Mabel’s Merkantil launched the roaming Grinch promotion in late November after creating a themed window display. Staff decided the Dr. Seuss character was the perfect fit.

“We chose the Grinch because he is such a well-known holiday figure. Everybody grew up with the story. We like to get up to a little bit of mischief, so he fits right in with us,” said Kelly Munce, co‒owner of Mabel’s Merkantil.

The first public sighting came Nov. 24 at the Merkantil, where the Grinch startled himself with his own reflection before running outside. Two days later, he appeared at New Ulm Detail, posing with a young family and waving to honking cars along Broadway. Since then, he has stopped at Crush 80/20, Ulm Sweet Ulm, Carl’s Corner in Essig and Joni’s Restaurant & Catering in New Ulm.

At Carl’s Corner, owner Pat Berg laughed when the Grinch walked in wearing a fan-club T-shirt featuring Berg’s high school graduation photo.

The Grinch poses with Harley Samuelson after crashing a family party at Swaney’s Pub in Courtland. Kelly Munce

“Pat laughed so hard when he saw it,” Kelly said.

Maija Russell, also a co‒owner of the Merkantil, said her favorite moment came when two children were hesitant to approach the character.

“They were hiding behind mom and dad, and the Grinch rolled a snowball toward them. Pretty soon they were throwing it back and running around the store. Watching them go from scared to having so much fun was my favorite moment,” she said.

During the Small Business Saturday snowstorm Nov. 29, families came downtown after seeing the Grinch announced on Facebook. Outside the Merkantil, he made snow angels on the ground and waved an open sign at passing cars.

“One mom told her child, ‘Don’t be scared, we came down here to see the Grinch,'” Russell said.

The Grinch made a trip to Swany’s Pub in in Courtland, crashing a family party. The Grinch agreed to pose with Aspen Samuelson. Kelly Munce

Businesses have welcomed the visits, which usually last 30 minutes to an hour. “Everyone has been really positive about it. A lot of places get a good giggle out of the Grinch walking through the door,” Kelly said.

As for who is inside the costume, staff are keeping quiet.

“When people ask who the Grinch is, we say it’s the real Grinch,” Munce said.

The Grinch will continue making appearances through Christmas, with about two stops each week. Confirmed events include Dec. 13 at Mabel’s Merkantil from noon to 2 p.m. and Kids Grinch Yoga at Lykke Books on Dec. 17 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Videos of the Grinch’s appearances are posted on the Mabel’s Merkantil Facebook page at facebook.com/mabelsmerkantil.

The Grinch poses for passing cars outside Mabel’s Merkantil during last weekend’s snowstorm, drawing families downtown despite the weather. (Photo by Kelly Munce)