Lighting up the Holidays in Siouxland, Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve, North Sioux City, SD

A lighted Christmas display at the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve in North Sioux City, SD Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

On a chilly evening when I would prefer to be at home having coffee in a warm house, the lure and allure of seeing Christmas lights in Siouxland is always a strong pull for me to get outside, bundle up and enjoy.

This year because of the coronavirus pandemic the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve put up Christmas lights on walking paths instead of hosting its annual event where historical buildings on the property are opened up and children can visit Santa in its welcome center. And I always try my hand at capturing the lights. But sometimes it’s also fun to play with the light and just see shapes and designs.

Christmas lights at the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Thursday evening, Dec. 10, 2020 in North Sioux City, South Dakota. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Christmas lights at the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Thursday evening, Dec. 10, 2020 in North Sioux City, South Dakota. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

I tried making a couple of exposures, one focused and the other slightly out handholding and guesstimating as best as I could my camera position. Basically making one exposure then racking the focus and making the second exposure. While maybe not totally successful, it was fun to see the results. Which I achieved through post processing by layering the two images and then blending them. Nothing ventured…..

Christmas lights at the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Thursday evening, Dec. 10, 2020 in North Sioux City, South Dakota. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Christmas lights at the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Thursday evening, Dec. 10, 2020 in North Sioux City, South Dakota. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

I will be going out again to Adams Homestead to “hang out” with some fellow camera club photographers and will look to see what else I might find to experiment with and what kind of twist I can make on photographing these lights. One constant is that I go out 30-40 minutes earlier than my last trip as the sun keeps setting earlier which in my mind makes it easier to “brave the cold” while still enjoying the Christmas holiday.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Christmas lights at the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Thursday evening, Dec. 10, 2020 in North Sioux City, South Dakota. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A lighted Christmas display at the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve in North Sioux City, SD Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Some Holiday Cheer in Siouxland, Adams Homestead Nature Preserve, North Sioux City, SD

Christmas decorations adorn the area around the Adams Homestead proper at the nature preserve Friday, Nov. 20, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

As holiday events adjust because of the coronavirus pandemic many local places in Siouxland are working to still give local residents a chance to get out and enjoy some holiday cheer, if it’s just a little different than previous years. The Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve isn’t opening up its buildings this year for people to view history but instead has decorated the homestead area with lights and Christmas decorations to give folk a magical respite and a reason to get outside.

Christmas decorations adorn the area around the Adams Homestead proper at the nature preserve Friday, Nov. 20, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Christmas decorations adorn the area around the Adams Homestead proper at the nature preserve Friday, Nov. 20, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

The Homestead will be lit every weekend in December from 5-9 pm every Thursday-Sunday evenings. The logistics of which appear a bit daunting since the area is more a historical look back at history of the area than a haven for modern tech. But led lights and solar devices make some decorations more possible these days than not when needed power outlets are not always available.

Christmas decorations adorn the area around the Adams Homestead proper at the nature preserve Friday, Nov. 20, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Christmas decorations adorn the area around the Adams Homestead proper at the nature preserve Friday, Nov. 20, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

So for the month of December area residents will at least have an opportunity to walk beneath the “lighted stars” at the Homestead if not a chance to visit with Santa in the welcome center this year because of crowding and mixing people from various walks in life.

A new reality for the present, but still some Christmas cheer and maybe an opportunity to reflect and remember what Christmas is really about.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Christmas decorations adorn the area around the Adams Homestead proper at the nature preserve Friday, Nov. 20, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Christmas decorations adorn the area around the Adams Homestead proper at the nature preserve Friday, Nov. 20, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Christmas decorations adorn the area inside the welcome center at the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Friday, Nov. 20, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Christmas decorations adorn the area inside the welcome center at the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Friday, Nov. 20, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Christmas decorations adorn the fireplace inside the welcome center at the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Friday, Nov. 20, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

The Holiday Spirit in Siouxland, Plymouth County Museum in Le Mars

Each year for as many as I can remember living in Siouxland the Plymouth County Museum puts together a Nativity display on the top floor of its facility. There are well north of a few hundred displays loaned to the museum by residents in the area as well as some that I believe have become acquired by the museum itself.

Various Nativity scenes filled the top floor of the Plymouth County Museum in Le Mars, Iowa Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

The display fills the entire floor and it is amazing to see so many different Nativity sets collected from a variety of countries and made of a variety of material. Some a bit more avant guard than others but sticking to the theme of Joseph and Mary and their baby Jesus.

A variety of different Nativity scenes filled the top floor of the Plymouth County Museum in Le Mars, Iowa Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

A variety of Nativity scenes are found on the top floor of the Plymouth County Museum in Le Mars, Iowa Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

I find it fun to look at how the Wise Men are depicted.

Different Nativity scenes were placed about on the top floor of the Plymouth County Museum in Le Mars, Iowa Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Different nativity scenes are found on the top floor of the Plymouth County Museum in Le Mars, Iowa Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

The museum also showcases Christmas village scenes as well and along with some more expected Christmas fare. It’s a fun way to spend an afternoon and enjoy a little warmth inside before heading back into the winter’s deep freeze, and to have a reminder of the “reason” for the season as the saying states.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Some winter village scenes can be found celebrating the Christmas holiday at the Plymouth County Museum in Le Mars, Iowa Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Nativity and other winter scenes were scattered about on the top floor of the Plymouth County Museum in Le Mars, Iowa Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Village Christmas scenes are on display on the top floor of the Plymouth County Museum in Le Mars, Iowa Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Christmas decorations were scattered throughout the Plymouth County Museum in Le Mars, Iowa Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A Lighted Parade in Siouxland, Le Mars

Santa and Mrs. Claus wave to those attending the Christmas Lighted Parade in Le Mars, Iowa Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

People bundled up against the cold attending the Christmas Lighted Parade in Le Mars, Iowa Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Despite the cold people lined the streets to watch the Christmas Lighted Parade in Le Mars, Iowa Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

The Lighted Parade that is an annual event in Le Mars was postponed a week because of a snow storm that basically brought the area, and actually most of the country, to a stand still. The storm basically shut down I-29 and many secondary county and state roads. A lot of events were cancelled. However, the parade happened the following week. There was less snow, but the cold and a crisp wind made for a very chilly night as people bundled up to watch those parade floats that participated in the second attempt.

Parade participants grab for more candy to pass out during the Christmas Lighted Parade in Le Mars, Iowa Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Everyone bundled up for the cold to watch and ride in the Christmas Lighted Parade in Le Mars, Iowa Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

And later there is always the visiting of the Pioneer Christmas Village at the Plymouth County Fairground. A brisk walk and ride for those so inclined to sit behind chilled horses giving “sleigh rides”. And a few watch fires to roast marshmallows and warm hands and feet.

Christmas lights lit up the Pioneer Village Christmas at the Plymouth County Fairgrounds in Le Mars, Iowa Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

An attendant feeds a fire at the Plymouth County Fairgrounds Pioneer Village Christmas in Le Mars, Iowa Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

When thoroughly chilled, I ducked inside a couple of places to view Christmas decorations and to see decorated Christmas trees. But inside where the trees and a few dozens other people kept fogging my camera lens which gave a hazy appearance that was not really the case indoors. But still a delight to see many happy people anticipating the day, and especially kids, whose eyes still grow wide seeing Santa decorations in the Round Barn and also in person, granting those last timed wishes for Christmas morning.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

A variety Christmas decorations greeted people inside the Round Barn at the Plymouth County Fairground’s Pioneer Village Christmas in Le Mars, Iowa Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Camera lenses fogged up inside a pavilion where decorated Christmas trees were located for the Pioneer Village Christmas in Le Mars, Iowa Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

 

Enjoying a Community Christmas Celebration in Siouxland, Remsen

Most small communities in Siouxland enjoy a collective Christmas celebration before retreating into homes or churches to celebrate the holiday with family and friends. Visiting the small community of Remsen and seeing the fun people have just gives one a little more faith in humanity and people’s shared bonds.

The community of Remsen, Iowa celebrates Christmas a little early, Monday Dec. 3, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

The downtown area is decked out with decorations during a Christmas community celebration in Remsen, Iowa Monday Dec. 3, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Community residents got together in the downtown area to revel in the upcoming holiday celebration with stores open and serving hot drinks and cookies while others stayed outside and snag carols and enjoyed the chill in the air along with a few well positioned watch fires.

Watch fires keep residents warm during a chilly evening as they have a Christmas community celebration in Remsen, Iowa Monday Dec. 3, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Local fire department members roast marshmallows for the kids during a Christmas community celebration in Remsen, Iowa Monday Dec. 3, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Local school children sing carols during a Christmas community celebration in Remsen, Iowa Monday Dec. 3, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Some well-meaning firemen who kept the fires burning were a little too over-enthusiastic in providing roasted marshmallows, trying to mitigate the effect of the fires before handing them off to recipients.

One local fire fighter, center, was having a little too much success roasting marshmallows as he blows out the flaming pair during a Christmas community celebration in Remsen, Iowa Monday Dec. 3, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

And then the moment arrives when the Big Guy, Santa, arrives, the downtown Christmas tree is lit and admirers rush to see the jolly elf.

After santa’s arrival and with the watch fires lit, the community Christmas tree lights up the night during a Christmas community celebration in Remsen, Iowa Monday Dec. 3, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Santa greets some admirers after being dropped off downtown by the local fire department during a Christmas community celebration in Remsen, Iowa Monday Dec. 3, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

After that it’s a trip to the local museum where St. Nick sits and poses for photos with a never ending supply of fans waiting their turn to ask for special gifts and savor a moment that most every child in Siouxland has probably experienced once, if not more, in their lifetime.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Parents juggle jackets and phone cameras as Santa juggles kids for pictures during a Christmas community celebration in Remsen, Iowa Monday Dec. 3, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Parents and grandparents and children crowd into the local museum to see Santa during a Christmas community celebration in Remsen, Iowa Monday Dec. 3, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

The local museum was full to capacity as parents and children waited their turn to see the Big Guy in Red during a Christmas community celebration in Remsen, Iowa Monday Dec. 3, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Holiday Celebrations, Christmas too, in Siouxland, Adams Homestead

As the Christmas celebrations get geared up for surrounding communities and organizations it’s always fun to visit and see what if anything has changed from year to year. And it’s a nice break from the relentless political news that fortunately deserves to be covered but a break from is always good too.

The Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve is always fun to attend as its outbuildings are open to explore and their are carolers and activities for kids and adults to enjoy.

Photo Safari class at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Saturday Nov. 11, 2017. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga)

Photo Safari class at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Saturday Nov. 11, 2017. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga)

I personally like Christmas. The holiday and its sentimental depiction. When I lived in northern California and got the chance I would go into San Francisco to enjoy the ostentatious window displays that the large stores would put up. These days I enjoy a simpler look at Christmas decorations.

Photo Safari class at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Saturday Nov. 11, 2017. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga)

Photo Safari class at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Saturday Nov. 11, 2017. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga)

And of course no Christmas celebration is complete for kids without a visit with a jolly old elf and a chance to drop a line asking for those soon to be opened gifts.

Photo Safari class at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Saturday Nov. 11, 2017. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga)

And it’s a time for friends to get together and family to celebrate and create memories.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Photo Safari class at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Saturday Nov. 11, 2017. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga)

Photo Safari class at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Saturday Nov. 11, 2017. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga)

Photo Safari class at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Saturday Nov. 11, 2017. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga)

Photo Safari class at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Saturday Nov. 11, 2017. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga)

Lighted Parade in Siouxland, Sioux City

Every year most communities have their own Lighted Parade to kick off the Christmas holiday season. Some start a little earlier than others, but work to help its residents to enjoy the coming days that are festive and mostly filled with good cheer. And people attending the parade as well as parade goers get into the holiday spirit themselves.

A woman wears her “antler ears” for he Christmas season kick off at the Lighted Parade in Sioux City, Iowa Saturday Nov. 20, 2017. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga)

Children spread the Christmas cheer as the season kicks off with the Lighted Parade in Sioux City, Iowa Saturday Nov. 20, 2017. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga)

And these communities also have areas with decorated Christmas trees done so by various organizations or individuals and then auctioned off to raise money for a local nonprofit.

People view the decorated Christmas trees inside the Ho Chunk Building on view before the Lighted Parade in Sioux City, Iowa Monday Nov. 20, 2017. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga)

People view the decorated Christmas trees inside the Ho Chunk Building on view before the Lighted Parade in Sioux City, Iowa Monday Nov. 20, 2017. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga)

The events just brighten and heighten the anticipation of Dec. 25 when for some Santa arrives bearing gifts for the “good” kids and others for the celebration of the birth of Christ and his message of redemption and the possibility of Peace on Earth, even if only for a few hours.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

A local union has an entry in this year’s Lighted Parade in Sioux City, Iowa Saturday Nov. 20, 2017. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga)

People crowd in and line the street to watch the Christmas season Lighted Parade in Sioux City, Iowa Saturday Nov. 20, 2017. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga)

Some children look “overly excited” riding a float in the Christmas season kick off of the Lighted Parade in Sioux City, Iowa Saturday Nov. 20, 2017. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga)

A float entry for the seasonal kick off of Christmas at the Lighted Parade in Sioux City, Iowa Saturday Nov. 20, 2017. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga)

People view the decorated Christmas trees inside the Ho Chunk Building on view before the Lighted Parade in Sioux City, Iowa Monday Nov. 20, 2017. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga)

An elf with a wreath hurries down the escalator during the viewing of decorated Christmas trees inside the Ho Chunk Building on view before the Lighted Parade in Sioux City, Iowa Monday Nov. 20, 2017. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga)

Finding Our Feathered Friends in Siouxland, Stone State Park

Recently the Loess Hills chapter of the Audubon Society held its Christmas bird count in the area, and sponsored a number of others throughout Siouxland as enthusiasts try to spot as many species as possible while out looking on one particular day.

I met four such enthusiasts and hung out for a short bit at Stone State Park in Sioux City, Iowa. I met others during a lunch break at a local restaurant and among greetings between the folk the one thing that struck me was that each asked the other, “How many species did you see today?” , followed by if they had seen any unusual birds that should have already flown the coop for warmer climes. One couple who have been married for 58 years have spent most of their time when possible pursuing bird watching, enjoying getting out into nature and watching these incredible neighbors of ours.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

The rising sun casts long shadows and highlight footprints in the snow of birders during an Audubon bird count with the Loess Hills Audubon branch in Stone State Park, Monday, Dec. 19, 2016. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Landscape where birders were looking for activity during an Audubon bird count with the Loess Hills Audubon branch in Stone State Park, Monday, Dec. 19, 2016. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Birders Anne Shaner, Sioux City, left, and Dottie Zales, Westfield, right, chat while taking part in an Audubon bird count with the Loess Hills Audubon branch in Stone State Park, Monday, Dec. 19, 2016. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Dottie Zales, Westfield, left, and Anne Shaner, Sioux City, in back, look for bird movement as the sun rises during an Audubon bird count with the Loess Hills Audubon branch in Stone State Park, Monday, Dec. 19, 2016. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Dottie Zales, Westfield, left, and Anne Shaner, Sioux City, right look about and listen for sounds before sunrise during an Audubon bird count with the Loess Hills Audubon branch in Stone State Park, Monday, Dec. 19, 2016. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Local birders, Dottie and Bill Zales, Westfield, left, Anne Shaner, Sioux City, cneter, and Gary Heineman, Sloan, right, prepare to walk some trails before sunrise during an Audubon bird count with the Loess Hills Audubon branch in Stone State Park, Monday, Dec. 19, 2016. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Celebrating Christmas in Siouxland, Le Mars

A number of communities in the Siouxland area are celebrating the Christmas season and Le Mars, Iowa is again hosting a Lighted Parade as well as a Christmas Village where parade attendees and others can go for hot drinks and cookie treats, listen to live music, ride in light decorated wagons and spend a nice evening.

This year’s celebration was warmer than other years but it was also drizzling a bit which put some chill in the air. But people turned out for the parade downtown and the wet pavement made for some nice photos and added to ambiance. When shooting various events at night, I am all for whatever ambient light is available and the wet pavement was an added bonus, even if the air temp was colder.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

A lighted covered wagon ride at the Christmas Village at the fairgrounds in Le Mars, Iowa, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Various Christmas themed floats appear in the Lighted parade downtown in Le Mars, Iowa, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Santa racing through the Lighted Parade downtown to get to his next destination in Le Mars, Iowa, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Gehlen Catholic High School float during the Lighted Parade downtown in Le Mars, Iowa, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Bicyclists light up their rides as they participate in the Lighted Parade downtown in Le Mars, Iowa, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Christmas themed Lighted Parade floats downtown in Le Mars, Iowa, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Snacks, decorated Christrmas trees and live music await visitors at the Christmas Village at the fairgrounds in Le Mars, Iowa, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

The Le Mars Flute Choir perform at the Christmas Village at the fairgrounds in Le Mars, Iowa, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Wagon rides and Santa elves photo boards at the Christmas Village at the fairgrounds in Le Mars, Iowa, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Family portraits at the Christmas Village at the fairgrounds in Le Mars, Iowa, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Santa’s Castle in Siouxland, Storm Lake

On a visit to Storm Lake, Iowa recently I finally was able to visit a place I had seen numerous times, but always during the wrong season. Santa’s Castle in Siouxland is every child’s dream.

Santa is waiting to talk with children and pose for photographs.  While waiting for your chance to talk with the Jolly Old Elf, there is a maze of animated toys and Christmas decorations which can overload the senses. One could easily spend a couple of hours watching the various toys come to life and still bring a smile to even the most curmudgeon old soul. And during the walk through the maze of lifelike toys children participate in a scavenger type hunt looking for various objects hidden among all the toys.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

People wait in line behind the trees to see Santa and look at the Christmas decorations and animated toys that fill Santa’s Castle, seen in Storm Lake, Iowa Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

People check in at a front desk to find out about the animated toys and other essential Christmas decorations that fill Santa’s Castle in Storm Lake, Iowa Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016, as they and their children visit Santa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Aniumated toys and Christmas decorations fill every corner in Santa’s Castle in Storm Lake, Iowa Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A mother practices taking her son’s photo before meeting the “Big Guy” for the actual photo in Santa’s Castle in Storm Lake, Iowa Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Animated toys and other essential Christmas decorations fill Santa’s Castle in Storm Lake, Iowa Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016, as children visit Santa with their parents. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Santa’s Castle is full of Christmas decorations and animated toys in Storm Lake, Iowa Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A parent photographs her daughter hanging out with Santa at Santa’s Castle in Storm Lake, Iowa Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Animated toys and other essential Christmas decorations fill Santa’s Castle in Storm Lake, Iowa Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016, as children visit Santa with their parents. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)