Holiday magic returns

While police work brings its share of heartache when dealing with tragedies and other not so pleasant situations, officer Dan Peach wants to provide a gift to the community away from the job that will likely bring smiles to everyone.
Peach is using his free time away from the police department to turn the empty lot next to his family’s hardware store in downtown Blooming Prairie into some holiday magic.
For the second year, B to Z Hardware is hosting, “Have a Very Prairie Christmas.” It opens Dec. 1 and runs nightly until 11 p.m. through the holidays.
“This is a whole month event,” Peach said. “It’s fun to see everyone coming together smiling and having a good time.”
During the inaugural year in the midst of a pandemic last year, Peach couldn’t believe how the lot turned into a holiday attraction for many people across southern Minnesota.
“I can’t believe how many people came from out of town last year,” said Peach. “I can’t believe how well known we became. That motivated me to keep doing it.”
Peach said it wasn’t planned or expected, but many referred to his Christmas display as “the Southern Minnesota hot spot.”
This year’s theme is “A Christmas Story,” which has often been ranked one of the best Christmas films since it was created in 1983. The showcase piece is a prop showing the front of the house with a woman’s leg as a lamp. There are five other props, all created by local artist Sandy Jones.
Peach is keeping many of the props he used in last year’s display featuring Christmas Vacation. As years go on, he wants to add a new main display along with the old displays from previous years.
Most of the lights are back from last year, along with a few new displays, including a large hanging tire wreath.
Eight trees decorated by various community groups will border the lot. There will be donation boxes for people to vote on the best tree with the money raised going to the organizations. Last year more than $1,000 was raised.
Jolly Old St. Nicholas is taking special note of what’s happening in Blooming Prairie. Santa Claus is expected to arrive on Saturday, Dec. 4 from 2 to 6 p.m. Hayrides are also going to be available on that day.
After the Bakery burned down in January 2020, Peach found himself motivated to do something with the empty lot. Shortly after the fire, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. With both events happening in a short period, Peach said something was needed to bring the community together.
“I had always done Christmas at the police department, but I couldn’t do it (last year) because of COVID-19,” Peach said, adding he turned his focus to making the empty lot a Christmas wonderland.
He has been working many hours over the past month on his days off and before working the night shift at the police department to get the lot ready. One of his partners, Rick Ellingson, brought a boom truck to string lights throughout the lot.
For Peach, Christmas has always been his favorite holiday. He remembers as a child growing up in Owatonna and always going around with his parents to look at Christmas lights.
“I’m just trying to return the favor,” Peach said.
Have a Very Prairie Christmas
Where: Main Street in Blooming Prairie
When: Nightly beginning Dec. 1
What: Christmas lights, displays and activities
Who: Sponsored by B to Z Hardware