Hartford’s Hometown Christmas received the “Community Organization of the Year” award from the Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce because of their efforts for continuing their event despite the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo/Submitted) 

Sara Stadem | Editor 

The Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce announced the recipient of the “Community Organization of the Year” and for the first time, the award winner is Hartford’s Hometown Christmas (HTC). 

When determining “Community Organization of the Year,” Chamber and Economic Development Director Amy Farr indicated what is looked at is how a nonprofit organization gives back to the community through events, community engagements and sponsorships at different levels since it is a nonprofit organization.  

Farr explained HTC chosen as “Community Organization of the Year” because they did a wonderful job in creating a safe event that brought the community together in a time it was needed more than ever despite a challenging year due to COVID-19. 

According to HTC committee member Erika Hellvig, HTC was started in 2011 when Joe Hellvig wanted to create a community event. 

Growing up and enjoying the Kranzburg, SD, 4th of July celebration, Joe initially wanted to bring a 4th of July event to the community, Hellvig explained. However, since Jamboree Days was already in place in June, his wife, Lisa, came up with another plan and compromise that consisted of a Christmas celebration with fireworks. “Joe and Lisa also believed this was a great way to minister to their community, by celebrating together the Birth of Jesus,” Hellvig said. She continued, “They teamed up with other business leaders and the City of Hartford, to turn this dream into a reality.” 

If you attended HTC, you would have experienced many events and activities for individuals and families. According to Hellvig, some events included visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, kids carnival and Make-n-Take crafts, vendor show, Gingerbread House contest, mini Christmas tree contest, Jingle Bell run and more. The Parade of Lights also took place with the big finale being the fireworks show. 

In previous years, the HTC would utilize the West Central buildings, downtown businesses and the Fire Station for their events. However, due to COVID-19, HTC changed things up this year in order to continue with the events. 

Hellvig stated, “This year we tried to hold more of the events outdoors to allow for social distancing and have less people gathering inside. We were blessed with beautiful weather for it this year and were able to enjoy the outdoors.” 

Since HTC was not able to utilize the school facilities, most of the events and activities took place downtown. HTC put up tents downtown in order for there to be a place for visits with Santa Claus and instead of Make-n-Take crafts, HTC got creative and offered Take-n-Make crafts that children could take home to do. 

The changes didn’t stop there. HTC also offered their first coloring contest, meals this past year were all To-Go meals and HTC had different characters roaming around downtown for community members to enjoy. 

“This year we invested in some awesome character costumes for the kids to visit with and get a stamp for their stamp book. Some of the characters included the Grinch, a Reindeer, Olaf, Buddy & Jovi Elves, Frosty and Mickey & Minnie Mouse,” Hellvig explained. She continued, “This was a huge hit with the kids and they were able to fill up their stamp book and be entered for prizes.” 

Despite the vendor show being smaller than usual and held at the event center, Hellvig explained the vendor show was still a success. “Our vendor coordinators did an amazing job at spacing the vendors and creating an efficient traffic flow. We also made sure to have sanitizing stations at each location and worked to keep any touched surfaces cleaned and sanitized.” Hellvig gives credit for the event being possible because of the groups that help HTC, especially on the day of the event. HTC partners with many groups including The WC Music Association, Close-Up, After Prom, Humboldt Student Council and several Boy and Girl Scout groups. HTC provides the groups with resources and opportunity to serve their community and to raise money for their particular group. 

“Collectively, these groups are typically able to raise over $6,000 in funds!” Hellvig said. She continued, “We work hard to make sure there is nothing that costs too much to take part in, and also having options of activities that have no cost. It is our goal to make it affordable for all, while also providing a great fundraiser for our community groups.  HTC does not keep any of the proceeds made from the event – everything is donated back within our community.” 

For the business donations that are made to help with the event, HTC is able to provide donations to needs within the community. “One example is providing Hartford Bucks and fruit into the Holiday food boxes for both the West Central and Tri-Valley School districts,” Hellvig stated. “The last several years has averaged around 100 boxes. We also work with the school district to make sure any of the giving tree needs are met. The area churches are also a great resource to let us know if there is a family in need of some assistance.” 

The Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce said the children had so much fun getting their cards stamped by the different characters wandering around Main Street. The Santa visitor center was well set up for social distancing and with fun activities for the kids, there were creative contests with really cool prizes. The Parade of Lights was a hit as always. The adults had fun too, grabbing food and beverages at the brewery, visiting the vendor fair and looking at the creative Christmas trees and gingerbread houses. Downtown Hartford could have said we are not having a Hometown Christmas this year due to COVID, but instead they rose to the challenge and hosted an amazing community event. 

As the recipient of “Community Organization of the Year,” Farr said HTC received a plaque and was featured on the Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page and in their newsletter. 

When asked what this award means to HTC, Hellvig said, “It is an honor to receive this award on behalf of our community. It truly is a community award.” She continued, “While our committee works hard on the organizing and implementation of this event, it would not be possible without the efforts of everyone in our community. From the City of Hartford and the sponsoring businesses, the area churches, the groups working the event, the individuals providing resources such as the horses and wagons, to everyone attending the event and making great memories! And of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus continue to keep us on their busy schedule as one of their stops each year!”