Perham Holiday Events Draw Community, County Opens New Garage

Perham saw a series of community events over the Thanksgiving weekend and into this week, culminating in a county open house and a slate of activities scheduled for today. Runners gathered for the Gobble Wobble Thanksgiving 5K at the Brave Like Gabe Running Trail in Arvig Park at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 27, with proceeds benefiting the Perham Giving Tree. The following evening downtown hosted the 25th Annual Parade of Lights at 5:30 p.m., followed by a free family movie at the Lakeside Tap and Event Center.

Saturday programming included Cocoa with Claus at Gathering Grounds Coffee Cafe with photos and complimentary hot cocoa from 9 to 11 a.m., the Dent Christmas Market at the Dent Community Center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and holiday pottery painting at the Perham Center for the Arts from 1 to 3 p.m. The Perham Area Community Center offered a PACC Family Day featuring swimming, basketball and mini golf on Friday, available free for PACC members. Beginner pickleball lessons were also held at the community center on Wednesday evening from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

On Wednesday, December 3, the Otter Tail County Highway Department opened the doors of its new Perham highway garage at 829 NE Third Street for an open house from 10 a.m. to noon. Tours and staff were available, and county and local officials attended, giving residents a direct view of local infrastructure operations and maintenance capabilities.

Today, Thursday December 4, community offerings continue with a Nosy Neighbor tour at the History Museum of East Otter Tail County at 1 p.m., pictures with Santa at The Backyard from 3 to 5 p.m., and a Service of Remembrance at Schoeneberger Funeral and Cremation Service at 6 p.m. Seasonal attractions are ongoing, including Lights in the Pines at Pioneer Village on Fridays through Sundays through December 21, and recurring Kids Only Holiday Market dates.

These events combine civic transparency, charitable fundraising and downtown activity. The highway garage open house provided a rare opportunity for residents to see county operations firsthand while weekend festivals and markets supported local nonprofits and businesses. For residents, the calendar offers multiple ways to participate in community life, contribute to local causes and engage directly with public officials and service providers.