SLEEPY EYE — Downtown Sleepy Eye magically morphed into the Elves’ Christmas Village Saturday.

At five downtown locations, children and their parents were able to take part in seasonal fun, began at the Avenue of Trees and the Polar Princess Salon, followed by a meeting with Santa at the Museum Depot, a quick bite at the Elves Snack Shop on Main Street and jump across the street for Elf Sweets.

The Elves’ Christmas Village is new tradition in Sleepy Eye. It began last year under the name Polar X-Press, but this year it was decided to change it to an Elf theme.

The Avenue of Trees and Polar Princess Salon was located in the Overson Building Center at 121 2nd Ave. NE. Inside there was wall to wall Christmas trees decorated by local businesses. Each visitor was able to vote on which of the 26 trees was the best decorated.

Young girls who made an appointment, could take part in the Princess Salon. The child had the option of choosing a princess gown and having their hair styled by professional Heather Neid. Each child was then able to take a pictures with local princess Ms. Sleepy Eye Jody Hansen.

Santa and Mrs. Claus set up shop in The Depot Museum where he asked all the good children what they wanted for Christmas. This year, there were requests for farm toys, Barbie dolls, toy dogs and real dogs. Santa said there was even one girl who nice enough to request new shoes for her mother.

At Krenz Real Estate, two young elves named Jonah and Riley Krenz served lunch items to cold visors. The sweet shop was across the street at the 135 W. Main.

The final stop on the Christmas Village tour was Veteran’s Memorial Park for a special lighting of the Christmas tree. Despite the driving snow, Mayor Peel, Trinity choir and member of the Sleepy Eye Honor Guard were on hand to commemorate the event.

Nichole Krenz served as Master of Ceremonies for the Elves Village event. She said the even was fairly well attended considering a snow storm hit shortly after the program started. An early rush of children came through before the snow hit.

The good news is The Elves’ Christmas Village is a two-weekend event. The village will be up and running again 1 p.m. Saturday Dec. 15.

In any young princesses wish to setup an appointment at the Princess Salon, they can contact Kathy Krenz at 507-227-8044.

For more information visit The Elves’ Christmas Village in Sleepy Eye Facebook page.