What’s Happening in Shell Lake!!
What’s Up in Shell Lake
Well believe it or not, we are in the last month of the year, and perhaps one of the most festive! As one of the famous song’s states, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year”!
Hopefully by now, you will have had the chance to drive through Memorial Park and take in all of the festive lights that the merchants have on display. This is a huge undertaking by the Lions, headed up by Rob Anderson. The merchants have the opportunity to display their Holiday Spirit, with a bit of competition, hoping to be better than last year’s display! It is such a bright spot as you drive into and out of Shell Lake. Speaking of lights…the deadline for the Shell Lake Lions Love Lite Tree donations is December 4th. The lights are in memory of, and or in honor of loved ones, as well as in memory of Military personnel. It’s a beautiful way for folks to have a light represent a loved one. The honorees will also be listed in the December 18th Spooner Advocate. You can fill out a form for this event at City Hall.
With all the festivities that happen in December, one of the best is the baked goods that are made available. The Shell Lake United Methodist Church will be having their Holiday Bazaar on Saturday December 6th from 9:00 to 1:00, featuring their amazing bake sale, along with handcrafted items, silent auction, and many more fun activities. They will also be serving a BBQ lunch, that you can either eat in or place an order take out if desired. So, take a moment to stop in, and see what they all have to offer. Your in for a great time.
As promised, an update on the monthly progress regarding the Shell Lake Art Center. Construction is going great, and is on schedule! Some concrete has been poured, walls will start going up soon, and the bathrooms are almost done. It will be fun to see the walls get erected, which will then give us a visual of the size of the addition. Still looking at May for a completion date!!
On December 6th, Shell Lake Chamber will be having all kinds of events going on, for everyone, young and old alike throughout the city! There will be breakfast with Santa at the Community Center from 0900-1130, Shell School will be having their annual Holiday Shopping from 0800-2:00 with all kinds of Venders and their wares which you can purchase and put under the tree or in your Christmas stockings.
Santa’s reindeer will be making a stop at the Shell Lake Lodge from 1:45-3:45 with photo ops, there will also be S’Mores, as well as open swim in their amazing pool. Kid’s will love this!!
And of course, The Northern Lights Choir will be performing their concert at the Quam on the 6th of December starting at 4:30pm. It is sure to be a sell out, so get there early to assure yourself a seat. They are asking for donations, to help them continue the magic that they are doing with this group of folks. Enjoy the music, it is so enchanting!
Speaking of the Quam, on December 5th, they will be having a program called Krismas Kookies starting at 7:00pm. It is a parity of Christmas songs along with some comedy! The cost for this is $15 per person. Enjoy! On December 17th, they will be having a Sing-a-long with the Messiah starting at 0900.
Did you know that Shell Lake has a fun new nail salon in town? It is called RED BIRD and is located at 404 1st Street. The gal that owns and runs the shop is Jennifer Danford from Spooner. She has purchased the building, and is excited to get to know the folks here in Shell Lake and the surrounding area. Currently right now, she is open Tuesday-Saturday and is available by appointment only. Please call her at 715-416-4609 for an appointment. Right now, she is doing only manicures, but as soon as her Footbath arrives, she will also be doing pedicures. When talking to Jennifer, she expresses her love for Shell Lake, and how cute our town is. She specializes in hard jell extensions and hard jell overlays. This is a bit of a change in life experience for her, but wanted to express, ‘that no matter your age, it is never to late to start something new and exciting’! Stop in and see for yourself her fun shop, and take a minute to meet and greet Jennifer. This is a great addition to Shell Lake’s downtown!
With the winter months approaching, and snow most likely on the way, just a reminder to all regarding the street parking restrictions. Effective November 1st, 2025 to April 1st 2026, there is NO parking allowed on streets between the hours of 2:30am to 6:00am. These restrictions are put into place so that the city crew can safely remove snow from the streets. Violators will receive a $25 parking fine and if not paid to City Hall with in 60 days, registration of the vehicle will be suspended. Thank you in advance for your attention to this policy.
IT’s A GO!!! It is official, that the city of Shell Lake will be hosting a Winter Fest again in February of 2026. The dates will be February 14th and 15th. There has been a number of requests that the city have a Winter Fest again. Last year, we had over 300 people attend the event, and we have been asked to entertain the thought of extending it to two days this year. We have formed a committee to look at this, and it was a resounding YES, to do it over two days. More information will be forthcoming, but for now, just put February 14th and 15th on your calendars for a terrific event you won’t want to miss!
One last thing that has been brought to my attention. There have been a number of people who have asked me about the possibility of having a meet and greet with the Mayor over coffee, perhaps once a month. I am very open to this, and I have talked with Carribean Coffee Shop, right here in Shell Lake, asking if it would be permissible to have folks come to her shop and meet with me over coffee to express new ideas they may have for the city. Carri was very open to the suggestion. So, on December 9th, stop by the coffee shop in downtown Shell Lake and meet me in the gathering spot at the back of the shop, and let me know your thoughts of what you would like to see more of in Shell Lake, how we can better serve you, and any other ideas you may have. Let’s give it a try, and see how it goes. I will be there at 0900 to meet you, and hear what you have to say. Looking forward to see how this suggestion plays out! See you then…
Dates to Remember in December:
4th: Dead line for Shell Lake Lions Love Lite Tree donations
5th and 17th: Events at the Quam
6th: Shell Lake Holiday events throughout the city
8th: City Council meeting, 7:00 pm in the City Hall Chambers
9th: First Meet and Greet with the Mayor at 0900 at Carribean Coffee Shop downtown Shell Lake
14th: Hanukkah Begins at Sundown
21st: First Day of Winter
24th Christmas Eve, 25th Christmas Day….City Hall will be closed both of these Days
31st NYE, office closed at regular time 4:30
JANUARY 1st, New Years Day City Hall is closed
January 2nd, City Hall is OPEN
As the year draws to a close, communities often come together to celebrate traditions and values. Christmas and Hanukkah bring people together in the spirit of love, kindness and joy. Christmas is a time for families and friends to gather together for a celebration of hope, and generosity that bring us closer together. Hanukkah is a Festival of Lights, commemorating the miracle of the oil and the bravery of the Maccabees, as well as the joy of traditions shared with love ones. Both Holidays remind us to spread kindness, and find meaning in our connections with each other. Hopefully, in these incredible busy times, you can take time to embrace these moments, realize the beauty of our surroundings, and hug your loved ones. Wishing you peace, love and warmth this holiday season, and a very blessed New Year!!
Mayor Rowie Hansberger