 Volunteers in Brainerd are getting ready for their annual GNOME for the Holidays Christmas event. Our Logan Gaye has more on the preparations and how they are revamping the event this year. Brainerd Lakes Area businesses have teamed up for the past nine years to put on a free Christmas event, the weekend after Thanksgiving. From like one to three, we have Santa photos, Santa pictures. The pictures are free, the kids get a little treat bag, and then there will be horse and trolley rides downtown. Some of the businesses, there may be different types of events or games or activities going on. This year they are expecting over 500 people to come to the event, and for those looking for a challenge, she'll look out for the hunt for the GNOME contest. The clues are posted online on the downtown Brainerd page, and it's also posted in the Brainerd Dispatch, and then whoever finds it wins a big goodie basket. And for the first time ever, they will also be hosting a crazy beard contest. So we're looking for those who have the longest beard, the thickest beard, the most original beard, the best overall beard, the best effort. The GNOME for the Holidays gives small businesses an opportunity to also take part in the after Thanksgiving sales. It's hard for small shops to compete with the box stores on Black Friday, so we do our own little thing on small business Saturday. But most importantly, the event was built to create memories. I just think it's fun seeing the kids when Santa comes down on the fire truck and all the kids line up. You know, it's just reminiscent of what we had as kids, and it's just fun to do. In Brainerd, Logan Gaye, Lakeland News. After the event, there will be a Christmas tree lighting ceremony on the corner of 6th and Laurel Streets. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.