Black Friday?

"Black Friday" is the day after Thanksgiving. The term was reportedly coined in the 1970s in Philadelphia, supposedly to describe the heavy traffic—both vehicular and pedestrian—as shoppers flooded downtown stores.

The term has caught on over the years—and here in Lake Country "Black Friday" marks the official beginning of the holidays! Many communities host special events for your enjoyment. Stores roll out their holiday inventories while towns showcase their downtowns with parades and lighting ceremonies.

There will be celebrations throughout Lake Country. Here are a few favorites:
• The world-famous Aitkin Fish House Parade
• Bemidji's annual Night We Light parade and celebration
• Duluth hosts the Fourth Annual Gobble Gallop Race (granted, it's the day before "Black Friday"), Santa's arrival at Fitger's Hotel, and the beginning of the Polar Express railroad tour of the north shore.
• The Grand Rapids Holiday Marketplace Open House and Wreath Auction
• Nisswa's City of Lights
• The Walker Festival of Lights

If you have a special Lake Country way to usher in the holiday season, please let us know. Just register or sign in and add a comment to share with our readers.

And Happy Thanksgiving—and Black Friday—from all of us at Lake Country Journal Magazine!