The city celebrated with its third annual Elves’ Christmas Village. The kickoff began Friday, but the real fun started Saturday with the Avenue of Trees and the Polar Princess Salon. Both events were held in the former Overson Lumberyard.

The Avenue of Trees featured 26 unique Christmas Trees sponsored by area businesses. Visitors were encouraged to vote for their favorite tree.

For young girls, it was a chance to play princess with real Sleepy Eye royalty.

Young girls were able to select a princess dress and get their hair done by a stylist Jess Nachreiner for a princess photoshoot with Miss Sleepy Eye Callie Bohnen and Sleepy Eye Princesses Liv Nelson and Anna Sellner.

Staff photo by Clay Schuldt The Avenue of Trees in Sleepy Eye featured 26 sponsored Christmas Trees different trees decorated around the theme of area businesses and organizations. Visitors were asked to vote on their favorite tree.

Elf Village Master of Ceremonies, Nichole Krenz said it was an extremely popular event. The Princess Salon was booked solid from noon to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.

The big event of the evening was the lighting of the Christmas tree in Veteran’s Memorial Park.

Nichole Krenz opened the ceremony telling the crowd she always loved Christmas because she loved seeing the smiles on peoples’ faces when they talked about Christmas.

She also said the holiday was about giving. Krenz cited the Veteran’s memorial, honoring those who gave everything so they could celebrate the holiday. She asked everyone to give something this holiday, even if it was giving time to others.

The Elves Village will return next year, but the Sleepy Eye Holiday Lights at Sportsman park will continue through Sunday, December 22.