by Katie Drake
‘Tis the time of year for many traditions. One of which is celebrating Thanksgiving. It’s my favorite holiday because it celebrates two things I am unapologetically great at being thankful and eating.
The Swiss philosopher and poet Henri-Frédéric Amiel once said, “Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude, and gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words, gratitude is shown in acts.”
Acts of gratefulness and kindness are contagious and can amount to things that make a difference. A great example of this happens on the day after Thanksgiving. In Little Falls, we celebrate this local holiday with an annual tradition. A PUB-lic act of kindness celebrating friends and giving.
This Friday, November 25th, from 3 pm-12 am is the 14th Annual Little Falls Pub Crawl and a great example of how small acts can make a difference. What can buying a $5.00 pin do to make a difference in your community? Maybe not much. However, when a whole bunch of people buy one – that can amount to a big difference for many people in our community.
The recipient of 100% of the funds raised is the Gram Lorraine Children’s Fund which is appropriated to stay right here in Little Falls to buy coats and boots for kids that need them.
Kira Miller, City Clerk, also oversees the coordination of the Christmas gift efforts and helps organize the coat and boot distribution with help from Benton Hall Academy. Kira said, “This year, the Gram Lorraine Children’s Fund helped to buy coats and boots for 80 kids in Little Falls.”
In the past 13 years, the LF Pub Crawl has helped to raise nearly $12,000. We’ve had a lot of laughs, and a lot of drinks and have helped buy a heck of a lot of coats and boots. An average of 2,400 pins. A small donation can add up to things that make a difference.
If you’ve never joined in on this fun event here are the Top 10 how-to tips for your best Pub Crawl experience:
- Decide you want to walk off your gobbler and come hoot and holler
SECURE A DESIGNATED DRIVER!
Round up your best beveraging buddies- the more, the merrier
Double down on your Designated Driver confirmation
a. Pro-Tip have your driver take you to the first few stops, then walk
- Wear your best drinking shoes and dress warmly
Buy a pin $5.00 pin from any of the participating drinking establishments to help buy coats and boots for kids in Little Falls
Come to all the stops or just 1 or 2
If you aren’t up for all the stops- try a place you haven’t been
Be kind, have fun and tip your waiters and bartenders- they work hard!
Be safe, look out for your friends and DON’T drink and drive!
New this year is a second stop for Rock Valley Brewing which has been our largest pin seller for two years in a row. They have live music by Holiday City Blues. In addition to their special pub menu, the Elks are offering Exalted Ruler Tom Overman’s amazing margaritas. (And I must say, they are some of the best I’ve ever had!)
Shout out to the Little Falls Youth and Family Center for making this event possible – Thank You!
I’m #ThankfulForYou Each of you who have made this event so much fun and, most importantly, impactful. Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving and hoping to see you on Friday. Strive to be thankful, grateful, and kind- it’s contagious and impactful.
Katie Drake moved to Little Falls in 2003 and fell in love with this city. She says she isn’t a writer but a storyteller.
The opportunity to highlight the great people of Little Falls and share her perspectives and some humor from time to time piqued her interest, and here we are.
Just ask her, and she’ll tell you that after growing up in Millers Mills, a population of 25+ (according to the sign), Little Falls was just the right size. Katie is the oldest of two brothers and five sisters.
In 2020 Katie and her best friend Chris began their greatest adventure with the birth of their sweet and sassy son Nolan who makes them laugh every day.
Katie loves to snowmobile, golf, hike, and travel in her free time.
If you have feedback on one of her articles or an idea for a story, please feel free to reach out to Katie at KatherineDrakeLF@gmail.com. She would love to hear from you.
If this article leaves you wanting more, or you are just bored, feel free to check out other articles she has contributed by visiting Katie Drake Archives – My Little Falls.
