I used to tell people that we were lazy, we didn’t want to walk, so we thought of something to ride.” David Johnson told Snow Goer.com on October 9, 2013
It is hard to describe the effect David Johnson had on the industry since he helped build the first Polaris Sno-Cat in 1956. These pioneers left behind a great heritage. David lived in Roseau, the birthplace of Polaris until he died in 2016 at 93. His legacy and beliefs are woven into the small community. You can see many Polaris products at the Polaris Experience Center, in Roseau. Admission is always free. You can also arrange a tour of the manufacturing plant. If you like vintage, consider attending the David Johnson Sno-Cat Spectacular held in December. You won’t just find Polaris there. Take in shop-built, unconventional, and some classics. It’s a day to celebrate the engineering and mastery of putting snow skis and a motor together. Next time your skis hit the snow, think of the ones that rode the trails before you and those visions that are still being designed by people like David Johnson.
In the next article, we will be re-introducing some of the residents of Roseau County and Polaris employees who helped bring the Polaris snowmobiles to the forefront in racing!
You are invited to attend the 70th Polaris Anniversary Celebration on August 16-18, 2024. Book your lodging now.
Historical Content: Carmen Przekwas, Mike and Donovan Hetteen, Roseau Electric Volts and Views, Roseau Times Region and the Roseau County Museum Archives.
Allen Hetteen was one of the three founders of Polaris in 1954. He served as the president, worked on development, and was hands-on on all the fronts. He turned wrenches and handled business decisions. On June 1, 1970, Allan Hetteen retired from Polaris Industries. He then started a Polaris Snowmobile Distribution company, Rosco, Inc. This story tells the beginning of that journey.
1970-1972 Rosco Race Team
Allan always felt a race program would advance the development of the snowmobile, which in turn would help increase sales of the product. He passionately believed his new company, Rosco, Inc., would also benefit from a racing team. Thus, the Rosco Race Team was formed.
The team would support the dealers and their customers, being visible to the public, answering concerns, and helping the other race drivers when needed for support with parts and mechanical assistance. Allan expected the drivers to be gracious, helpful, and good sportsmen, treating others as part of the team. His opinion was to create a positive image, which would help sell the products supplied by Rosco, Inc., but most importantly, present a positive picture of the recreational winter sport of snowmobiling. The team participated in races in the upper north half of Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
Rosco Racing Badge 1970
Officer Dale Amundson; General Manager Gene Fichter; Mechanics and Race Team Drivers. Allan Hetteen, on the far right, in the back row, shaking Race Manager Wayne Burkel’s hand.
He was pleased with the success of the team’s winning seasons. Allan felt every employee was an essential asset to a successful company. He was thoughtful in recognizing the staff and team for the efforts each of them contributed to Rosco, Inc., A Polaris Distributor. He would visit the Race Garage regularly. He was checking on the sled items needed and asking the drivers how the machines performed and what ideas for more speed and performance were required.
Left to right: Wayne Burkel, Team Manager, Bob Przekwas, Duane Opdahl, Ed Mansueto. Sitting on the sled: Roger Helgeson, Tony Burkel
At the end of the 1973 season, Rosco Incorporated would no longer be a distributor. The large sponsored Rosco Race Team of 1971 & 1972 ended. Although he no longer had his “own” race team, Allan still felt racing was important. He continued to sponsor racing for the 1973 season as a Polaris distributor, establishing a “Racing for Gold” incentive program for independent and dealer-sponsored race drivers.
On March 15, 1973, Rosco, Inc. was sold to Polaris Industries, A Textron Company.
Save the date to attend the 70th Celebration in Roseau. We will honor the heritage and look at the future of the company.
Hotels are limited. Click here to view lodging options.
Christmas is approaching, and with it comes one of my favorite traditions: baking day with the family.
As a little girl, I eagerly awaited the moment when the enchanting aroma of Christmas sweets would waft from Grandma’s kitchen. I loved the warmth of the kitchen, the festive decorations, and the laughter that echoed off the walls as we baked together. The scent of cinnamon and sugar filled you with warmth and excitement. Nothing was better than gathering with the family for an old-fashioned holiday baking day. The room’s laughter and the oven’s warmth made everything so cozy on a cold Minnesota day.
Granny Ava always bustled about, humming a festive tune as she measured ingredients and prepared the dough for their famous Christmas cookies. The first batch was always rolled out and cut with a drinking glass. The way her granny did when she was a child. Then, we were able to create and cut our trees and snowflakes. We each made and reserved our own sugar cookies to decorate and eat. The kitchen was a symphony of colors, with sprinkles, frosting, and an assortment of bright and festive candies waiting to adorn the sweet treats they would create. Granny Ava taught us the secrets of the perfect cookie dough, the art of rolling it out just right, and the joy of cutting out festive shapes with cookie cutters. As we worked, Granny Delilah shared stories of Christmases past, filling the kitchen with tales of happiness, wonder, and timeless traditions.
Time disappeared as my cousins and I laughed, shared memories, and created sugary masterpieces. Soon, the kitchen was filled with trays of cookies, each a work of art adorned with colorful icing and sparkling sugar. The sweet aroma of freshly baked treats filled the air, wrapping us in a comforting hug of holiday cheer. Little did we know we were baking up a timeless tradition of sweet memories
Today I share this tradition with my daughter and mother. Grandma Ava is with us in memory. Please enjoy our family Sugar Cookie Recipe perfected over generations.
Grandma Ava’s Sugar Cookies
4 Cups All Purpose Flour
¾ teaspoon of Salt
¾ teaspoon Baking Powder
1 Cup (2sticks) Butter
1 Cup Sugar
2 Large Eggs
2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
Mix the flour, baking powder, and baking soda in a bowl; set the mixture aside.
Cream the butter and sugar.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
Once combined, slowly blend in the dry ingredients until evenly mixed.
Separate dough into tablespoon-sized balls.
Place onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
Place on the center rack and bake for 5 to 7 minutes (or until golden brown). Let the cookies sit on wire racks for 2 minutes before cooling.
“A Man of Vision, Inventor, Innovator, Visionary, Risk Taker, Competitive, Rugged, Executive, and a Gentleman.”
11/20/2023
In 1945, David Johnson and Edgar Hetteen created Hetteen Hoist and Derrick. The business started assembling—hoists and derricks to place utility poles in the ground. Electricity was coming to town, and they were here to help. Soon, other products, such as straw choppers, steel boat trailers, and field sprayers, were designed and produced at the company.
Allan joined the Hetteen Hoist and Derrick Company after graduating from Roseau High School, in 1948. Allan became a partner in the business, adding car salvage and car repair to the services. Allan was known for his knowledge, mechanical talents, building, and welding skills.
Picture: Allan Hetteen Roseau Class of 1948
The work of these three men, Allan Hetteen, David Johnson, and Edgar Hetteen, has significantly impacted the snowmobile industry, changing how Americans, Canadians, and others worldwide see the challenges and opportunities of winter.
Picture: David Johnson, Edgar and Allan Hetteen, the future founders of Polaris
Countless hours were spent repairing, creating, and fixing a wide array of products in this building. The shop was located where the current Roseau Liquor Store is at the intersection of Highway 11 and Highway 89 in the heart of Roseau.
Picture: Allen working on a Crankshaft
In 1954, Hetteen Hoist and Derrick changed the company’s name to Polaris Industries. At about this time, the three men began developing a snow machine. They were looking for a way to bring supplies to camp on the Norwest Angle, the northmost point of Minnesota. The three men worked together to engineer their first machine. Polaris Industries continued to develop the snow machine to the point where snowmobiles were being sold around the country, indeed the world.
In 1960, Allan Hetteen, age 31, succeeded his brother Edgar as President of Polaris Industries.
Picture: President Allan Hetteen standing by Polaris“#2” in 1969. This machine was built in February 1956 by David Johnson and Allan.
While there was some doubt Allan was too young to manage the job, Allan proved to be the right man for the times. He read everything he could about business techniques and how to manage, market, and promote a business and its product. He recognized what he did not know and would find others that did. As the success of the Sno-Traveler continued, Polaris outgrew its’ original manufacturing building. More production space was needed. It was clear that Polaris had a future in the snowmobile industry.
In October 1962, the ground was broken for a new Polaris Industries plant and offices on Highway #89 South in Roseau, MN. This enabled Polaris to manufacture a more complete line of snowmobiles and accessories at much higher input. Although other people developed versions of snowmobiles before Polarisdid, the northern Minnesota company was the first to realize the big consumer market for the machines.
Allen was a pioneer in the snowmobile industry. In addition to being President of Polaris Industries, Allan was also the Manager/Director of Engineering, Research, and Development, participating in many test and research trips. As the demand for the Sno-Traveler increased, more testing, development, and research were needed. Test trips would prove to be the most beneficial in evaluating the product. Allan was the lead test driver on many testing expeditions. One such trip was written about in the Merrill, a newspaper in Greenville.
The newspaper clipping with this photo states, “Allan Hetteen, president of the Minnesota manufacturing firm that built these two power sleds, checks lashings on a truck that carried them today to Greenville from Yarmouth. The sleds and two others were to leave today from Greenville for a weeklong trek over the Moosehead Lake region, then on through the Allagash section to Patten. The vehicles are powered by a gasoline, two-cycled 13 h.p. motor that drives a tracked belt. Skis support the sled. Hetteen plans to demonstrate the craft’s usefulness in snow country. The trip is not a part of the motorcade that left Maine today for Canada.” (By Staff Photographer Merrill)
Allan Hetteen died in November 1973 from a tragic farm accident. It was a life and legacy that ended too soon. His son, Mike, of Roseau, relived a bit of Polaris history when he visited the glacier site where his dad, David Pearson, and Harold Johnson had tested those Comet snowmobiles 60-plus years earlier. It was his chance to reconnect with his dad’s work and remember the heritage his dad left behind.
History and photos were provided by Carmen and Bob Przekwas, with special help from Mike Hetteen. Photos are copyrighted.
Celebrate Polaris’s 70th Anniversary in Roseau on August 16 -18, 2024. You will see everything from Meet and Greets with the original race team to the current stunt riders. Displays will feature over 70 years of product development and much more. Live music, kids activities, Polaris rides, and tours will keep you entertained. Hotels are limited, so book today.
Deer hunting in Roseau, MN, during the late fall, is not just about the pursuit of game; it’s an experience that connects individuals with nature and the rich hunting traditions of the area.
The first snow came early this year, and a few inches of coverage still blankets the ground. Hunters have been eagerly preparing their gear for weeks, ensuring they have their licenses, rifles, ammunition, and other essentials.
Despite severe winter conditions last year, the population of deer in Roseau County is healthy. Most areas provide the opportunity to harvest more than one deer. A bumper acorn crop this year means deer may not be concentrated in open fields; hunters should scout for areas with good oak production.
Hunters in Minnesota are fortunate to have many options when it comes to hunting locations. From state forests and wildlife management areas to county lands and federal waterfowl production areas, hunters can use thousands upon thousands of acres. Add to these private properties enrolled in special programs or on which hunters have permission, and the choices can seem overwhelming.
Check the DNR website for clarification on where you can hunt and the Hunting Regulations for clarification of trespass law in Minnesota. The most important thing to know is that each type of hunting land usually has restrictions regarding dates, permissions, and what game you’re allowed to take.
In no particular order, here is the shopping list…
The Bread Gypsy and Scandinavian Shoppe have unique artisan items from jewelry, pottery, and fused glass, as well as Scandinavian imports. It’s the perfect place to shop for something special for that hard-to-buy-for someone on your gift-giving list.
Twice the Charm and Company is a great place to hunt down that one-of-a-kind item. Inside the brick building you will find an upscale clothing consignment store and The Pretty Penny, a home decor and gift shop. The Pretty Penny has many handmade items including gnomes, woodworking, and sewn goods such as towels and quilted kitchen items. They have cosmetics, skincare, and jewelry. If you’re searching for a gift for a lady, you can find it here.
Transfers Unlimited is your custom apparel shop located in downtown Roseau. You will find sports gear, Minnesota-themed attire as well as other on-trend styles. They also have blankets, baby items, hats and mittens. If you are looking for a custom item ask them to help design it.
The Polaris Experience Center, located in the historic Reed River building next to Polaris Industries, has the largest section of Polaris merchandise in the area. Save time to take the free tour through their Polaris Museum while here.
Looking for the perfect gift? Ronnings of Roseau has the best brands in the borderland, you are sure to find something for everyone. Explore the Men’s, Women’s, Kid’s & gift sections to find everything from cozy hoodies, slippers, pajamas, and blankets to YETI drinkware, endless toys, the latest styles from The North Face, Under Armor & Hey Dude – they’ve got it all! RONNINGS Gift Cards are always a hit & they never expire.
Tis the season for gift giving! Get ahead of the game and start your Christmas shopping at Annie’s. They have it all from winter gear, home decor, clothing for kids, teens, and adults to cheese, seafood, and steaks. It’s your destination shop!
Ace Hardware features great deals on hardware and home improvement essentials. The holidays are a busy time, as people host friends and family in their homes. Ace Hardware wants to make it as easy as possible to get your home ready for all of the holiday festivities.
Deck the Halls with essentials for everyone on your list at Tractor Supply. No matter your budget, we have you covered. Shop in-store or online for some great deals with curb-side pick up options. Let us help you haul it home for the holidays.
Roseau Computers is your fully stocked Computer Shop in downtown Roseau!
In addition to desktop and notebook computers, Shawn carries printers, monitors, mice, routers, ink, speakers, cables, power backup devices, and so much more! – conveniently located in Downtown Roseau across from the Silver Dragon Restaurant.
Don’t forget to put something under the tree for your four-legged family members. Pet Pantry has toys, CBD products, and winter gear. Make a special stop to shop the treat bar for stocking stuffers!
M&M Modern Material is the place to shop for the quilters on your gift giving list. Shop their large selection of high-quality fabrics, must have sewing notions, or pick up a gift certificate for long arming or fabric. Classes are also available.
Stop and shop atStudio K, a women’s boutique in northern Minnesota. “They believe beauty is most prominent when you are comfortable in your OWN skin…and let’s face it, a killer wardrobe helps. It is their mission to curate a line that is all-inclusive, no matter your shape or size ( small to 3x). They also offer clean skincare and beauty products, jewelry, and candles. The entire line is curated by the owner so expect unique high quality, on-trend items. It’s perfect for holiday gift-giving just remember, self-care is important too so grab a guilt-free gift for yourself too.
Holter Floral is your one stop shop for all things floral, gifts, decor, and plants this holiday season! We offer a wide variety of winter greens for your porch pot, custom wreaths, garlands, poinsettias, Christmas cactus, decor, and fresh-cut Christmas trees. Can’t find a gift for that certain someone? Stop in and we will help!
Coast True Value is your locally owned hardware store. They’re proud to be a member of the True Value family, and here to serve our community. Whether you’re a pro or taking on a DIY home improvement project for the first time, they’re right here in your neighborhood with the expert advice, tools, equipment and the products you need to get the job done. Holiday shopping is fast and easy, we even gift wrap. Check out their fish finders, lease making supplies, and power tools. They will get smiles when they are unwrapped!
Peace Grenades is your local Screen Printing & Apparel business, located off HWY 11 West in Roseau. They offer clothing gear for Infants, Toddlers, Youth, Men and Women. They also carry a full line of Retrospec outdoor toys, including iSUPS, Long Boards, Skateboards, Snow Shoes, and MORE! Peace Grenades is the only place in town that carries the high-end sport sunglasses, Pit Viper. Looking for discs for Disc Golf? They have those too! Stop by and grab something rad for the whole family.
When you shop, dine, and enjoy local Roseau businesses this holiday season, be sure to pick up Holiday Fantasy Tickets, for a chance to win a special Thank You gifts from our local businesses.
There is something about the twinkle of Christmas lights that puts a smile on everyone’s face. We want to welcome you to Roseau’s FREE Holiday Light Tour.
Nights of Lights is a holiday light show at Pioneer Farm and Village on select nights in December. The old settlers’ village is light with the spirit of Christmas. From the old church to the shops and barns, the entire village comes alive. The moment you leave your car, you feel as if you entered a Hallmark Movie set. We hope it becomes an annual tradition for your family for years to come.
Click here to view lodging options, or GO ROSEAU at the top of this page to view itineraries and things to do while visiting.
DATES AND TIME
Event Time: 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Dates: Friday – Sunday
Walk Through: December 6,7,13,14,20,21
(Vehicles will not be allowed these days. The roads will not be plowed.)
Drive-Through Sundays: December 8,15,22,24
Mr. and Mrs. Clause have taken the time out of their schedule to visit the farm each night except the night before Christmas. He has an important job to do that night. Did you or the kiddos write a letter to Santa? Be sure to bring it to hand deliver into the Clause’s. All mail will be sent to the North Pole by our staff. Cozy in next to them for a photo and whisper all your Christmas wishes in the big guy’s ear. Kids’ activities will be set up, giving Santa a chance to see who is being naughty or nice.
Stop by for some treats and hot cocoa; our sponsors will greet you with a smile and holiday good cheer. It’s with their generous donations that this event can be FREE of charge. Thanks to our founding sponsors: Polaris, LifeCare, Citizen’s Bank, BorderBank, Marvin Windows, and Karl Manufacturing. New this year is an ice skating rink sponsored by Northern Resources/Cenex.
Come out for a night of family fun, take a hayride, browse the village, and join in caroling. Leave your mark by building a snowman and warm up by the fire. Be on the lookout for the Grinch. There is so much fun and festive times to be had. Join us as we bring Joy to the World!
You won’t want to miss this event. Be sure to get this on your calendar before the hustle and bustle of the season gets your tinsel in a tangle.
